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Adding the Honorable Marian B. Tasco to the street signs on the block intersections of the 7900 block of Mansfield Avenue between Vernon Road and Slocum Street in recognition of Councilwoman Tasco’s tremendous service and contributions to the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, The Honorable Marian B. Tasco is widely recognized as one of Philadelphia's most influential, politically savvy, and proactive public officials. With more than 50 years of combined service under her belt, Philadelphia’s beloved Councilwoman Tasco decided not to seek reelection following seven terms on Philadelphia City Council. Although formally retired in December 2015, Tasco remains a highly engaged political powerhouse for the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Tasco’s consistent and dedicated approach has earned her the loyalty and respect of both her constituents and her peers. Having served in the past as both City Council Majority Leader and Majority Whip, her leadership over the years has been valued by her Council colleagues and the administrations she has served alongside; and
WHEREAS, Historically, Tasco stands out as the first African American elected Philadelphia City Commissioner (1983-1987). She served as the Ward Leader for the renowned 50th Ward, and was unanimously elected by the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee to represent Pennsylvania on the Democratic National Committee; and
WHEREAS, Prior to being elected to public office, Tasco was the Campaign Manager for former Congressman William H. Gray III, and served as Director of Constituent Services for Gray’s Philadelphia office. She also served as an assistant to the Secretary of State for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania C. Delores Tucker, and, early in her career, served as Task Force Coordinator for the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, under the leadership of Charles W. Bowser, Esq. Tasco first went to work for the City of Philadelphia in 1959 as a clerk typist I in the Philadelphia Police Department’s Pawn Brokers Division. She was soon promoted to a clerk typist II position and reassigned to the Registrar’s Office of the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and
WHEREAS, As a retired legislator who understands the importance of holding elected officials accountable for their productivity, Tasco successfully advocated for goods and services that preserve and enhance the quality of life for her constituency. She continues to maintain an outstanding rapport with her electorate, having introduced and secured the passage of a multitude of bills and resolutions that directly relate to improving general City services; protecting and enhancing the health and welfare of women, children, and families; and making Philadelphia neighborhoods and commercial corridors safe havens for all citizens; and
WHEREAS, While Tasco’s board appointments are many, she has been widely recognized for her leadership as the Chair of the Philadelphia Gas Commission, as Vice Chair of the Board of City Trusts, and as a Board Member for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. At present, Tasco serves as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. Tasco also holds memberships in several prominent community organizations across the region, including her founding membership in the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., PA Chapter; her membership in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter; and her membership in Links, Inc, Delaware Valley Chapter; and
WHEREAS, For her tireless efforts, Tasco has received countless awards and honors from numerous community, civic, and religious organizations. Those recognitions include: an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Lincoln University; the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition Dwight Evans Living Legacy Award; a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Women’s Campaign Fund; a Good Housekeeping Magazine Award for Women in Government; and an Elected Women of the Year Award presented by the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women. Her most recent acknowledgements include recognition by United States Senator Casey during his 2018 annual Black History Month event, the honor of renaming the Lindley Court Apartments as the Marian B. Tasco Arms, and the 2016 Best of Philly Award as Best Kingmaker for her role in local politics; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby adds the Honorable Marian B. Tasco to the street signs on the block intersections of the 7900 block of Mansfield Avenue between Vernon Road and Slocum Street in recognition of Councilwoman Tasco’s tremendous service and contributions to the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Honorable Marian B. Tasco as a sincere expression of the Philadelphia City Council’s respect, gratitude, and recognition.
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