Pots NOT Calling Kettles
by Vince?Daliessio
Convicted felon Rick Mariano is refusing?'suggestions' from fellow Philadelphia City Council members for him to resign immediately, instead of continuing to suck at the public teat until his July 6th sentencing as proscribed by law. But the esteemed councilpersons don't feel strongly enough against serving on council with the disgraced politician to actually "call" for his resignation, whatever that semantic distinction is.
Council President Anna C. Verna said she would not push Mariano one way or the other although, she said, she doubted he would appear in Council even if he was let out on bail.
"It's his decision," she said. "That's the law."
In interviews yesterday, most of her colleagues seemed to agree.
"I think he should step down, but he's got the right under law to stay on under sentencing," said Councilman Juan Ramos.
"I'm not calling on him. I'm not doing what Mayor Street did," said Councilman James F. Kenney. "If he asked my opinion, I think the best thing for him and everybody is to leave."
"He can stay on and there's nothing we can do," said Councilman Jack Kelly. "But for his own interest, for his family and this Council, it would be better for him to step down. I'm not calling on him to do it. It's just my advice."
Just what kind of perverse professional courtesy are these unindicted criminals engaging in here anyway? Afraid if they push too hard on Mariano they'll be sued?
Several members said they specifically would not ask Mariano to quit, either formally or informally.
"I'll call on him to follow the law," said Donna Reed Miller. Asked if she would feel uncomfortable making laws alongside a felon until Mariano's legally mandated July 6 departure, Miller said: "I work with ex-offenders all the time."
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