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Anne Rudin (January 27, 1924 – November 25, 2021) was an American politician who served as the 51st Mayor of Sacramento from her election in 1983 until she stepped down, after declining to seek a third term in 1992.

She was Sacramento's first elected female mayor.

Background

Anne Rudin grew up in a working-class Italian American family in Philadelphia during the Great Depression. Rudin started her career as a registered nurse. She was also very active in the local and state League of Women Voters. Rudin was first elected to the Sacramento City Council in 1971.

She played a significant role in the whirlwind of change and growth that transformed Sacramento from a quiet government and agricultural town into a bustling, large city. She cast the lone vote against a controversial plan to develop North Natomas.

Mayoralty

Rudin traveled to distant countries to speak of things not directly related to Sacramento but related to politics such as promoting world peace. She also used the influence of her office to fight for nuclear disarmament, affordable housing, gay rights, local anti-smoking laws, bans on assault weapons, and limits to campaign contributions.

During her time in office, she also pushed for the creation of the regional light-rail system.

Later life and death

She was widowed by her husband, psychiatrist Edward Rudin, who died from prostate cancer on June 12, 2003.

On August 12, 2005, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs awarded Rudin's Foreign Minister's Commendation, which was accompanied by an engraved silver cup, for her efforts in promoting bilateral relations between Japan and United States during her term as mayor.

Rudin died from pneumonia on November 25, 2021, at the age of 97.

References

1. DeBare, Ilana. "After 20 years, question lingers: Can Rudin lead?" Sacramento, California: The Sacramento Bee, April 8, 1991, p. 5 (subscription required).
2. Moleski, Vincent. "Anne Rudin, Sacramento's first elected female mayor dies." Sacramento, California: The Sacramento Bee, November 29, 2021, p. A4 (subscription required).
3. "Raimundo, Jeff. "Anne Rudin Has Dual Role." Sacramento, California: The Sacramento Bee, October 27, 1971, p. 19 (subscription required).
4. DeBare, "After 20 years, question lingers: Can Rudin lead?", in The Sacramento Bee.
5. Moleski, "Anne Rudin, Sacramento's first elected female mayor dies," The Sacramento Bee, November 29, 2021.
6. Sylva, Bob. "Anne in the Arena." Sacramento, California: The Sacramento Bee, March 12, 1986, pp. F1, F4 (subscription required).
7. DeBare, Ilana. "Rudin still bullish on Sacramento." Sacramento, California: The Sacramento Bee, February 2, 1989, p. 14 (subscription required).
8. DeBare, "After 20 years, question lingers: Can Rudin lead?", in The Sacramento Bee.
9. "Enough for Mayor Rudin." Sacramento, California: The Sacramento Bee, January 12, 1992, p. 8 (subscription required).
10. DeBare, "After 20 years, question lingers: Can Rudin lead?", in The Sacramento Bee.
11. "Psychiatrist Edward Rudin, advocate for world peace." Sacramento, California: The Sacramento Bee, June 14, 2003, p. 33 (subscription required).
12. "Former Mayor of Sacramento, Mrs. Anne Rudin, Receives Foreign Minister's Commendation". Consulate-GeneralSan Francisco, Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp. August 12, 2005. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
13. Sacramento’s first woman elected mayor Anne Rudin dies at 97
14. Anne Rudin, first woman elected mayor in Sacramento history, dies at 97

External links

• Anne Rudin Scholarship – League of Women Voters of Sacramento County

• 1924 births
• 2021 deaths
• 20th-century mayors of places in California
• 21st-century American women
• Women mayors of places in California
• American people of Italian descent
• Mayors of Sacramento, California
• Politicians from Philadelphia
• American nurses
• West Philadelphia High School alumni