Mike Driscoll last Friday was sworn in to City Council, succeeding fellow Democrat Bobby Henon.
Also last week, Driscoll was elected Democratic leader of the 65th Ward. Henon did not seek another term as ward leader.
Driscoll, a Torresdale resident who is married with five kids, had been a state representative since 2015. He ran unopposed on May 17 in the 6th Councilmanic District special election.
Years earlier, he served as deputy secretary of the state Department of General Services under Gov. Bob Casey Sr. He also worked for the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union.
The swearing-in took place at City Hall, in the mayor’s reception room.
Speakers were city Democratic Party chairman Bob Brady, Mayor Jim Kenney and Council President Darrell Clarke.
Brady, a former congressman, recognized Driscoll’s dad, Joe, a World War II veteran. He also presented Driscoll with an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol and the councilman’s wife, Fran, with roses.
Kenney said of Driscoll, “I’ve never met a more decent person in my life.”
The Rev. Vincent Guest offered a prayer. Assigned to the Diocese of Camden, he is a product of St. Bernard Parish and Father Judge High School, and a lawyer and former 65th Ward Democratic committeeman who worked in the Casey administration.
State Rep. Joanna McClinton, the Democratic leader, gave Fran Driscoll and daughters Rose and Grace House pins. Driscoll’s other three children, who were not in attendance, also received pins.
The oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty, Superior Court Judge Dan McCaffery and Common Pleas Court Judge Vince Furlong.
Driscoll said he enters Council with gratitude for the people who helped him along the way, humility for the responsibilities of the job and respect for the office.
Meanwhile, former City Controller Jonathan Saidel emceed an honorary swearing-in later in the day at Cannstatter’s. The Rev. Joe Campellone, former president of Father Judge, offered a blessing. A dinner reception followed.
Driscoll recognized, among others, state Sen. Tina Tartaglione; former House Speaker and Councilman Denny O’Brien; and the Rev. Patrick Welsh, pastor at St. Matthew Church.
The councilman described Friday’s events as “very, very, very humbling.” Issues he mentioned included boom parties, poverty, gun violence and jobs.
To contact the new councilman, call 215-MU6-3444 or email [email protected]. His office is in 313 City Hall.
Henon will be sentenced on July 27. Last November, a federal jury convicted him of 10 counts of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, honest services wire fraud and federal program bribery. ••
