IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION congratulating Julie Levin on her award of the 2009 Kutak-Dodds Prize from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association.
Intro
RESOLUTION #16943, June 29, 2009
INTRODUCED BY Dennis Waits, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Julie Levin was awarded the 2009 Kutak-Dodds Prize from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association for her work with Legal Aid of Western Missouri in Kansas City; and,
WHEREAS, this award goes to one Legal Aid attorney nationally whose work has promoted the enhancement of human dignity and quality of life for people unable to afford legal representation; and,
WHEREAS, Gregg Lombardi, Legal Aid of Western Missouri's Executive Director, stated that Julie was awarded the honor for her ground-breaking work on public housing issues in Kansas City, which has been a key component in the vast improvement in Kansas City's public housing over the last twenty years; and,
WHEREAS, in 1988, Julie began an investigation into public housing, which uncovered rat, mice and cockroach infestation, dangerous deterioration of plumbing and electrical systems, serious deterioration of buildings, and a pervasive environment of threatening criminal activity; and,
WHEREAS in 1989, Julie initiated the lawsuit of Tinsley v. Kemp challenging these deplorable conditions, which resulted in the Housing Authority being placed in receivership and ordered to devote $125 million toward the renovation of existing public housing and the construction of new public housing; and,
WHEREAS, through her work on the Tinsley case, Julie became the second attorney to force a public housing authority into receivership, setting a standard for advocates nationwide and creating a model of success; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby recognizes and honors Julie Levin on her award of the 2009 Kutak-Dodds Pr...
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