WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia memorializes the life and remarkable contributions of Catherine Baker Knoll; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll dedicated her life to public service and positively impacted all sectors and residents of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, As one of nine children, Lt. Governor Baker Knoll was born outside of Pittsburgh in McKees Rocks to Nick Baker and the former Teresa May. She graduated from Duquesne University and married Charles A. Knoll, a restaurateur and hotel owner; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Governor Baker Knoll became involved in politics by campaigning along side of her father, who was Mayor at the time. She was elected State Treasurer in 1988 and made history when she won re-election by the largest vote total ever for a statewide Democratic candidate; and
WHEREAS, As State Treasurer, Catherine Baker Knoll streamlined the office and created the Pennsylvania TAP (Tuition Account Program). U.S. Senator Bob Casey commented about this program saying, “She will be remembered for generations because of her work in creating the Tuition Account Program, which has made it possible for tens of thousands of young people to attend college;” and
WHEREAS, As Treasurer, Catherine Baker Knoll also built the Treasury Investment Center, which enabled competitive bidding for all state investments, and started a program to build affordable housing in all 67 counties; and
WHEREAS, In 2002, Catherine Baker Knoll joined Edward Rendell on the Democratic gubernatorial ticket and again made history by being the first woman elected to that office in Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, When Catherine Baker Knoll was sworn in as the 45th Lieutenant Governor, she said, “I happen to think that Pennsylvania is like a 10-speed bicycle. We have gears we haven’t even tried yet;” and
WHEREAS, As Lieutenant Governor, she presided over the state Senate and also served as Chairwoman of the state Board of Pardons. She also led the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll was in her second term when she died on November 12, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Governor Rendell commented on the life of Catherine Baker Knoll saying, “We mourn the passing of one of the strongest, most dedicated public servants in Pennsylvania’s history;” and
WHEREAS, House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese shared his admiration saying, “Our commonwealth is saying goodbye to a true pioneer, and all those who knew Catherine feel a profound sense of loss. Catherine was a trailblazer among female elected officials, and her love for the commonwealth transcended generations. We are all better politicians – male and female alike – for having known Catherine Baker Knoll;” now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby honor and memorialize the life and remarkable contributions of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to her children as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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