Phil Reed facts for kids

Phil Reed (born February 21, 1949 – died November 6, 2008) was an important leader in New York City. He served as a member of the New York City Council from 1998 to 2005. During his time, he represented the 8th district. This district included parts of East Harlem, Manhattan Valley, and the South Bronx. It also covered Randall's Island, Wards Island and a section of Central Park. Phil Reed was a significant African-American leader in the City Council. From 2002 to 2005, he led the Council's Committee on Consumer Affairs.

Early Life and Career

Phil Reed was born in New York City on February 21, 1949. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University. During the Vietnam War, he chose not to join the military for moral reasons. This is known as being a conscientious objector.

Before joining the City Council, Reed worked for ten years. He was a sales representative for the Otis Elevator Company in San Francisco. After this, he returned to New York City. There, he worked as a project director for a community health project. He also served as the Director of Public Affairs for the Hetrick-Martin Institute. In 2003, Reed completed a special program at Harvard University. This program was for senior leaders in government.

Path to the City Council

Before winning his seat, Phil Reed had tried to join the New York State Senate and the City Council. In 1997, the City Council seat for his district became open. The previous council member, Adam Clayton Powell IV, decided to run for Borough President.

Reed then ran in the Democratic Party primary election. He won this race against four other candidates. Later, in the main election of 1997, he won with 75% of the votes. This showed strong support from the community.

Key Work in Office

While serving in the City Council, Phil Reed focused on several important issues. He worked hard to prevent asthma in children. Asthma was a big health problem in his district. He also worked to create more affordable homes for families. Reed helped improve and update neighborhood parks.

Reed strongly disagreed with Mayor Rudy Giuliani's plan. The Mayor wanted to move the Museum of the City of New York. Reed believed the museum should stay in East Harlem. Later, Mayor Michael Bloomberg decided not to move the museum. Instead, he moved the New York City Department of Education to that building.

Later Life and Legacy

Phil Reed lived in the Upper West Side neighborhood of New York City. He passed away on November 6, 2008, at the age of 59. His work in the City Council helped improve the lives of many people in his district. He is remembered for his dedication to public service.

See also

• LGBT culture in New York City
• List of LGBT people from New York City