A Resolution Honoring the Life of Cook County Commissioner Robert B. Steele
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that the members of this Chamber learned of the death of Cook County Commissioner Robert B. Steele on June 19, 2017 at the age of 55; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Steele was born on June 29, 1961 at Cook County Hospital to former Cook County Commissioner and Board President Bobbie Steele; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Steele earned a degree from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland where he was a member of the Omega Psi Fraternity; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Steele had a long and distinguished history of public service working as the Community Outreach Manager for the Chicago Park District and the Executive Director of the Lawndale Business & Local Development Corporation before taking office as Commissioner of Cook County's 2nd District in 2006, where he dutifully represented residents from Chicago's west, downtown and south side communities; and
WHEREAS, As Commissioner, he served as the President Pro-Tempore of the Cook County Board and the Forest Preserve District Board, as well as serving as the chairman of the Contract Compliance Committee and the Environmental Control Committee and as the vice chairman of the Health and Hospitals Committee; and
WHEREAS, He was a reliable partner for the 3rd Ward, always looking for ways the County and the City could work together to help residents through projects like road resurfacing, accessing employment, health care services, and beautification projects; and
WHEREAS, Outside of his elected duties, Commissioner Steele remained active in the community serving as a member of the Mt. Sinai Hospital board of directors, the Gift of Hope board of directors, the president of the board of trustees of Frazier Preparatory Academy, a member of the board of the National Association of Counties Officials and a past president of the National Association of Black County Officials; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong Chicagoan, Commissioner Steele was well known for his sense of humor, his gracious nature, his love for his community and his advocacy for issues he cared deeply about like organ donation. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to know him or work with him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Commissioner Steele during this difficult time; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here in assembly this 28th Day of June, 2017 A.D., do hereby offer our sincerest condolences to the family of Commissioner Robert B. Steele; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Commissioner Robert B. Steele.
Pat Dowell Alderman, 3rd Ward