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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF LEE A. STEPHENSON
WHEREAS, Lee A. Stephenson retired on September 30, 2018 from the Forest Preserves of Cook County after serving eight (8) years as the Director of the Landscape Maintenance Department; and
WHEREAS, Lee A. Stephenson provided forty-nine (49) years of public service in the Parks and Recreation field as Operations Supervisor for the Chicago Park District, Deputy Director of Recreation for the Detroit Park District and Director of Landscape Maintenance for the Forest Preserves of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, he played an integral role in the development and implementation of policies, new programs and initiatives which helped restructure the Forest Preserves Landscape Maintenance Department through its transitional period; and
WHEREAS, Lee A. Stephenson, as Director, recognized hundreds of dedicated employees from the Landscape Maintenance Department through his annual Employee Appreciation Picnic which promoted the value of hard work and dedication to the Forest Preserves of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, he actively served his community with honor and dedication as a community organizer for the past fifty (50) years; and
WHEREAS, he received several awards for his public service to the City of Chicago and was recipient of the Kathy Osterman Award in 1991 for Outstanding Supervisory Services; and
WHEREAS, he enlisted as a Corporal in the United States Army and served with distinction in the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, he is the beloved husband of thirty-two (32) years to his late wife, Golia Jean and devoted father to his four (4) children; Lee Jr., Omar, Yvette, and Lisa and is grateful for their support and understanding throughout his years of public service; and
WHEREAS, the true legacy of Lee A. Stephenson lies in the profound effect he had on others with his giving spirit, his leadership, his kind-hearted approach and his positive impact on all; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Toni Preckwinkle, along with the members of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners, General Superintendent Arnold L. Randall, and on behalf of all citizens of Cook County, do hereby congratulate Mr. Lee A. Stephenson on a long career in public service and thank him for his many contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this resolution be tendered to him and his family in recognition of his career, contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County, service to residents and visitors, and his passion for public service.
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