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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING COMMISSIONER DEBORAH SIMS
WHEREAS, Commissioner Deborah Sims will vacate her seat on the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners in the near future after 28 years of service to the residents of Cook County and visitors to the Forest Preserves of Cook County; 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 Preserve District of Cook County has an over one hundred-year history, currently spanning almost seventy thousand acres, experiencing over one hundred million visits annually, and contributing immeasurably to the quality of life of residents of Cook County, scientific research and conservation -- including public-private partnerships with the Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic Garden; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Sims has served as the President Pro Tempore of the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners and Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Capital Development and has served as a member of the Committees on the Botanic Garden, Contract Compliance, Finance, Labor, Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations, Real Estate, and Rules and Administration where her leadership and insights have aided the Forest Preserves in advancement of its mission and improved the quality of life of Cook County residents and Forest Preserves visitors; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Sims, a dedicated public servant, made her mark on the Forest Preserves for generations to come in many ways including making the motion to add all Commissioners as sponsors -- to Resolution 21-0532, the resolution placing the November 2022 referendum to benefit the Forest Preserves on the ballot for Cook County voters; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Sims attended Chicago Public Schools as well as Chicago City Colleges. She has more than 28 years of professional experience and specializes in economic and community development. She has held positions with the City of Chicago Department of Human Services as a Youth Intervention Worker and Youth Service Coordinator. These positions involved working with Chicago Public Schools, Youth Service Agencies and teenagers on the South Side of Chicago.
WHEREAS, Commissioner Sims has received an Honorary Associate of Arts degree from South Suburban College and has served as past President of the National Association of Black County Officials (NABCO). She also served on the City of Chicago NeighborSpace board and is a member of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President, and Members of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby extend their sincere and grateful appreciation to Commissioner Deborah Sims for her exemplary career in public service and wish her their best 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 Deborah Sims.
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