Joan L. Krajewski

Joan Krajewski
Krajewski in 2011
Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the 6th District
In office January 7, 1980 – January 2, 2012
Preceded by	Joseph Zazyczny
Succeeded by	Bobby Henon
Personal details
Born	(1934-05-31)May 31, 1934 Port Richmond, Philadelphia
Died	August 29, 2013(2013-08-29) (aged 79)
Political party	Democratic
Children	Three
Profession	Politician, Union official

Joan L. Krajewski (May 31, 1934 – August 29, 2013) was a Democratic politician and former member of the Philadelphia City Council who represented the Sixth District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for almost thirty years.

Biography

Krajewski, who lived in Port Richmond and whose district included much of Lower Northeast Philadelphia, began her political career as a Republican committeeperson. After supporting Frank Rizzo, who was then a Democrat, in the 1971 mayoral election, she soon switched parties. One of a faction of conservative white Democrats who represented working-class Philadelphia neighborhoods and were sometimes described as "Rizzocrats," she was known for her loyalty to her supporters and her skill at political maneuvering and was often described as "tough" and "a fighter."[1][2][3]

She succeeded Councilman Joseph Zazyczny in the seat after his resignation in 1979[4] and served on Council from 1980 to 2012.

Krajewski was, prior to her election, an active union official who served as the president of Local 1660-School Board Employees, District Council 33, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ Union. She was also an investigator for the City Department of Revenue[5] and the Ward Leader of the 65th Ward Democratic Executive Committee, beginning with her election to the position in 1978.[6]

She played a crucial role in 1999 ensuring that the owners of condemned houses in Wissinoming were fully compensated.[7] She persuaded Mayor Rendell to revisit a sewer construction project from 1996-97 which homeowners believed caused structural issues in their homes, coordinated with state representatives securing state funds for the homeowners, and provided ongoing support to the affected residents until the situation was resolved.[7]

In 2007, Aaron Krolikowski, sketched a day in the life of the Councilwoman. Following her from the City Council chamber to her office. Where she was interviewed by the Inquirer's Jeff Shields.^[citation needed]

Illness and death

Krajewski died on August 29, 2013, after recently being diagnosed with COPD.[3]

References

1. "Loss of a legend". Northeast Times. September 15, 2013.
2. "Melting pot of Philadelphians pay respects to Joan Krajewski". WHYY. September 4, 2013.
3. Babay, Emily (August 29, 2013). "Former Philadelphia Councilwoman Joan Krajewski dies". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
4. "Zazyczny, Joseph L." Pinkowski Files: Alphabetic Name Listings. Poles In America Foundation, Inc. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
5. "Joan L. Krajewski - 6th District". City of Philadelphia official website. City Council, City of Philadelphia. 2010-02-15. Retrieved 2010-02-15.
6. Committee of Seventy (2009-12-21). "2009 Citizen's Guide" (PDF). The Committee of Seventy, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-04-19. Retrieved 2009-12-21.
7. Young, Earni (June 21, 1999). "They Rose to the Challenge". The Philadelphia Daily News. ProQuest 1843816898.