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To honor and celebrate Francine Ryan’s service to the City of Columbus and congratulate her for being the 2022 recipient of the Julian Marcus Lifetime Achievement Award from MatureWorks.
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WHEREAS, Ms. Francine Ryan has exhibited a lifetime of service to the City of Columbus and Central Ohio. Ms. Ryan was first elected to Columbus City Council in 1971 and served two terms; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ryan served as the first female County Commissioner in Franklin County; Regional Representative to the U.S. Department of Labor; Chairperson of the Franklin County Democratic Party; Chairperson of the Franklin County Board of Elections; and the Senior Services Coordinator for the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, during Ms. Ryan’s time in office and in public service, she helped to found the Franklin County Metropolitan Human Services Commission. This commission provides a hub of assistance to vulnerable populations, increases access to basic healthcare, and fights to reduce juvenile and adult behavioral health problems; and
WHEREAS, while in office, Ms. Ryan established landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities that would eventually become state law; sponsored legislation protecting children from lead paint poisoning; created swimming pool safety programs; banned discrimination against the blind; and coordinated social service agencies to feed the hungry; and
WHEREAS, today, Ms. Francine Ryan is a leading champion advocating for the senior community in Central Ohio. She co-founded the Senior Services Roundtable of Columbus and Franklin County, an information center with over 900 members that focuses on programs and services for the aging community. She also co-chaired the National Age-Friendly Initiative and founded the Senior Festival that brings thousands of seniors and vendors together for information sharing; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ryan’s lifetime of service is an inspiration to all Columbus and Central Ohio residents. Columbus City Council and the City of Columbus are proud to celebrate her service and happy to join MatureWorks in applauding Francine Ryan; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby express its profound appreciation for Ms. Francine Ryan’s commitment to serving the City of Columbus, and congratulates her for being the 2022 recipient of the Julian Marcus Lifetime Achievement Award from MatureWorks.