CON/S.
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
May 6, 2015
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith a congratulatory resolution regarding our departing colleague Alderman James A. Balcer.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,
■ »ftht Gity of Bliicago, Illinois
MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL .« •". MAY 6.2015
resented by mayor rahm emanuel on
\ereas , The Members of this Chamber are proud to congratulate our
friend and colleague, Alderman James Bdlcer, oh his eighteen years of
exemplary and dedicated service to the people of the 11th Ward and the City 6f
Chicago; and . ;>v,. v.; '.A
WHEREAS, Born and raised in the Bridgeport neighborhood on Chicago's Southwest Side, Alderman Balcer committed himself to public service at an early{ age. He served pur Country with distinction as a member of the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. A decorated war hero. Alderman Balcer is the proud recipient of three Purple Hearts for wounds he sustained in action against an enemy of the United States and of the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in a combat zone; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Balcer began his long career in governmental service as Director of Veterans Affairs for the City of Chicago, a position he held from 1989 to 1997; and
WHEREAS, Appointed to the Chicago City Council in 1997 to fill a vacant aldermanic seat. Alderman Balcer was first elected as Alderman of the 11th Ward in 1999. He was then re-elected by his constituents to three: additional consecutive terms in office; and 'V*;-.'
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career as Alderman of the 1 l,h Ward, Alderman Balcer was d fervent advocate for our Nation's veterans. He worked tirelessly not only to honor the lives of those men and women who died in the line of duty, but to ensure that returning veterans and their families receive the care and support that they need and deserve. The many causes he championed on their behalf include increasing veterans' healthcare benefits
and access to medical treatment; making it easier for veterans to.'obtq|n:jiobsi'
when they return home; especially in the fields of police dnd fire protection; and
spreading awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder and the tragically
high rates of suicide! among the veteron population. Thanks •■ to Alderman
Balcer's persistence, dedicqtion qnd leqdership, the lives of Chic.qgo's veterans
hove mqrkedly improved; qnd ■■.;/■ f.A - v
WHEREAS, Alderman Balcer's unwavering devotion to our Nation's veterans qnd his willingness to use his public office to draw attention to their plight has served as qn inspiring rerriinder to all Chicqgoans of our collective duty, as citizens of this great Nation, to honor our yeterans for the sacrifices they have mdd^ in defense of our freedoms, and to 'ensurfe^that^^hey''andth.eir. famjlies qre prpperly cared for and never forgotten; and : ^
: WHEREAS, Ala"ermaii Bqlcer qlso worked diligently to improve the quality of life in the ll,h Wqrd. He speqrheqded efforts to foster the growth of local businesses there qnd to increase the jevel of city services in the community. His many/: notable legislative achievements include : cosppnsoring the 2014 ordinance ratifying the City's current collective bargaining agreementwithfthe Fraternal Order of Police, as well, qs an ambitious drdiridnce that greatly strengthened the City of Chicago'sBuilding Code; and -V
V WHEkEAS, Alderman Bqlcer has served with distinction oh niany Chicago City Council committees, including, most recently, as the Choir of the Gdnrimittee on Public- Safety, and qs a member of the Committees d/nAyidtion; Budget qnd Operations; Committees, Rules ond Ethics; Fihqnce; Health dnd Environmental Protection; Housing and Real Estate; and Pedestrian and Traffic Safety; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Mem the City Gouhcil pf
the City of Chicago, assembled this sixth day of May, 2015, do hereby extend to . i
, Alderman James Bqlcer our deepest,gratitudeand thanks for his many years of ]
exceptional service to the people of Chicago, and our best Wishes for continued : i
success in all of his future endeavors;dnd - .;. •• j
;. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; That a suitable copy- of this resolution be j
presented to Alderman James Balcer as a token of our-appreciation and ; •
esteem. .-' y-CZy' ■ '■.■>v ■ ','"v.-'- -'■ \" y :!;:'■':: 'Vv : ' ■
