Darrell L. Clarke (politician)

Not to be confused with Daryll Clark.

Darrell L. Clarke
Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the 5th District
Incumbent
Assumed office May 18, 1999
Preceded by	John Street
Personal details
Born	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Political party	Democratic

Darrell L. Clarke is an American politician, and member of the Democratic Party. He is currently a member of the Philadelphia City Council, where he represents the Fifth District, which emcompasses North Central Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion, Lower Hunting Park, Ludlow, Yorktown, West Poplar, Fairhill, Brewerytown, Francisville, Spring Garden, Fairmount, Logan Square, and parts of Northwood, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Center City.^[1]

Early life and education

A native of North Philadelphia, Clarke graduated from Edison High School.^[1]

Political career

Clarke was a longtime aide to John Street,^[1] who represented the Fifth District for nearly three decades, and eventually became Council President.

Election to city council

In December of 1998, Street resigned as a member of the City Council and as the body's President. His resignation was prompted by that of Mayor Ed Rendell, who became the General Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee. By virtue of his position as Council President, Street was automatically elevated to the office of Mayor.

Clarke ran for, and was elected to, Street's Fifth District seat in the 1999 special election held on the day of the state's primary.^[2]

City council tenure

Clarke currently serves as the Council's Majority Whip, and is the Chair of the Fiscal Stability and Public Property Committees and Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee.^[1] He is also currently running for the position of Council President for the Council's next session; the position will be vacated by the retiring Anna C. Verna.

One of Clarke's most notable legislative actions was his support of the bill to evict the Cradle of Liberty Council of the Boy Scouts of America from their 80 year old building over their refusal to allow homosexuals to serve as scoutmasters.^[3]

See also

Philadelphia portal

• Past Members of the Philadelphia City Council

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} "Councilman Darrell L. Clarke - 5th District, Majority Whip". City of Philadelphia. http://www.phila.gov/citycouncil/DarrellClarke.html. 
2. ^ "Verna Sure of Support, Primary Leaves Her With Votes to Continue as Council Pres.". Philadelphia Daily News. May 20, 1999. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DN&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI. 
3. ^ Slobodzian, Joseph A. (2007-06-01). "Council votes to end city lease with Boy Scouts". Philadelphia Inquirer. http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20070601_Council_votes_to_end_Boy_Scouts_lease_The_group_must_pledge_not_to_discriminate_against_gays_or_else_pay_market_rent_to_the_city_.html. ^{[dead link]}

External links

• Councilman Darrell L. Clarke - 5th District official city website

Persondata
Name	Clarke, Darrell
Alternative names
Short description	American politician
Date of birth	1940
Place of birth
Date of death
Place of death