Philadelphia City Council President Anna Verna annouced on Monday that she will retire at the end of this term.
"This has not been an easy decision for me, or one that I have taken lightly," Verna said in a statement released to the press.
Verna has presided over the City Council since 1999. Her tenure on City Council representing the Second District dates back to 1975.
"As a City Councilman and now as Mayor, I have always appreciated her energy, insight and ability to bring people together," said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.
"She served the public as if they were family and I’m sure that when she retires early next year, she’ll find new ways to serve Philadelphia."
Verna succeeded her late father, William Cibotti, who died in office. Verna, who will turn 80 in April, had reportedly been debating for some time whether to run for reelection.
Her husband of 57 years, Severino Verna, Jr., died in 2009.
Politics
She is also the most senior city employee, going back to 1951 when she was an assistant to then District Attorney Richardson Dilworth.
Verna is the fourth member of Philadelphia City Council not seeking reelection, along with fellow Democrats Joan Krajewski and Donna Reed Miller and Republican Jack Kelly.
Here's the full text of Anna Verna's retirement statement:
After much personal deliberation, I have reached a decision regarding whether or not I will seek another term in City Council and as its President.
This has not been an easy decision for me, or one that I have taken lightly. For all of my adult life, serving the people of Philadelphia and especially my beloved Second District has been my way of life and my passion. When I was a young child, my father taught me by example that public service was indeed an honorable profession and one that would provide the unique satisfaction that comes from helping those in need. For many years my late husband, Sevy, and I worked hand-in-hand for the betterment of our community. This has been my life’s work, so it has been a most difficult decision that I have made. However, I have decided not to seek another term in City Council.
I could not announce this decision without expressing my sincere thanks to my dedicated staff who I know work tirelessly, under difficult and often thankless conditions for the constituents they serve. Of course, I also thank my City Council colleagues, both past and present, with whom I have shared an enjoyable and deeply rewarding career. I would also like to thank Mayor Nutter and his predecessors for their courtesy and kindness over the years.
Most of all, however, I express my deep gratitude to the great people of the Second District for placing their trust in me these many years. Your constant friendship and support have meant so much to me and have sustained me in good times and bad. We should take justifiable pride in knowing that by working together we have been able to accomplish great things, one individual project and block at a time.
Throughout my career I have always sought to bring people together to improve the lives of my constituents and all the people of our city. In making this announcement, I pledge that I will continue to work with all of you in our quest for an even better Philadelphia.
