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BY: 77ie Mayor and Entire Council
<br />.?.
<br />CITY OF NORTH OLMSTED
<br />RESOLUTION NO. 93-161 ?
<br />?
<br />A RESOL UTION COMMENDING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF JAMES
<br />L. LEONARD COUNCILMAN FOR WARD 1 IN THE CITY OF NORTH
<br />OLMSTED.
<br />WHEREAS, James L. Leonard has distinguished himself in public service to his community; and
<br />WHEREAS, It is the desire of this Council to recognize and commend that public service by sening fonh herein his
<br />outstanding achievements, personal abilities and strengths together with his public contributions:
<br />James L. Leonard as a young man with a growing family first became involved as a public servant for the City of North
<br />Olmsted when he was elected to Council for Ward 1 in 1961. He served in that o,,?`'ice with distinction from January 1, 1962 through
<br />December 31, 1965. During this period of rapid growth, Jim Leonard activety offered ideas and insight with respect to charting
<br />the course for the future growth of our City. All who knew him back in his earty days would never characterize him as shy or
<br />introspective; on the contrary, he aggressively fought for his programs and ideas and was known and respected for his fzery no
<br />nonsense demeanor. He was recognized, upon leaving o.,f j`'ice, by this council for his contributions with the adoption of Resolution
<br />65-320 on December 21, 1965.
<br />This Council does not deem it appropriate to simply honor James L. Leonard by viewing his historical record as a public
<br />servant because we recognize that view of the "o„?'icial record" only gives a panial picture of the man we honor.
<br />Jim Leonard served his country during World War II as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In that rank he served
<br />as a navigator from September 1943 to February 1946.
<br />Jim was blessed when he married his lovely wife Mary in 1949. (Who, by the way, is known for her shy and introspecrive
<br />wuys and as being a delightful person) Jim was funher blessed with six wonderful children: James, William, Coletta, Marian, Mary
<br />Bedz and Carol. Jim and Mary also take great delight in their ten grandchildren.
<br />Jim and his family have been members of St. Richard's Parish for thirty five years. As a devout Catholic, Jim is a member
<br />of the First Friday Club and can be seen on a daily basis attending mass at St. Richard's Catholic Church.
<br />Jim worked for Ford Motor Company from 1951 until his, one of several, retirements in 1980. In 1963, he was the recipient
<br />of tlze prestigious Ford Motor Company Community Service Citation Award. While employed at Ford, he earned a Bachelor of
<br />Science Degree in Industrial Management.
<br />Jim Leonard, after leaving City Council in 1965 served for five years on the Nonh Olmsted Planning Commission.
<br />James L. Leonard after a brief retirement from Ford Motor Company was appointed Executive Director of the Chamber of
<br />Commerce in 1981 and served with distinction until January 1, 1987
<br />Afier another brief retirement from the ChambEr of Commerce, Jim Leonard, not having had his fill of political life, ran
<br />for City Council for Ward 1 in November of 1989 and won. Since taking o„?'ice on January 1, 1990, Jim Leonard has been a valued
<br />member of Council. He has served as chairperson of the Transportation Committee and held membership on the Environmental.
<br />Control Committee, Finance Committee and Public Safery, Health and Welfare Committee. His voting record on Council has always
<br />displayed consistent deliberation. He was never considered to be a"yes man ", but at the same time, could always be counted on
<br />as a team player looking out for the best interests of the citizens of North Olmsted. Now after four more years of public service,
<br />Jim has once again decided to retire. But, then again, with his past record, there undoubtedly will be other mountains to climb
<br />and rivers to ford.
<br />This Council does wish Councilman James L. Leonard the best of luck. May he continue to enjoy the things he loves best;
<br />the relationship with his family and his church, his activities with fellow retired employees of Ford Motor Company, and his
<br />voluiateer service with St. John Westshore Hospital. May he come to enjoy his "retirement" which he richly deserves.
<br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH OLMSTED, COUNTY OF
<br />CUYAHOGA AND STATE OF OHIO:
<br />SECTION 1: That the Council of the City of North Olmsted personally and collectively and on behalf of the Mayor and
<br />Administration and all residents of the City, honors the public service of James L. Leonard, and extereds its debt of gratitude to him.
<br />SECTION 2: Be it further resalved that this Resolution be spread in full upon the records of this Council and that the Clerk
<br />uf i:utincii is ner•eny airected ro Jorwara a ciuiy authenticated artd executed copy of this Resolution to James L. Leonard.
<br />SECTION 3: That this resolution shall be in ect from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
<br />Passed: December 21, 1993
<br />Attes • December 21, 1993 ? James D. Boehmer, President of Council
<br />??-
<br />arbara L. Semctn, Clerk of ouncil Mayor Edward Boyle
<br />Approved: December 21, 1993
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