03-R-56

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, the County Board of Cook County may within its discretion pay the Public Guardian an annual salary equal to, but not to exceed, that of the Public Defender of Cook County; and

 

WHEREAS, the salary of the Public Defender was increased to $136,546.00, effective July 1, 2001 pursuant to the 1990 report of the Compensation Review Board and 1990 Senate Joint Resolution No. 192.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the new salary of the Public Guardian of Cook County, be amended in accordance with the above to $136,546.00, effective July 1, 2001 and approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

 

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of January 2003.

 

_________________

 

03-R-57

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, the County of Cook/Sheriff of Cook County, and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, entered into Compulsory Interest Arbitration under Section 14 of the Illinois Public Relations Act; and

 

WHEREAS, a court order has been entered concerning unresolved salary issues covering the period December 1, 1999 through November 30, 2002.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that wage increases as reflected in the schedules be approved by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County.

 

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of January 2003.

 

__________________

 

03-R-58

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR.

PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS,

JOHN P. DALEY, ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN,

CARL R. HANSEN, ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO,

JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY, ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY,

PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS, BOBBIE L. STEELE

AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 

WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called World War II and football hero, Mario “Motts” Tonelli from our midst; and

 

WHEREAS, the son of Italian immigrants, Mario faced profound challenges early in life, at the age of six, he suffered third-degree burns over 80% of his body while playing with a friend from his neighborhood.  Doctors indicated that he might never walk again; and

 

WHEREAS, his father, never was one to give up, constructed a gurney to help Mario maneuver; the device exceeded expectations and Mario eventually went on to become an exceptionally fast and agile runner; and

 

WHEREAS, as a result of his stellar performance at DePaul Academy in football, basketball and track, Mario was recruited by Notre Dame University where he earned All-American honors in football; and

 

WHEREAS, Mr. Tonelli joined the Chicago Cardinals of the early NFL, but World War II forced him to take a detour; and

 

WHEREAS, during the war, Mr. Tonelli became a prisoner of war, forced into the Bataan Death March in the Philippines, he suffered from hunger and dehydration.  Fortunately, he was not one of the 24,000 soldiers who died or were gunned down; and

 

WHEREAS, Mr. Tonelli returned from the war a shadow of his former 200 pound frame, at only a little over 100 pounds, Mr. Tonelli was determined to resume his NFL career.  Impressed with Mario’s unrelenting determination, Cardinals owner Charlie Bidwell gave “Motts” a chance; and

 

WHEREAS, after football in 1946, Mr. Tonelli again defied the odds by entering politics by becoming the youngest member in the history of the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and

 

WHEREAS, with the passing of Mario “Motts” Tonelli, we have lost a courageous World War II veteran and exceptional football player who defied the odds at every turn and inspired all who had an opportunity to meet him.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the more than five million residents of Cook County, does hereby express its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the many friends and loved ones of Mario “Motts” Tonelli; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to the family of Mario “Motts” Tonelli so that his memory may be so honored and ever cherished.

 

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of January 2003.

 

_________________

 

03-R-59

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JERRY BUTLER, COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, FORREST CLAYPOOL,

EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY, ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN,

GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN, ROBERTO MALDONADO,

JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY, ANTHONY J. PERAICA,

MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS, BOBBIE L. STEELE

AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 

WHEREAS, Larry M. Johnson, Jr. began his scouting career on April 22, 1996 at the age of 12, advancing through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life while serving in various leadership positions; and

 

WHEREAS, on December 22, 2002 the Boy Scouts of America Troop #534 held an Eagle Court of Honor at St. Mark United Methodist Church where the troop is chartered for the purpose of awarding the Rank of Eagle Scout to Scout Larry M. Johnson, Jr.; and

 

WHEREAS, since becoming a member of Troop #534 “HEY,” Larry has participated in many camp outings which included several one week summer outings at Camp Blackhawk “GO” at the Owassippe Scout Reservation during 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000.  Moreover, Larry successfully completed 21 mile hikes at Camp Lincoln in New Salem, Illinois in 1996 and 1997; and

 

WHEREAS, Larry has earned the required 21 merit badges of Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Camping, Computers, Cooking, Environmental Science, Family Life, First Aid, Fire Safety, Fish and Wildlife Management, Fishing, Hiking, Leatherwork, Nature, Personal Fitness, Orienteering, Pioneering, Sports, Wood Carving and several additional merit badges reflecting his interest in areas not required; and

 

WHEREAS, the Boy Scouts of America confer the Rank of Eagle Scout to very few of its members.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County congratulate Eagle Scout Larry M. Johnson, Jr. on his achievements and wish him continued success in scouting and in life; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to Eagle Scout Larry M. Johnson, Jr. as recognition of his achievements and a suitable copy be placed in the official proceedings of this Honorable Body.

 

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of January 2003.

_________________

 

03-R-60

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR.

PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS,

JOHN P. DALEY, ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN,

CARL R. HANSEN, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY,

ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS,

BOBBIE L. STEELE AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 

WHEREAS, the Members of the Cook County Board were deeply saddened by the death of Jose Maldonado, Jr., a man with an irrepressible spirit and a passionate energy who will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and by all who benefited from his extraordinary life; and

 

WHEREAS, born in New York City on September 30, 1948 to Jose Maldonado, Sr. and Carmen Figueroa and raised in Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jose Maldonado’s sharp intellect earned him high honors and a degree in mathematics at the University of Puerto Rico; and

 

WHEREAS, Jose Maldonado served as a dedicated bilingual math teacher and baseball coach whose professional expertise and personal approach with thousands of young Latino students of Lake View High School enriched their lives in ways they will never forget; and

 

WHEREAS, in his continual quest to discover new horizons, Jose Maldonado left teaching to become a Loan Officer and later Operations Manager for People’s Choice Mortgage Corporation, founded by his brother in 1988; and

 

WHEREAS, when the day’s work was done, Jose Maldonado transformed himself into a salsa sensation, booking bands at local dance clubs, dancing the night away to salsa music, and forming lifelong bonds with his family of salsa aficionados; and

 

WHEREAS, Jose Maldonado touched the lives of many in little ways and his treasured memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him; and

 

WHEREAS, like the island of Puerto Rico itself as expressed in its anthem, “La Borinqueña”, Jose Maldonado’s life was a “flowering garden of exquisite magic” inspiring everyone to follow their passions and their dreams.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Members of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County do hereby honor the life and memory of Jose Maldonado, Jr. and extend our heartfelt condolences to his devoted mother, Carmen Figueroa-Maldonado, his loving brother, Cook County Commissioner Roberto Maldonado, his two stepdaughters, Yobett Estrada and Yadira Muñiz, his stepson, Andy Muñiz and his niece, Leslie Ann Jeremias; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Jose Maldonado, Jr. as a symbol of our deepest sympathy.

 

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of January 2003.

_________________

 

03-R-61

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR.

PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN P. DALEY, JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL,

EARLEAN COLLINS, ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN,

CARL R. HANSEN, ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO,

JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY, ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY,

PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS, BOBBIE L. STEELE

AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 

WHEREAS, Bill Huffman began his career in public service as a Recreation Leader with the Chicago Park District in 1970; and

 

WHEREAS, in 1978, Bill started working for Cook County as an Operating Engineer I assigned to Cook County Jail; and

 

WHEREAS, in 1981, Bill was promoted to Supervising Chief Engineer at the Department of Corrections; and

 

WHEREAS, Bill’s thorough knowledge of the trades, his integrity, and his interpersonal and leadership skills provided the basis for his rise through the ranks; and

 

WHEREAS, Bill served as the Director of Buildings and Grounds at Cook County Hospital from 1983 - 1990; and

 

WHEREAS, in 1990, he was promoted to Deputy Director of the Office of Capital Planning; and

 

WHEREAS, since 1992 Bill has served as the Director of Facilities Management where he was responsible for the programming, construction planning, maintenance and operation of all Cook County facilities that total more than 15 million square feet; and

 

WHEREAS, Bill served as the County Coordinator during the Chicago Flood in 1992; and

 

WHEREAS, Bill served as the Project Manager of the successful Traffic Court renovation and relocation saving considerable taxpayer dollars; and

 

WHEREAS, in addition to his day-to-day facilities responsibilities, Bill was responsible for all regulatory compliance and response issues with various city, state and federal agencies; and

 

WHEREAS, Bill was most recently responsible for the successful coordination and relocation planning of the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County; and

 

WHEREAS, Bill’s commitment to both Cook County government and the trade community resulted in his appointment as a board member of the Cook County 911 Board and as a trustee of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 399; and

 

WHEREAS, on February 7, 2003, William R. Huffman will retire from public service after more than thirty years; and

 

WHEREAS, Bill will begin a new chapter in his life at the University of Chicago where he will serve as the Associate Dean for Facilities in the Biological Sciences Division; and

 

WHEREAS, Bill Huffman is the father of two terrific young adults, Lauren and William, and the loving husband of Dr. Patricia Rush; and

 

WHEREAS, Bill Huffman is a consummate professional whose myriad contributions to Cook County government will be sorely missed.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, John H. Stroger, Jr., along with all the Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of all citizens of Cook County, do hereby congratulate and thank William R. Huffman for his many years of exemplary service and send ‘best wishes’ for good health and happiness as he enters a new phase of his professional life; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to William R. Huffman in recognition of the countless contributions he has made to Cook County Government.

 

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of January 2003.

_________________

 

03-R-62

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR.

PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 

WHEREAS, Kup's Column, which celebrated its 60th Anniversary on January 18th of this year, has the distinction of being the longest-running newspaper column in the nation; and

 

WHEREAS, Irv Kupcinet, who began his legendary career in 1935 as a sportswriter for the Chicago Sun-Times, still maintains a voracious appetite for knowledge and continues to display the unrivaled work ethic he developed early in life; and

 

WHEREAS, Mr. Kupcinet's voluminous Rolodex, engaging writing style and reputation as a down-to-earth “regular guy” helped to make Kup's Column the most-widely read feature in Chicago; and

 

WHEREAS, in addition to excelling in print, “Kup” has the distinction of being a pioneer in the electronic medium known as television; his ground-breaking program, Kup's Show, premiered in February 1959, and ran for a record 27 years, providing richly-textured insight into the lives of celebrities from around the globe; and

 

WHEREAS, as a result of being on the cutting-edge and years ahead of its time, Kup's Show was honored with the prestigious Peabody Award for nearly three decades of innovative television programming; and

 

WHEREAS, Kup also has the unique distinction of being a member of four Halls of Fame, one for journalism and one for sports; in addition to the Jewish and University of North Dakota Halls of Fame; and

 

WHEREAS, now, as he approaches the age of 91, Mr. Kupcinet still has the “fire in his belly,” and continues to be an inspiration to individuals from all walks of life and from all over the globe.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the more than five million residents of Cook County, does hereby applaud the varied journalistic and humanitarian contributions of Irv Kupcinet; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to Irv Kupcinet to help commemorate 60 years of journalistic excellence.

 

Approved and adopted this 23rd day of January 2003.