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Henon, back to work, still mum on FBI raid

Bobby Henon strode into City Council chambers Wednesday for the first time since the August FBI raid on his office. And, as he has since that raid, he refused to answer questions about the investigation.

Bobby Henon strode into City Council chambers Wednesday for the first time since the August FBI raid on his office. And, as he has since that raid, he refused to answer questions about the investigation.

In brief remarks, Henon said the investigation would not hinder his work as Council's majority leader.

"My work in government hasn't stopped, and my work in government I'm proud of, and my work in government will continue. My office has been serving the Sixth District and the city of Philadelphia," Henon said. "I have no other comments."

Henon has largely avoided the spotlight since the Aug. 5 raid. Council has been on summer recess, when schedules are relatively light and there are no hearings.

That changed this week.

Council members held two hearings Wednesday. The first full meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, when Henon is sure to face more questions from reporters and the public.

The raid was part of an investigation targeting Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and its leader, John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty, one of Henon's closest allies. The councilman was the union's political director before being elected to Council in 2011, and is on the union's payroll.

In a search warrant, according to sources familiar with the document, the FBI has sought communication between Henon and Joseph Ralston, an agent at the state Attorney General's Office who has ties to the union and who grew up around the corner from Henon in Northeast Philadelphia. That warrant cited possible extortion by an unnamed public official.

Asked Wednesday about his priorities for the upcoming months, Henon said, "Seeing to the business of the city," but gave few specifics.

"We continue to do the work of the people," he said.

tnadolny@phillynews.com

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@TriciaNadolny