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Mayor Biskupski honors former mayor and senator Jake Garn

Today, Mayor Jackie Biskupski issued a Proclamation declaring February 16, 2017 as “Mayor Jake Garn Day in Salt Lake City.” Mayor Biskupski presented the honor to the former mayor and senator, during a visit he made with his family to City Hall.

In the Proclamation, Mayor Biskupski highlighted Jake Garn’s service to his community and nation as a member of the U.S. Navy and Utah Air National Guard, member of the City Commission from 1968 to 1972, Mayor of Salt Lake City from 1972 through 1975, and U.S. Senator from 1974 through 1993.

As Mayor, Jake Garn’s legacy includes the enactment of urban renewal initiatives, Main Street beautification efforts, additional runway space at Salt Lake City International Airport, and creation of the City’s first 911 emergency telephone number system. In the Senate, Jake Garn became a respected authority on banking and finance, as well as an outspoken advocate for space travel. This advocacy led to his volunteer position as a Payload Specialist on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1985, making him the first Salt Lake City resident in outer space.

“Senator Garn’s lifetime of service to our community has helped strengthen both our City and the State,” said Mayor Jackie Biskupski. “He has represented the people of Salt Lake City with dignity, across the nation, world, and even into space—our City is a better place because of him.”

Senator Garn is retired and resides in Salt Lake City with his wife Kathleen.

 

FULL PROCLAMATION:

WHEREAS, Edwin Jacob “Jake” Garn grew up in Salt Lake City, served honorably in the U.S. Navy and Utah Air National Guard, and began a long and illustrious career in politics and public service; and

WHEREAS, Jake was elected to the City Commission from 1968 to 1972 and served as Mayor from 1972 to 1975, where he led out with policies and ordinances that have helped set Salt Lake City’s reputation as one of the nation’s great urban centers; and

WHEREAS, Jake’s extensive legacy includes the enactment of urban renewal initiatives, Main Street beautification efforts, additional runway space at Salt Lake City International Airport, and creation of the City’s first 911 emergency telephone number system; and

WHEREAS, Jake went on to serve three terms in the U.S. Senate, where he became a respected authority on banking and finance, and the U.S. space program; and

WHEREAS, Jake’s passion for space exploration and leadership in the Senate led to his volunteer position as a Payload Specialist on the Space Shuttle Discovery in April 1985, making him the first and only Salt Lake City resident to enter into outer space; and

WHEREAS, Jake retired from a distinguished career in public service and returned full-time to Salt Lake City, where he continues to foster his love of flying, and shares his life with his wife Kathleen and their family.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Jacqueline M. Biskupski, Mayor of Salt Lake City, do hereby proclaim February 16, 2017 as:

Mayor Jake Garn Day in Salt Lake City

AND encourage all residents to pause in appreciation of Jake, and his lifelong commitment to serving others and to making Salt Lake City a vibrant and positive community.

Dated February 16, 2017

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