RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 5, 2021
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners congratulating former Mayor James Sexton on his retirement
Body
WHEREAS, former Mayor James Sexton proudly served as the mayor of the Village of Evergreen Park, Illinois (Evergreen Park) for 20 years. Elected in the spring of 2001, Mr. Sexton set about making practical changes in Evergreen Park which would have an enduring impact on both the residents and the community; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sexton was born and raised in Chicago, where he attended Little Flower Grammar and High School. Following graduation, he attended Loyola University Chicago, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education in 1974; and
WHEREAS, in 1977, Mr. Sexton moved to Evergreen Park with his wife Karen and his eldest son James Jr. Attracted by its small-town atmosphere, Mr. Sexton believed that Evergreen Park was the perfect place to settle with his growing family; and
WHEREAS, inspired by his parents to pursue a career in public service, Mr. Sexton first sought public office in 1987 when he was elected to serve on the Evergreen Park Village Board of Trustees. After serving two terms, Mr. Sexton was then elected as the Evergreen Park Village Clerk in 1995. He served in that position until 2001, when he was elected Mayor; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the financial fragility of the small Chicago area suburb, Mr. Sexton focused on economic development of Evergreen Park and the renovation of 95th street, the main thoroughfare. While in office, Mr. Sexton oversaw the redevelopment of the Evergreen Park Plaza from an antiquated indoor mall to an outdoor open-air shopping center; and
WHEREAS, additionally, Mr. Sexton welcomed the arrival of many large retail stores along 95th street, which not only transformed the visual appeal of Evergreen Park, but also significantly contributed to its financial stability; and
WHEREAS, furthermore, Mr. Sexton guided the creation of Yukich Fields and 50 Acre Park. Yukich Fields is a green space area which consists of soccer, football, and softball fields, a fitness track, and an ice rink, while 50 Acre Park is home to an urban barn, a driving range, and a disc golf course; and
WHEREAS, after numerous years of serving the residents of Evergreen Park, Mr. Sexton decided not to seek re-election for the office of mayor in April of 2021. As such, he became officially retired in May when Mayor Kelly Burke was sworn into office; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby congratulate James Sexton on his retirement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of the same, suitably engrossed, be presented to James Sexton.
Dated: August 5, 2021