Philadelphia City Council

The Philadelphia City Council, the legislative body of Philadelphia, consists of a president elected at-large; ten members elected by district; and seven members elected at-large. Each member's term is four years, and there are no limits on the number of terms a member may serve. Council member Anna Verna is in her 8th term, while council member Juan Ramos is in his first term. One of the seven council members at large, Jack Kelly, previously served as a district councilman. At the time of his death of October 3, 2005 Councilman David Cohen, at 90 years old, was one of the oldest elected representatives in the United States.

Related Topics:
Philadelphia - Anna Verna - Juan Ramos - Jack Kelly - October 3 - 2005 - David Cohen

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The 1951 Home Rule Charter established Council as the legislative arm of Philadelphia municipal government, consisting of seventeen members. Ten Councilmembers are elected by district and seven from the City-at-large. Each is elected for a term of four years with no limitations as to the number of terms that may be served. Under the rules of Council, regular public sessions of Council are held weekly, usually on Thursday morning at 10:00 AM., in Room 400, City Hall.

Related Topics:
1951 Home Rule Charter - City Hall

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Every proposed ordinance is in the form of a bill introduced by a Councilmember. Before a bill can be enacted by Council, it must be referred by the President of Council to an appropriate standing committee of Council, considered at a public hearing and public meeting, reported out by the committee, printed as reported by the committee, distributed to the members of Council, and made available to the public. Passage of a bill requires the favorable vote of a majority of all members of Council. A bill becomes law upon the approval of the Mayor. If the Mayor vetoes a bill, Council may override the veto by a two-thirds vote.

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