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Honoring Doris “Granny D” Haddock, a 90-year-old great-grandmother of 12, upon the completion of her 3200 mile cross-country walk in support of campaign finance reform.
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WHEREAS, In 1997, at the age of 87, Doris “Granny D” Haddock, announced in Concord, New Hampshire, her intention to walk across the country for campaign finance reform. Haddock then implemented a training regimen that included walking until she could comfortably cover ten miles a day with a 25-pound pack on her back. Intending to travel as a pilgrim, Haddock even slept on her front lawn in preparation for the nights when she might not be able to secure lodging; and
WHEREAS, On January 1, 1999, Haddock set off from Pasadena, California, on her cross-country trek to call attention to the urgent need for campaign finance reform; and
WHEREAS, Supported by volunteers and a donated van, she walked an average of ten miles a day, six days a week, in spite of her arthritis and emphysema, and other than a four-day hospital stay for dehydration from crossing the Mojave Desert, Haddock’s health was fine; and
WHEREAS, On Tuesday, February 29, 2000, shortly after her 90th birthday, she arrived in Washington, DC after walking 3200 miles in a 14-month period, spanning twelve states -- California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Haddock has found that the people throughout this country do care about our democracy and want leaders who will support meaningful campaign finance reform at all levels of government; and
WHEREAS, Haddock believes that campaign finance reform is an overarching issue and that public policy issues of great importance cannot be adequately addressed until the corrosive influence of big money is resolved; and
WHEREAS, Haddock has committed to continue her crusade for campaign finance reform by working with the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, Public Campaign, Public Citizen, The National Civic League and grass-roots organizations to help communities improve their civic life and democratic processes; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor Doris “Granny D” Haddock for her courage and dedication to this most critical national and local issue, and hereby applaud her upon the completion of her 3200 mile cross-country walk in support of campaign finance reform.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Doris Haddock as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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