Resolution 230551

..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 WHEREAS, White now serves as President and CEO of The Consortium, an award-winning comprehensive community behavioral health center, serving more than fifteen thousand people annually, with five locations in West and Southwest Philadelphia: and. WHEREAS, In all that John F. White, Jr. has done, he furthered the progress of our City. Philadelphians who, through dedication and excellence, contribute in a meaningful way to the well-being of their communities are integral to the functioning and wholesomeness of our City. As such, John F. White, Jr.'s civic service is much appreciated; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby renames 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. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to John F. White Jr. as a sign of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. ..End