Ellen McConnell Bozman Memorial Resolution

Whereas, after a life of service to Arlington, Ellen Bozman passed away on January 8, 2009 ; and

Whereas, Ellen Bozman served with great distinction on the Arlington County Board from 1974 through 1997, the longest tenure on the County Board since the Board was created in 1932; and

Whereas, Ellen Bozman served as County Board Chairman in 1976, 1983, 1984, 1989, 1992, 1997; and

Whereas, Ellen Bozman was a strong proponent of public transportation and smart growth, serving on the Board of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) and on the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission; and

Whereas, Mrs. Bozman's lasting contributions also included strengthening day care programs, initiating services for the frail elderly, promoting affordable housing, supporting cultural activities, and starting the farmers' market; and

Whereas, Ellen Bozman also served on the Board of Directors of the Arlington Community Foundation from 1998 until her passing, including two years as its President; and

Whereas, Ellen Bozman was a founding member of the nonprofit Alliance for Housing Solutions and served on its Board of Directors until her passing; and

Whereas, Ellen Bozman was a dedicated Democrat, and a forceful supporter of other Democratic candidates and the Joint Campaign; and

Whereas, in her years of service, Ellen Bozman received awards and accolades too numerous to mention here; and

Whereas, for decades, Ellen Bozman played a central role in shaping the County that we treasure today -- a vibrant, diverse, prosperous and caring urban village, with open, progressive local government.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Arlington County Democratic Committee mourns the passing of Ellen McConnell Bozman, commemorates her remarkable legacy and sends its sympathies to her husband William and the Bozman family.