Naming and designating the South Philadelphia Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, located at the southwest corner of Broad and Morris Streets, as the "Paul D'Ortona Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia."

WHEREAS, Paul D’Ortona was a dedicated and esteemed public servant representing the citizens of the City of Philadelphia as a Councilman-At-Large for twenty years and as the President of City Council for the last ten of those years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. D’Ortona served as Chairman of Council’s Public Safety Committee where he initiated efforts in law enforcement and fire protection by sponsoring the Philadelphia Criminal Registration Code, the Fire Code and the City’s Juvenile Curfew Law which became a model for juvenile curfew legislation adopted in other cities; and

WHEREAS, Mr. D’Ortona was the sponsor of an ordinance creating, and served as President of, the Hero Scholarship Fund which continues to provide scholarship benefits for the children of Philadelphia police officers and firefighters killed or disabled in the line of duty and which has enabled hundreds of students to attend and graduate from college; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure as a Councilman-At-Large and as Council President, Mr. D’Ortona practiced his belief that staying in contact with the people was of the utmost importance and maintained an “open door policy,” welcoming all people to his office to discuss their problems; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Mr. D’Ortona was very active in many civic and cultural clubs and associations in the City and received numerous awards in recognition of his service; and

WHEREAS, In appreciation for, and in recognition of, his commitment and dedication to the City of Philadelphia, Council wishes to honor the memory of the late Paul D’Ortona; now therefore

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION 1. The South Philadelphia Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, located at the southwest corner of Broad and Morris Streets, is hereby named and designated the “Paul D’Ortona Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.”

SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately.

End