RICHARD M. DALEY
MAYOR
ConS
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
May 4, 2011
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith a resolution regarding our departing friend and colleague, Alderman
Rugai.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Our friend and colleague, Alderman Virginia A. Rugai, is leaving the City Council after over twenty years of dedicated service to the people of the 19th Ward and the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Virginia "Ginger" Rugai began her career as an English teacher at Queen of Peace High School with a Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University; and
WHEREAS, Before becoming Alderman, she served as Assistant to the Director of the Beverly Area Planning Association, a member of the Illinois Senate Staff and Administrative Aide to State Senator Jeremiah Joyce; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Daley appointed Ginger Rugai to fill the vacancy of the 19th Ward Alderman in December of 1990. Alderman Rugai was elected for her first term in February of 1991 and was subsequently reelected in 1995, 1999 and 2003; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Rugai serves with distinction as Chairman of the City Council's Committee on Energy, Environmental Protection and Public Utilities and Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Police and Fire. She also serves as a member of Committees on Finance; Budget and Government Operations; Committees, Rules and Ethics; Human Relations; Historical Landmark Preservation; and Transportation and Public Way; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Rugai created legislation which affects all residents of the City of Chicago, but she is most proud of crafting the Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative, which became one ofthe most popular citywide housing programs, blending our community's love of historic architecture with 21st century energy efficiencies to preserve a housing stock that makes up one third of the city's residences; and the Private Drain Program, which was designed to help alleviate the financial burden homeowners incur when a sewer repair is required in the public way; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Rugai worked tirelessly on many ward projects, including the journey of three years to launch the unique partnership between the Chicago Public Schools and SXU to create Barbara Vick Early Childhood and Family Center to serve our communities' families and children with special needs, bringing the White Sox Fields to Mount Greenwood; retaining the 22nd Police District within the 19th Ward and the building of the Beverly Arts Center; and
WHEREAS, Ginger Rugai, a thirteen-year breast cancer survivor, is Past President of the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, and also a member of Little Company of Mary Hospital Foundation Board, St. Xavier University President's Advisory Council, Vice President of the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago, Kiwanis, Brother Rice High School Board of Directors and the Beverly Art Center; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her considerable talent and skills, Alderman Rugai was appointed to Mayor Daley's Task Force on Women's Health and the Cook County Women's Commission; and
WHEREAS, During her thirty years of community service, Ginger Rugai has served as a volunteer member and/or chaired committees on the Far Southwest Mental Health Council, Beverly Family Center, Ridge Park Advisory Council, Marist High School Mother's Club, Mount Carmel Women's Club, Saint Ignatius Mother's Club, Beverly Improvement Association, and Christ the King's Altar Guild; and
WHEREAS, Ginger Rugai is married to Ado L. Rugai, Esq. and is the proud mother of Michael, Robert and Karen; and
WHEREAS, The People of the City of Chicago owe Alderman Rugai a debt of gratitude for her selfless efforts to improve the quality of life for all of Chicago's citizens; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, assembled this fourth day of May, 2011, do hereby express our thanks and appreciation to Alderman Virginia A. Rugai for her years of distinguished service as a member of this City Council, and do hereby express to her our good wishes for her future endeavors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Alderman Rugai as a sign of our deep respect and good wishes.