Title
Proclamation honoring the late Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll for her vast contributions to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Body
WHEREAS, on November 12, 2008, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lost one of its most revered public servants; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Baker Knoll was a trailblazer for women, serving as the first female Lieutenant Governor in Pennsylvania's history; and
WHEREAS, born in McKees Rocks, Lt. Gov. Knoll began her political career working for local Democratic candidates, and in 1970, earned a spot on the Democratic state committee; and
WHEREAS, following her years with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Bureau of Motor Vehicles, where she became director of the Pittsburgh office, Lt. Gov. Knoll became the Pennsylvania State Treasurer in 1988; and
WHEREAS, during her two terms as State Treasurer, the office provided $25 million in loans to small businesses through development centers at colleges and universities, $100 million in low-rate first-home mortgages to single parents, first-time buyers and veterans, and began a college savings program for parents; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, Knoll became the first female to hold the office of Lieutenant Governor, a position that she earned not only with her excellent credentials, but also with her willingness to travel nearly 40,000 miles back and forth across the state, engaging voters in the colorful manner than became her trademark; and
WHEREAS, as Lieutenant Governor, Knoll presided over the State Senate, and chaired the State Board of Pardons, a local government advisory committee, and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Gov. Knoll is survived by three sons, Albert, Kim Eric, and Charles, and her daughter Mina;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Allegheny County Council wishes to pay tribute to Catherine Baker Knoll, an outstanding public servant. On behalf of the residents of Allegheny County, we express our dee...
Click here for full text