Politicians, constituents react to Fattah indictment
PHILADELPHIA -- The indictment of Rep. Chaka Fattah on Wednesday on racketeering charges is reverberating throughout Philadelphia as other local leaders react to the news.
Fattah is a fixture in Philadelphia politics and has been in public service for decades. Many of his fellow politicians rose through the ranks with him.
"I've known Congressman Chaka Fattah for 35 plus years," said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.
Nutter called this a very, very sad moment. A man he has known for years indicted on corruption charges.
The mayor spoke positively about Congressman Fattah's work on behalf of Philadelphia. He seemed most concerned about the impact of the federal indictment on Fattah's family.
"This is a person who has served this city and this nation well. This is a husband, a father. He has children. You think about these kinds of things and the impact that it has not only on the constituents, certainly, but also on your family," Nutter said.
Democratic Congressman Bob Brady has known Fattah for almost 40 years.
"I'm shocked, I'm shocked & saddened that something like this could happen," Brady said.
He cites the millions of dollars Fattah has secured for the city as a ranking member and subcommittee chair and says the indictment is saddening.
"I love to think that people are innocent until proven guilty, but it's a lot here, a lot of things going on," Brady said.
Brady who is also the Chairman of the Democratic Party in Philadelphia says people are already clamoring to be appointed to Fattah's congressional seat should he resign or is convicted.
"One thing we have is an abundance of candidates in the city of Philadelphia, I've been contacted by quite a few already and I'm not at that point to be able to have that kind of discussion yet," Brady said.
Brady says it will be strictly up to congressman Fattah to decide if he should resign while he battles the federal indictment through the court system.
Fattah has served as the U.S. representative for Pennsylvania's 2nd Congressional District since 1995.
Before his election to Congress, Fattah served six years as a representative in the Pennsylvania state house followed by six years as a state senator.
A long and impressive political career based in Philadelphia, Brady is well known and well liked among his fellow politicians. That includes Council President Darryl Clarke, who commented on the indictment at a fan giveaway today.
"Chaka is someone I've known a lot of years. He's done a lot of good for not only our district but the city of Philadelphia. He's brought back significant resources. We will see how this plays out. It is an unfortunate event," Clarke said.
At a small shopping center in his district, some constituents were baffled, others saddened. Some can't believe the allegations are true while others are fearful the may be.
"I was just disappointed, because he did a lot of good for our community. I was just sorry he got involved in whatever he got involved in," said Janice Trapp.
"I just can't believe it. I can't believe the would indict him when there are so many others out there that have done far worse things than him," said Janice Trapp.
"I don't understand why. The guy had everything and he's done so much good... it just hurts," said Wayne Parnell. When asked if he thought the allegations were true, Parnell said "I don't think they would have made them if they didn't have some basis."
