Renaming the 2100 block of Alter Street "Hon. Harold James Way" in honor of Pennsylvania House of Representative Harold James for his exemplary leadership, dedication to public service, and lasting contributions to the people of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, State Representative Harold James was born on August 7, 1942, in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Representative James served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964; and

WHEREAS, After his military service, Representative James served as a Philadelphia Police Officer for 22 years and during this time, he pursued studies in criminal justice at Temple University, earning a certificate in political science, an associate’s degree in criminal justice, and, in 1978, a bachelor’s degree in sociology; and

WHEREAS, Committed to further serving his community, Harold James was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1988, representing the 186th Legislative District; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure in the Pennsylvania House Representatives, Representative James advocated for increased education funding, protections for seniors, and criminal justice reform and also served as the co-chair of the Criminal Justice Task Force and the Philadelphia Urban Coalition; and

WHEREAS, Representative James served nine consecutive terms from 1988 to 2008, but was unsuccessful in his bid for re-election in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Representative James served as the first Chairman of Gaming Oversight Committee; and

WHEREAS, After winning a special election for The Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2012, Representative James served in the House until 2013; and

WHEREAS, Representative James passed away on April 28, 2022, at the age of 79; and

WHEREAS, The work Representative James has done for the citizens of Philadelphia has had a profound and lasting impact on the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADLEPHIA, Hereby renames the 2100 block of Alter Street “Hon. Harold James Way” to honor Representative Harold James for his exemplary leadership, dedication to public service, and lasting contributions to the people of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Representative Harold James as a token of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.

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