Mayor Jerramiah Healy’s special aide David Donnelly, 39, was selected as Ward B Councilman at the October 14th City Council meeting to replace disgraced Councilman Philip Kenny.

The term will expire next November.

“I want to thank my colleagues for their support and their trust in me, for supporting me and voting for me,” Donnelly said after being sworn in while his mother, Mary (Ward B Councilwoman 1997-2005) held the Bible.

Kenny resigned after being charged and pleading guilty October 6th to taking a $5,000 bribe from government informant Solomon Dwek in exchange for zoning approvals for a condo development. U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares will sentence Kenny, who is out on $50,000 bail, on January 12, 2010.

Kenny’s arrest and guilty plea came as a shock.

“I had always known Phil Kenny to be an honest person who was dedicated to his city and his community,” said Mayor Healy in a written statement.

The charge is the latest after the July 23 arrests of 44 elected officials and local government employees, including 22 from Jersey City. Kenny was not among those charged at the time.

Councilman Michael Sottolano said Donnelly replacing Kenny is a “healthy choice” and “beneficial” after the scandal.

Councilman Steven Fulop said the move to appoint Donnelly was rushed, but needed because government is in a “freefall.”

Although she supported Donnelly, Councilwoman Viola Richardson abstained from voting, stating that it’s time to take a step back. “We need to see where we’re going. Things are in an uproar,” she added.

Councilman-at-Large Mariano Vega, who was also ensnared in the federal probe and charged with conspiracy to commit extortion, resigned as Council President last week, but remains on the Council.

The City Council voted in Councilman-at-Large Peter Brennan to permanently replace Vega as Council President.

The next City Council meeting is set for October 28.