Sánchez's husband eyes a run of his own

What to get Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez and her husband, Tomas Sánchez, for the holidays?

How about his and hers political donations?

That would be jumping the gun, but only a little. Tomas Sánchez confirmed via e-mail that he is "seriously" considering a run for the state House in the newly redrawn 197th District.

Jewell Williams currently holds that seat, but he is leaving to become Philadelphia's new sheriff. As "Heard in the Hall" reported previously, Williams has been touting his 23-year-old daughter, Jewel, to replace him. She is a "processing specialist," helping the Philadelphia Parking Authority auction off impounded vehicles.

Tomas Sánchez, 48, is director of business relations at Temple University and graduated from Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. In 2008, he worked briefly as a senior adviser for his wife's colleague and ally, Councilman Bill Green, after Maria Quiñones Sánchez and Green's election to Council. He is also a former chief of staff for Councilman Juan Ramos.

- Miriam Hill and Amy Worden
That primo office? A go-getter got it

Competition for the best office space is intense in many workplaces, but perhaps more so at City Hall, where nabbing prime real estate can mean the difference between cramped quarters with faux wood paneling and high-ceilinged luxury.

Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez, for example, has staff in offices on two floors, hardly the most efficient arrangement.

Seniority often determines who gets what location, so it was a surprise to learn that Bobby Henon, an incoming Council member, will get the choice fourth-floor space that currently houses Councilman Darrell L. Clarke.

Just around the corner from Council chambers, Clarke's office offers a short commute. It is also close to power, only a few doors away from Council President Anna C. Verna's office. Verna did not run again, and Clarke is expected to move into her space when he assumes the top job in January.

As the new president, Clarke also gets to decide who gets which offices. It is tempting to see Henon's new digs as a reward for his decision to support Clarke over Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco for president. It is also tempting to see the hand of John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty, leader of the local electricians' union, and a backer of both Clarke and Henon.

But Clarke says political alliances had nothing to do with Henon's good fortune. The man is simply a go-getter.

"He asked for it," Clarke said of Henon. "No one thought I would entertain giving it up."

- Miriam Hill