Bobby Henon strode into City Council chambers Wednesday
for the first time since the August FBI raid on his office. And, as he has
since that raid, he refused to answer questions about the investigation.
In brief remarks, Henon said the investigation would not
hinder his work as Council's majority leader.
"My work in government hasn't stopped, and my work
in government I'm proud of, and my work in government will continue. My office
has been serving the Sixth District and the city of Philadelphia," Henon
said. "I have no other comments."
Henon has largely avoided the spotlight since the Aug. 5
raid. Council has been on summer recess, when schedules are relatively light
and there are no hearings.
That changed this week.
Council members held two hearings Wednesday. The first
full meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, when Henon is sure to face more
questions from reporters and the public.
The raid was part of an investigation targeting Local 98
of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and its leader, John
"Johnny Doc" Dougherty, one of Henon's closest allies. The councilman
was the union's political director before being elected to Council in 2011, and
is on the union's payroll.
In a search warrant, according to sources familiar with
the document, the FBI has sought communication between Henon and Joseph
Ralston, an agent at the state Attorney General's Office who has ties to the
union and who grew up around the corner from Henon in Northeast Philadelphia.
That warrant cited possible extortion by an unnamed public official.
Asked Wednesday about his priorities for the upcoming
months, Henon said, "Seeing to the business of the city," but gave
few specifics.
"We continue to do the work of the people," he
said.
Source: Philly.com
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