Mourning the death and honoring the memory of Ashley Andrus.

WHEREAS, As the former Director of Public Policy for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Ashley Andrus worked very closely for the last ten years with every member of Council while persuasively advocating for the Chamber’s legislative agenda; and

WHEREAS, Councilmembers and staff always respected Ashley’s tough analyses and honest assessments of policy initiatives, and greatly enjoyed her intelligence and sense of humor. There is enormous sadness and grief about her premature passing among Councilmembers and staff because she was held in the highest esteem by her colleagues and friends in the City Council of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS

,

Ashley Andrus was committed in work and deed to making a difference. She truly did make a difference in this City and in the lives she touched. Ashley served as a mentor for inner-city children at Tenth Presbyterian Church; she also worked closely with homeless advocates to ensure that the City’s Sidewalk Ordinance bill championed by the Chamber of Commerce met not only the needs of businesses, but also the basic human dignity of each homeless person; and

WHEREAS

,

Ashley recently left Philadelphia to accept a position as chief of staff for the Colorado Lieutenant Governor, but she was always on the minds of her Philadelphia friends. Ashley was a woman whose drive, skills, and wit left a legion of admirers. The enthusiasm and optimism she brought to this Chamber will never be forgotten; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we mourn the death of our friend Ashley Andrus and honor her life and legacy. She brought great pride to her family and we want all to know that the members of this Council deeply mourn her passing.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ashley’s parents, Percy and Georgia Andrus, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End