WHEREAS, Jack Kelly is a native and lifelong resident of Northeast Philadelphia with years of business, municipal, and community leadership experience; and
WHEREAS, While raising four children with his wife, Kathleen, he began his career in business, climbing the ranks of Gould (formerly ITE Imperial Corporation) and, after twenty-four years of service, Jack parlayed his experience and expertise as a businessman to the public sector as an administrator for the Philadelphia Court System; and
WHEREAS, In 1987, realizing the need for leadership in a time of crisis, Jack Kelly successfully ran to represent the Seventh Council District and, in January 1988, was sworn into office; and
WHEREAS, As a District Councilmember, Jack fought oppressive tax increases and was a champion for neighborhood rights, vehemently opposing federal programs that were infringing on the rights of the community in ensuring fair real estate markets. Through his hard efforts, Jack was successful in stabilizing the market values of homes in the Seventh Council District; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Jack launched a successful City-wide campaign to fill the vacant seat of his colleague and friend, Councilman At-Large Thacher Longstreth, who had passed away. In January 2004, he was again sworn into office; and
WHEREAS, As a two-term Councilman At-Large, Jack fought against the closure of libraries in the City; crafted legislation that ensures our firefighters have protective ear equipment; implemented Project Lifesaver which assists our police officers in saving the lives of those who suffer from Autism, Alzheimer's Disease, and various forms of dementia; lobbied to expand our economic base through business tax reductions; passionately fought for better animal care and control standards; introduced legislation which enables the Philadelphia Police Department to easily track stolen goods, and inhibits criminals' abilities to sell stolen property; secured funding to support the wonderful arts and cultural institutions throughout our City; held hearings to ensure that Philadelphia's Colleges and Universities are safe and prepared for emergency situations; brought awareness to the deadly staph infection MRSA; and resolved countless quality of life and constituent issues which affect our streets and neighborhoods. He also achieved a leadership position by being elected Minority Whip of City Council; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and thanks Councilman At-Large Jack Kelly on his retirement after over thirty years of dedicated and excellent service to the people of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Councilman Jack Kelly, further evidencing the admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.
End