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Honoring and Thanking City Council President Anna C. Verna for her unparalleled Sixty-Years of Exemplary Service to the Citizens of Philadelphia, including Thirty-Six Years representing the People of her Beloved Second Council District.
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WHEREAS, Her colleagues and friends on the Council of the City of Philadelphia are very pleased and proud to demonstrate their deep and abiding respect and admiration for City Council President Anna Cibotti Verna on the occasion of her retirement. For the last sixty years she has given selflessly of herself with her exemplary service to the citizens of Philadelphia. She is also the first woman in Philadelphia's over 300-year history to serve as President of the City Council, the second highest elective office in the City.
WHEREAS, Anna C. Verna was born and raised in the Point Breeze section of South Philadelphia. She and her brother Angelo Sonny were born to William and Pauline Cibotti. From her earliest age, public service and a deep affection for the people of her community was deeply ingrained in her, as was an innate sense of fairness and respect for the dignity of all people; and
WHEREAS, Anna C. Verna began her career with the City of Philadelphia on February 1, 1951 and first made the news in 1954, when a columnist for The Evening Bulletin noticed a pretty working girl with a passion for TV crime dramas and an aversion to pasta. At that time, she was serving as secretary to District Attorney, and later mayor, Richardson Dilworth. When her father, William A. Cibotti, was elected to represent the people of the Second Councilmanic District, Anna became his assistant and right-arm, soon becoming a popular source to district residents needing services and information from the City. In 1975, when Councilman Cibotti passed away suddenly, Anna was approached by numerous citizens and community groups imploring her to seek the office. She decided to run and, after successfully running in the Primary and General elections of 1975, won the office; and
WHEREAS, After stellar service as Chair of Council's Finance Committee and as its Majority Leader, Anna Verna shattered the glass ceiling in 1999 by achieving the Council Presidency and becoming the first woman to do so in the City's 300-year history. President Verna has been a strong proponent of tax reductions and a firm believer that Philadelphia's status as one of the least business-friendly cities in the United States must be reversed in order to propel the City's economy through the 21st Century. She has also championed the need to protect and improve the quality of life for all Philadelphians. President Verna has been at the forefront of efforts to provide jobs and quality housing, especially affordable, handicapped and senior housing for people in need. Throughout her time in Council, the hallmark of her leadership style has been respect for each elected official, public servant, and citizen; and
WHEREAS, Anna was married to Severino Sevy Verna for 56 years. Throughout their marriage, he functioned as both her soulmate and most trusted advisor and advocate. He, too, was very active in community, charitable and philanthropic endeavors. Along with Anna, he was a founder and marshal of Philadelphia's Columbus Day Parade from its beginnings until his death in June 2010; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and thanks City Council President Anna C. Verna for her unparalleled sixty-years of service to the citizens of Philadelphia, including thirty-six years representing the people of her beloved Second District and thirteen years as the President of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. Through her selfless efforts, her respect for all, and her unique ability to get people to work together for the common good, she has earned our enduring respect and affection.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to City Council President Anna Cibotti Verna, further evidencing the admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.
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