* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL
Introduced by: Councilmember Curran
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL concerning
Title
To Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein - A Proud Farewell
FOR the purpose of congratulating Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, Baltimore City Health Commissioner, on his appointment as Principal Deputy Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration; expressing appreciation for his noteworthy contributions to the health and welfare of residents of Baltimore City; and wishing him all the best in his new role as a steward of well being to the citizens of the entire United States; and providing for a special effective date.
Body
Recitals
Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, appointed Commissioner of Health in 2005 and reappointed in 2008, has valiantly safeguarded and promoted the health of Baltimore's citizens, leading efforts to improve the oversight of children's cough and cold medications, eliminating lead hazard from children's jewelry, and increasing immunization of healthcare workers.
In moving to the FDA, Dr. Sharfstein will share with the entire nation the creative tenacity that brought to Baltimore City the first absolute no-smoking ban that served as the impetus for a state-wide prohibition; an award-winning program to ensure Americans with disabilities access to prescription drugs; progressive buprenorphine treatment for the city's recalcitrant substance abuse population; and an innovative and humane TNR (trap-neuter-release) program to stabilize the feral cat population
Citizens and professional colleagues alike share the sentiments of the Mayor who said of our departing Commissioner: "This is truly bitter sweet where we are equal parts saddened and excited for Dr. Sharfstein. As some may view this as a loss for Baltimore, I see this as a gain for the nation. We are proud that one of Baltimore's own has an opportunity to not only make Baltimore a healthier city but the United States a healthier nation as well."
And echo, too, those of the President of the Baltimore City Council: "The simple truth is that Dr. Joshua Sharfstein has done a superb job at Baltimore's Health Commissioner. During his tenure he has created and implemented new innovative health programs and initiatives that have garnered well-deserved national recognition. While the City Council wishes Dr. Sharfstein the best as he moves on to work for President Barack Obama, we are deeply saddened that Baltimore is losing such a great, talented public health leader. However, we take comfort in knowing that Dr. Sharfstein will continue his innovative work in public service, and he will continue working to protect the public health of the citizens of Baltimore and the nation."
Josh, Baltimore thanks you and wishes you the very best!
SECTION 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body hereby congratulates Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, Baltimore City Health Commissioner, on his appointment as Principal Deputy Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration; expresses appreciation for his noteworthy contributions to the health and welfare of residents of Baltimore City; and wishes him all the best in his new role as a steward of well being to the citizens of the entire United States.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be presented to Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein.
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution takes effect on date it is enacted.
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