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Since 1975, many South Philadelphians have looked to Anna C. Verna for city services and guidance. After 36 years, the 2nd District councilwoman is calling it quits.
“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 2nd District — has been my way of life and my passion,” Verna said Monday in a statement. “… 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.”
Verna, 79, has been the City Council president for more than 10 years in addition to her duties as the representative for the 2nd District, which covers sections of South Philadelphia including Girard Estate, Grays Ferry, Marconi, Navy Yard, Newbold, Packer Park, Point Breeze, South of South, Sports Complex, West Passyunk in addition to Southwest Philadelphia and parts of Center City, for more than three decades when she took over for her father William Cibotti who passed away. She made history by becoming the first woman elected as Philadelphia Council president in 2000.
Verna, a lifelong Philadelphian, devoted more than 60 years of her life to public service. From 1991 to ’98, she served as the chair of the Finance Committee, where she led an effort to stabilize a city in massive debt and saved taxpayers more than $1 billion. As Council president, Verna has remained an acclaimed voice in the taxpayer battle, fighting hard for business and citizen tax reductions.
Verna has made affordable housing, especially for senior citizens, a top priority. As an Order Sons of Italy member, she also has been an integral part of the annual Columbus Day Parade that her late husband Severino Verna co-founded.
Verna will finish her third term as Council president and ninth as 2nd District representative before she retires in January.
Mayor Michael Nutter commended her service in a statement in which he deemed her “a savvy politician and a person who has played a critical role in making our city a better place in which to live and work.”
“As a city councilman and now as mayor, I have always appreciated her energy, insight and ability to bring people together,” he said. “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.” SPR
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