HomeMy WebLinkAboutR - R-2023-03 - Resolution Recognition John Killacky, Ann Pugh and Maida TownsendQ 2023 - 3
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VERMONT
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE OF
Representative John Killacky
Representative Ann Pugh
Representative Maida Townsend
February 21, 2023
WHEREAS South Burlington was extremely well served by Representative John Killacky, Representative Ann
Pugh, and Representative Maida Townsend who each retired at the end of the last Legislative Biennium; and
WHEREAS John Killacky served as a State Representative from South Burlington since 2019 and during this time
served on the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs; and
WHEREAS Representative Killacky's writing and work can be seen in the South Burlington Public Library as well as
aired on Vermont Public and published in VTDigger and the Burlington Free Press; and
WHEREAS Representative Killacky centered Vermonters who were disadvantaged by some of our core systems,
advocating for better treatment of women prisoners in our corrections systems, working to provide better access to
those Vermonters who were working on their sobriety, and pointedly fighting for better access for those with physical
disabilities to our State House; and
WHEREAS Representative Killacky fought to make sure that our artistic institutions — and our artists — received
state and federal assistance throughout the initial phases of the pandemic, advocated for Vermonters who
worked for minimum wage and for the use of state and federal funds to keep Vermonters in their homes, and to
keep those experiencing homelessness safe throughout the pandemic; and
WHEREAS Representative Killacky brought his experienced voice to our public apology to Vermonters whose
ancestors were damaged by our state-sponsored and supported Eugenics policies, as well as the creation of the
Truth and Reconciliation commission; and
WHEREAS Ann Pugh served as a State Representative from South Burlington since 1993, served as the Chair of the
House Committee on Human Services for many years, and also served on the City's Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS Representative Pugh was always a social worker at heart and was a consistent champion of many of the
neediest Vermonters including individuals and families with income and health challenges; and
WHEREAS Representative Pugh worked to address homelessness and housing safety issues and was a tireless advocate
for reproductive freedom; and
WHEREAS Representative Pugh was an early and prominent leader around tobacco and youth cessation-efforts, raising
the age for tobacco, advocating for health and outreach to youth through advertising by use of the tobacco funding from
successful state litigation against big tobacco; and
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 1802-846-4107 I www.southburlingtonvt.gov
Q 2023 -3
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WHEREAS Representative Pugh was a strong advocate regarding reducing lead paint exposure, working on universal
access to healthcare and expanded Medicaid access for children and their families, and led the effort to successfully
require mental health to be included in health care policies,thus mainstreaming that care with traditional health; and
WHEREAS Maida Townsend served as a State Representative from South Burlington since 2013 and served on the
House Committee on Appropriations and the Government Operations Committee including one year as Chair; and
WHEREAS Representative Townsend is a strong supporter of public education and enjoyed a long career as a
French teacher; and
WHEREAS Representative Townsend set the example for constituent services, was always quick to respond to
constituent questions, and, on an annual basis,visited every household in her district, stopping to chat or leaving
information if no-one was home; and
WHEREAS Representative Townsend brought intelligence, sharp insight, and incredible diligence to her work examining
issues from all angles and with consideration of other perspectives, applying an amazing work ethic, readily accepting
extra work, doing her homework, and was always exhibiting kindness and consideration; and
WHEREAS Representative Townsend was instrumental at steering funding towards numerous priorities for the State and
South Burlington including the expansion of broadband throughout the State; and
WHEREAS Representatives Killacky, Pugh, and Townsend each supported the Constitutional amendments to explicitly
prohibit slavery and indentured servitude and to protect the right to personal reproductive autonomy; and
WHEREAS the Council and community of South Burlington have been ably served by each of these Representatives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Burlington City Council hereby expresses its greatest appreciation
to Representatives Killacky, Pugh, and Townsend for their tireless advocacy for the City and wishes them the very best in
political retirement.
Approved this 215Y day of February, 2023.
SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL
CWe.--Ce".tiL rk_c_e)---i. '1, e).---e-,_ P.---)---r•--C'THelen ' hle, Chair Meaghanmery,Vice Chair
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Tim Barritt,C rk Thomas Chittenden
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180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 1802-846-4107 I www.southburlingtonvt.gov