[7] During his three-term tenure, he sponsored several key pieces of legislation, focusing on a range of public policy concerns including education, juvenile justice, prison reform, social welfare, and energy issues.
White also conducted the first City Council hearings on HIV and AIDS at a time when both public and medical knowledge were very limited and national policy had not yet acknowledged the health and humanitarian crises they posed.
While Secretary, White modernized the statewide mental health system, closing outdated, oversized hospitals and creating the framework for the development of community-based programs.
After a brief stint in the private sector, White was appointed by the Clinton Administration in 1993 to serve a four-year term as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA).
[11] The Philadelphia Inquirer commented on White's administration by saying, "Political leaders must forge a consensus that PHA should be allowed to carry out its primary mission – decent, safe housing for poor citizens.
[13] Educated in the Philadelphia public schools, he showcased his musical talent which won him a seat playing French horn in the prestigious All City Orchestra.