A respectful farewell

OPINION > LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Add Comment | Comments: 1 | Posted Jan. 5, 2012

To the Editor:

As we ring in the new year, I would like to publicly thank Anne Verna and Frank DiCicco for their distinguished service to this City and South Philadelphia. Verna fought long and hard for the residents of the 2nd Council District over her distinguished career. Many in the media forget that as majority leader in the 1990s she worked hard with John Street and Mayor Ed Rendell to help guide the City through the hard financial times of that decade. And no one can deny that Verna was always dedicated to the citizens of her district, and she put in long and hard hours in service to them. As the first female Council president, she brought an open and transparent approach to the Council presidency, and brought class and dignity to that office. And while she took heat for entering the DROP program, she kept her word and retired from City service with honor and integrity.

The same also is true of Councilman DiCicco, who also kept his word to the citizens of South Philly and the City by retiring. DiCicco also was critical in leading the reform of the antiquated zoning code, and for initiating the waterfront development master plan which was created this year. He also was steady and pragmatic in bringing critical and needed development to the 1st Council district, and his coverage area has grown in population because of it.

Verna and DiCicco have been treated poorly by the media during the past year. However, it is time to thank them for their service to this City and to South Philadelphia, and for their steady leadership. Both of these individuals were class acts and will be missed. While we can embrace the change that is coming, and look forward to working with our new councilmen (Kenyatta Johnson and Mark Squilla), one thing is certain — that Verna and DiCicco will be remembered with affection and respect for decades to come in South Philadelphia.

Richard C. DeMarco
South Philadelphia

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