Fiscal Note
N/A
Title
Expressing gratitude to Gaylord Nelson for his lifetime of accomplishments and public service, sadness at his passing, and sympathy to his family.
Body
WHEREAS, Gaylord Nelson was born in Clear Lake, Wisconsin in 1916; and
WHEREAS, Nelson's roots in Madison ran deep, attending University of Wisconsin-Madison law school from 1939 to 1942, and thereafter representing Madison's west side in the state Senate from 1948 to 1958; and
WHEREAS, Nelson went on to a remarkable career of public service as both Governor and United States Senator; and
WHEREAS, Nelson continued Wisconsin's proud tradition of independent elected leaders through his bold advocacy on issues ranging from the environment to civil rights to consumer protection to health care; and
WHEREAS, Nelson may be best remembered for being the founder of Earth Day in 1970, raising awareness of environmental issues across the United States and around the world; and
WHEREAS, after leaving public office, Nelson continued to build on his legacy of activism and public service as Chairman and later Counselor of the Wilderness Society; and
WHEREAS, Nelson approached all issues with good humor, often finding ways to build strong personal relationships with even his most strident opponents, which should serve as an example for everyone in public service; and
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2005 Gaylord Nelson passed away after seven decades of extraordinary public service to his state, his nation and the world;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Madison Common Council express their gratitude to Gaylord Nelson for his lifetime of accomplishments and public service, their sadness at his passing and their sympathy to his wife Carrie Lee, and children Tia, Gaylord, Jr. and Jeffrey.