Honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of former Chief Clerk Michael Andrew Decker, our friend, colleague, and dedicated public servant.

Honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of former Chief Clerk Michael Andrew Decker, our friend, colleague, and dedicated public servant. WHEREAS, Michael A. Decker, 58, the longtime Chief Clerk of Philadelphia City Council, died unexpectedly. An ever-present figure in City Hall, Michael Decker had for the past fifteen years served as City Council’s Chief Clerk, his voice synonymous with the City’s legislative branch.; and WHEREAS, Michael Decker was first hired to work as a clerk in City Council in 1988 where he would go on to work for thirty-six years. He rose through the ranks, serving in a variety of jobs including Clerk, Administrative Technician, Appointed Deputy Chief Clerk, and Appointed/Elected Chief Clerk; and WHEREAS, Michael Decker worked under three Chief Clerks: Charles Sawyer, Marie Hauser, and Patricia Rafferty. In 2009, Michael Decker succeeded former Chief Clerk Patricia Rafferty when she retired. Michael Decker was one of Patricia Rafferty’s top deputies and was seen as her natural successor. After the retirement of Patricia Rafferty in 2009, Michael Decker served as Chief Clerk under three Council Presidents: Anna Verna, Darrell L. Clarke, and Kenyatta Johnson until his untimely passing; and WHEREAS, Philadelphia City Council’s Chief Clerk is elected by sitting City Councilmembers at the beginning of each four-year term. The Chief Clerk is in charge of recording legislation, ensuring Council meetings follow legislative rules, and handling a variety of…