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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING COMMISSIONER JERRY BUTLER
WHEREAS, Commissioner Jerry Butler, began his career, in 1985 as a Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioner and will complete his tenure after thirty-three years of service, on November 30, 2018; and
WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County “to acquire, restore and manage lands for the purpose of protecting and preserving public open space with its natural wonders, significant prairies, forests, wetlands, rivers, streams, and other landscapes with all of its associated wildlife, in a natural state for the education, pleasure and recreation of the public now and in the future;” and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves District of Cook County has an over one hundred-year history, currently spans almost seventy thousand acres, shares over sixty million visits annually, and contributes immeasurably to the quality of life of residents of Cook County and scientific research and conservation, including public-private partnerships with the Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic Garden; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Butler earned a bachelors’ degree and a masters’ degree in Public Administration from Governor’s State University; and
WHEREAS, he began a career in the music business at age eighteen, by forming the singing group ‘The Impressions’, and later earned the name “The Iceman” for his smooth, cool delivery and effortless style; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Jerry Butler has over forty years in the music industry and serves as chair of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with members of ‘The Impressions’ Curtis Mayfield, Sam Gooden, Fred Cash, an Arthur Brooks and Richard Brooks; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Jerry Butler, political career was inspired by his awareness of the civil rights era and by his desire to be a dedicated supporter of the late, Mayor Harold Washington. He remained steadfast and passionate about the injustices that took place in county law enforcement and health care; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Jerry Butler served as a member of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners in the following committees: Audit, Botanic Garden, Contract Compliance, Finance, Finance Subcommittee on Labor, Law Enforcement, Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations, and Real Estate; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby extend our sincere and grateful appreciation to Commissioner Jerry Butler for his exemplary career in public service and on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and our best wishes to him for continued success, happiness, and good health in the years to come; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of same be tendered to Commissioner Jerry Butler.
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