LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of Hope
Reichbach

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of cherished citizens of the State of New York who distinguished
themselves serving the citizens of their community with exemplary dedi-
cation and conscientious service; and
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow this Legislative Body records the
passing of Hope Reichbach, beloved daughter of The Honorable Gustin L.
Reichbach and Ellen Meyers and Community Liaison and Spokeswoman for New
York City Councilman Stephen Levin, on April 28, 2011, at the age of 22;
and
WHEREAS, Hope Reichbach was born, raised, and, at the time of her
untimely passing, continued to live in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn; she was
raised in a politically aware and progressive household and became
involved in progressive causes and community organizing at a very early
age; and
WHEREAS, A precocious trailblazer, Hope Reichbach helped her father
get elected to the civil court system when she was only two years-old;
when she was a senior at Hunter College High School, she brought a suit
against then Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld for illegal military
recruitment tactics; and
WHEREAS, Barely five years later, she ran for office herself, hoping
to unseat a longtime incumbent; she lost, but got an impressive 40
percent of the vote in her first race; she also volunteered for many
local grassroots campaigns and, in her last days, was working with
Boerum Hill residents to calm neighborhood traffic; and
WHEREAS, Described by many as a rising star and most thoughtful and
compassionate person, Hope Reichbach's naturally grief-stricken father
spoke of her not as a star, but as a comet extinguished much too soon
and, in recognition and appreciation of her efforts on its behalf,
Boerum Hill's Strong Place Day Care Center will soon be renamed in her
honor; and
WHEREAS, Hope Reichbach not only brought her expertise to every task,
she brought her passion, enthusiasm, and experience as well; and
WHEREAS, Over her brief but meritorious life, Hope Reichbach distin-
guished herself as a woman of values and commitment and of sincere dedi-
cation and substantial contribution; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of Hope Reichbach, to celebrate her life, and to
applaud her many accomplishments that future generations may know and
appreciate her admirable character and the esteem in which she was held;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Hope Reichbach with the deepest condolences of
this Legislative Body.