Resolution 120857

..Title Honoring the extraordinary efforts and contributions of Pennsylvania State Representative John Taylor, at the conclusion of the 2011-2012 legislative session. ..Body WHEREAS, John Taylor is a graduate of Northeast Catholic High School for Boys. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Central Florida, and completed his law degree at Temple University. He and his wife, Evelyn, have four children, and he currently lives in the Northwood section of Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, John Taylor was elected to the House of Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania in 1984, where he serves the 177th District, which includes the neighborhoods of Port Richmond, Bridesburg and Juniata along the Delaware River; and WHEREAS, Representative Taylor is Chair of the Liquor Control Committee and member of the Urban Affairs Committee. Through his committee assignments and his participation on various task forces, Rep. Taylor is particularly active in the issues of violence in Philadelphia schools, state election processes, policing and anti-crime, business revitalization, protections for senior citizens, and reducing the state's capital debt. He diligently communicates with his constituency through his three district offices and advocates for all residents of the City of Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, Most recently, Rep. Taylor has been leading the fight in Harrisburg to help Philadelphia move to Actual Value property assessments. He was instrumental in moving Senate Bill 1303 through the House of Representatives, which allows the City to reduce the property tax millage rate. Additionally, Rep. Taylor's bill to provide municipalities a path towards establishing a land bank was passed, which will allow Philadelphia to have a more coordinated and consistent way to collect and sell vacant land; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Representative John Taylor is recognized and honored for his extraordinary efforts and contributions to the people of the City of Philadelphia throughout his twenty-eight-year career as an elected member of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Representative John Taylor as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. ..End