Bass Gets Ceremonial Swearing-in at Inaugural Party

It was certainly a party at Germantown Avenue and Armat Street on Friday night.

There, music played as a long, slow-moving line waited to eat food, buffet style. Councilwoman Cindy Bass stood in the center of the room, receiving well-wishes from a host of guests. They included 22nd Ward Leader Ron Couser, 9th Ward Leader John O'Connell and Council President Darrell Clarke.

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson was also in attendance.

The gathering was put together by Bass' office as a way for her to meet constituents within her own district. She was sworn into office Monday in Center City at the Academy of Music but wanted to give local residents a chance to see her ceremonially be sworn in as well.

Clarke made sure to highlight the importance of that before he conducted the swearing-in ceremony.

"For real, for real," he said. "This is what it's all about."

Soon afterward, Bass put her hand on a Bible held by her husband, Scott, and promised to uphold the state constitution. The crowd erupted in cheer. It had also done so a bit earlier when Clarke had asked if North Philly was "in the house."

There were several hundred people at the event. Here are some quotes from the evening:

"It's a wonderful thing. It's a new beginning for the 8th district."—Couser

"Anytime you bring new blood, new blood comes with change."—12th Ward Leader John Connelly

"I really think Cindy's going to bring the necessary intelligence, the necessary drive that's needed to impact these neighborhoods. I anticipate a lot of great things out of her."—Former 8th District Democratic candidate Bill Durham

"Of all the candidates I work with, cindy has known more about the issues and has had more ideas about the solutions than anyone I've ever met."—Heidi Hawkins, who worked on fundraising for the Bass campaign

"We are supporting her 100 percent."—13th Ward Vice Chair Cynthia Parker

"I'm planning on telling everyone I know that we're going to give it all. What a candidate. What a councilperson."—O'Connell