Congratulating Harrisburg Mayor-Elect, Linda Thompson and York Mayor-Elect, Kim Bracey on their historic elections as the first African-American as mayors of those cities.

WHEREAS, On Tuesday, November 4, 2009 Pennsylvania became a more diverse Commonwealth with the election of two African-American women as mayors of the cities of Harrisburg and York; and

WHEREAS, Linda Thompson, a Harrisburg native, who has been serving as the President of the Harrisburg City Council, will become the first new mayor in 27 years as well as the first female mayor in Harrisburg's history; and

WHEREAS, Kim Bracey, brings a wealth of public service to her new position as the Mayor of York including serving as that city's Director of Community Development as well as being an Air Force veteran; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her experience as an elected City Councilwoman, Linda Thompson will bring considerable government experience to her new position as Harrisburg's Chief Executive including work with the U.S. Department of Justice and Philadelphia State Representatives Frank T. Oliver and the late David P. Richardson, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, By breaking gender and racial barriers these elections represent important steps in achieving our nation's highest ideals of equality and will serve as an inspiration to the many women and minorities throughout our Commonwealth; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby congratulates Linda Thompson of Harrisburg and Kim Bracey of York on their historic elections as those cities' first African-American mayors.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to Mayors-Elect Linda Thompson and Kim Bracey as evidence of the deep admiration and sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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