Title
Honoring the life and legacy of former Council President Anna Verna, a political trailblazer and beloved public servant, on the occasion of her passing.
Body
WHEREAS, Anna C. Verna was born and raised in the Point Breeze neighborhood of South Philadelphia, to parents William and Pauline Cibotti. Her parents were deeply involved with their South Philadelphia community and taught Anna the importance of public service from an early age; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Verna began her noteworthy 60-year career with the City of Philadelphia in February of 1951. After 17 years with the City, including working in the office of District Attorney and for the future Mayor Dilworth, Verna's father William was elected to serve as Councilman for the 2nd District in 1968. Mrs. Verna served as an assistant and close advisor to her father, and her passion for public service quickly endeared her to constituents across the District; and
WHEREAS, When William Cibotti passed away suddenly in 1975, residents and community leaders from across the 2nd Council District appealed to Mrs. Verna to run for election. After a successful campaign, Mrs. Verna began her tenure on Council in 1975, a post which she would hold for 36 years; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Verna's career in Council was marked by her devotion to creating opportunities for all citizens in the 2nd Council District and the City of Philadelphia as a whole. She was a strong proponent of policies designed to encourage job growth and economic opportunity and fought to create a tax environment in Philadelphia that could encourage growth and revitalize the City; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Verna was also an advocate for affordable housing programs and other neighborhood development initiatives, facilitating the development of hundreds of affordable housing units across the 2nd Council District. She also advocated for the creation of the City's Housing Trust Fund and sponsored an initiative to provide tax relief for senior citizens; and
WHEREAS, Afte...
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