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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING COMMISSIONER JERRY BUTLER
WHEREAS, Commissioner Jerry Butler (3rd District) will vacate his seat on the Cook County Board of Commissioners on November 30, 2018 after 32 outstanding years of public service to the residents of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, a native of Sunflower, Mississippi, Commissioner Butler was brought to the City of Chicago during the Great Migration by his parents who were searching for wartime jobs; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Butler grew up in Cabrini-Green projects and attended Washburne Vocational High School; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Butler is a known soul singer, composer and producer who began performing in church and rose to be an award winning artist; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Butler is affectionately known as the “Iceman” for his smooth and effortless style seen throughout his music; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Butler’s musical career began with a rhythm and blues music group he and Curtis Mayfield formed called The Impressions; and
WHEREAS, The Impressions’ hit and gold record, “For Your Precious Love", is a song Commissioner Butler c-wrote; and
WHEREAS, in the 1960s, Commissioner Butler began his solo career where he had numerous hit albums and songs, including "He Will Break Your Heart", "Find Another Girl", "I'm A-Telling You", "Only the Strong Survive", "Moon River", "Need To Belong", "Make It Easy on Yourself", "Let It Be Me", "Brand New Me", "Ain't Understanding Mellow", "Hey, Western Union Man", and "Never Give You Up"; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Butler was inspired by the impact of the civil rights movement and he transitioned from life as a soul artist to life as a public servant; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Butler was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 1985 for the 3rd district, covering areas from Streeterville, Near North, Bronzeville and as southwest as the Auburn Gresham community; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Butler cares deeply about the injustices that occur with the residents of Cook County, in particular devoting his energy to health care; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Butler was instrumental in securing the County’s 1115 waiver which has been implemented as CountyCare, a health care option available to the residents of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, throughout his years of public service, Commissioner Butler has been dedicated to the needs and values of the residents of Cook County;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby extend our sincere and grateful appreciation to Commissioner Jerry Butler for his service 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.
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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