Title
Renaming the 1400 block of Vernon Road, at the intersection of Michener Avenue, to "John F. White, Jr. Way" to recognize the Honorable John F. White, Jr.'s laudable service to the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Body
WHEREAS, John F. White Jr. began his storied career in public service in 1976 when he was elected to represent the 200th legislative district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. As a State Representative, White took on issues relating to education, juvenile justice, prison reform, social welfare, and energy; and
WHEREAS, While he was a State Representative, White was appointed to several prized committees, including the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Transportation Committees; and
WHEREAS, In 1981, White was elected to the Philadelphia City Council, representing the 9th Council District. He became Chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services, where he conducted Council's first hearings on HIV and AIDS. White also increased awareness about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and spearheaded the Emergency Utility Fund, assisting Philadelphians with heating bills; and
WHEREAS, After serving 6 years in the Philadelphia City Council, then-Governor Robert P. Casey appointed White to be Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare. He was the first African-American to hold that position. The initiatives White began during his tenure at the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) have stood the test of time. The enduring success of these programs is a testament to White's vision and dedication to improving healthcare in the state; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, White became Vice President of Kidder Peabody, an investment firm. Then, in 1993, the Clinton Administration tapped him to be the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Under his leadership, White guided PHA away from its image of corruption into a revitalized agency with compelling improvements, new construction, and modernization activity; and
WHEREA...
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