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Councilman Cohen - Rest in Peace
Submitted by Councilman Goode on Mon, 10/03/2005 - 4:26pm.
While I am still in shock over the news, I feel compelled to write something.
It was an honor to serve with both Councilmen Longstreth and Cohen during my less than six year tenure.
They both taught me alot - from distinct perspectives.
Longstreth taught me the original thinking behind the strong mayor-weak council form of governing in Philly (he ran for mayor in 1955)- and the original thinking behind "at-large" council seats here.
Cohen taught me that an "at-large" councilperson represents as many people as the mayor - if not more(he ran for mayor in 1971) - and to embrace the role of at-large lawmaker.
I will undoubtedly write more about my colleague. For now, I remember him as a teacher.
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Condolences
Wow, I didn't even know...
Philly.com does not have the story, but KYW is now running it, saying that it was heart failure.
RIP, Councilman Cohen. And many condolences to Rep. Cohen, and the rest of the Cohen family, his staffers and his neighbors and friends...
Councilman David Cohen
He was a true public servant, the likes of which we have not seen in our fine city for quite some time.
I doubt most of the 1.5 million people he served so well truly understand what we lost in his passing. But those who struggle every day to make ends meet are more likely to know. So are the working poor and the homeless; the seniors and parents of the schoolchildren. They are more likely to know that a bright light has gone out in Philadelphia.
I am honored to have had the opportunity to know him.
There goes the last great independent Democrat in Philadelphia City Council. There goes the voice of those who could not speak. There goes the Greek chorus of our party. There goes a giant among his peers. There goes a man who was, in my view, truly incorruptible.
We should honor him by involving ourselves in this city's democratic process and, with the courage of our convictions, stand up for what is right and fair and just. We should live and work as he did -- with passion and commitment and energy. And maybe, some day, we might be half as good as he was. Half as accomplished. Half as successful. Half as honorable.
I pray that God will welcome him --this true man of the people-- with open arms.
What a loss.....
This is very sad news. Councilman Cohen leaves us with one of the best political examples in all of Philadelphia.
Condolences and Funeral Details
I'd like to extend my condelences to the Cohen family too and report that the funeral will be Thursday, 11 am at Goldstein's, Broad and Chelten Streets.
condolences
He was a giant in the progressive community. I'm afraid we will not see his like again. I'm so glad that Bread & Roses was able to honor him last month.
Cohen
I was part of a team litigating against Councilman Cohen a few years ago, defending the stadium deal against his challenges under the Home Rule Charter and other means. Worthy, worthy adversary, truly committed to his vision of Council's role in city government.