Paul Kozakiewicz: Future Generations Should Know 'Uncle Miltie'

A move is afoot to recognize one of the hardest working legislators who ever represented the people of San Francisco.

Milton Marks, a representative of the people in the state legislature for some 40 years, passed away several years ago, leaving a legacy of public policy legislation. It has been proposed that the Richmond Branch Library share his name. It would be called the Richmond Branch/Milton Marks Library.

Marks' wife Carolene is behind the proposed change. It is fitting, she says, to rename the branch because of her husband's efforts to secure funding for libraries - good times and bad.

Also behind the effort is Kevin Starr, the state librarian of California, who recently wrote a letter to Susan Hildreth, the city's librarian, asking her to consider the name change.

Marks' efforts on behalf of libraries resulted in one major victory when California voters approved a $350 million bond measure for the state's libraries.

During Marks' tenure, he wrote laws that created the Bay Conservation and Development Commission and the "vanity plates for sale" program. He also was internationally known for his efforts to protect workers and families from the harmful effects of asbestos dust. His legislation in this field was emulated in various states.

Marks was born in 1920, a third-generation San Franciscan. He attended Stanford University and served in the Philippines during World War II. After his war detour, Marks attained his law degree from Stanford in 1949.

His first foray into politics at the statewide level came in 1958, when Marks was elected as a Republican to serve in the California Assembly. That election began a commitment to public service that would last until the end of Marks' career in the mid-90s.

In 1966 then-governor Edmund G. Brown appointed him to the municipal bench. After one year on the bench, Marks declared his intention to vacate his seat and run for the state senate, which he did in 1967.

Marks served with a style that is almost unheard of today, showing up for thousands of weddings, anniversaries, funerals, grand openings for businesses, bar mitzvahs and baptisms. He also had an eye for detail, and thousands of Richmond and Sunset residents have received a plaque or notice of achievement via Marks' office. He was legendary for his recognition of the notable events in his constituents' lives. He cared.

He cared so much that people actually called him "Uncle Miltie" - a friend of the family.

I don't know if we'll see the likes of another "uncle" in politics. Somehow I doubt it.

Currently, there is a petition going around supporting the library renaming effort. (There's one at the Beauty Network on Geary Boulevard.)

As well, you can drop a line to City Librarian Susan Hildreth, SF Public Library, 100 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA 94102-4796 or to the SF Library Commission. Communications can be mailed to the commission at the Main Library or via fax at (415) 557-4240.

Currently, there are several library branches named for notable members of their community, including the Anna E. Waden branch in the Bayview, Harvey Milk Memorial at the branch in Eureka Valley and Sally Brunn at the Noe Valley Branch.

Changing the name of the library to Richmond Branch/Milton Marks Library would be a fitting tribute to a man who devoted most of his life to helping ensure a secure library system and a better life for his constituents.