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2008 SPECIAL SESSION II


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6021
Commending Joan Manley.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, June 24, 2008
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, June 25, 2008
 

WHEREAS, Joan Manley of Lexington, the founder of the Rockbridge Area Transportation System, is recognized for her continual public service to the Rockbridge County community and to her fellow citizens with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, thirteen years ago, Joan Manley and a group of concerned Rockbridge County citizens met to pursue their dream of a comprehensive local transportation system for persons with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, as a victim of a devastating car accident, Joan Manley knew personally how difficult it can be for people with physical disabilities to get from place to place on their own, without having to rely on the aid of friends and family; and

WHEREAS, envisioning a system of public transport that would serve the needs of all citizens with disabilities, Joan Manley was instrumental in the planning and development of the Rockbridge Area Transportation System, affectionately known as RATS; and

WHEREAS, from humble roots, RATS has grown into an on-demand, door-to-door, non-emergency transport provider, operating 13 vehicles, employing 15 part-time drivers, and making 12,500 trips a year, totaling 320,000 miles; and

WHEREAS, under Joan Manley’s extraordinary leadership, RATS has become a successful nonprofit corporation that uses diverse public and private funding sources and that today provides excellent, reliable, and greatly needed transportation services to a growing and appreciative clientele; and

WHEREAS, Joan Manley also has been a great supporter of many other community projects, including making sidewalks and streets safer and more accessible, as well as opening up public services and recreation facilities for use by citizens with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, an articulate spokesperson and hardworking advocate for persons with disabilities, Joan Manley has served on many local, state, and regional boards and commissions over the years and has served as the vice-chair of the Virginia Olmstead Community Integration Oversight Advisory Board; and

WHEREAS, Joan Manley has retired from the RATS board of directors, but she will remain a steadfast supporter of the rights and needs of her fellow citizens with disabilities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend Joan Manley on her hard work and longtime service and dedication to her community and the Rockbridge Area Transportation System; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Joan Manley as an expression of the General Assembly’s appreciation of her many achievements and best wishes in all of her future endeavors.