Mayor Kenney After Trump Victory: 'Take Your Time To Mourn'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Many top City of Philadelphia officials threw their efforts into the Hillary Clinton campaign and were no doubt encouraged by the turnout in their districts. Now, they are reacting to a bitter loss.
Mayor Kenny called most of his staff in for an unscheduled get together in the Mayor's Reception Room, saying the outcome was not one that the majority of Philadelphians chose.
"If we stick together, even with the unknown that's coming, we will be stronger and a better city."
Sensing the frustrations of ardent Clinton supporters one and all, the Mayor says "it would be easy to look at the differences that divide our nation, and even our Commonwealth, and simply give up."
"But that is not the American way, and it's certainly not the Philadelphia way. We in this city gave birth to this country, and now we must all work tirelessly to give it new life and bridge the divides that have plagued us for decades."
He says "in Philadelphia, our diversity and our inclusion has always made us stronger."
"Take your time to mourn and take your time to heal, and let's get back to work."
Mayor Kenney then extended his congratulations to President-Elect Trump and Senator Toomey on their victories. Several Council members attended, including Councilman Curtis Jones, who hopes Trump reflects on the fact that he will become President of all of the people.
"We've had presidents that have come from stranger places. We had an actor come and become a fairly good president. And we can hope for my grandchildren that he can do that too."
As Jones puts it, "we hope he can find a better version of himself to be president."
