[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNITION OF JOEL A. KAGANN OF WOODRIDGE, IL, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 
                               RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JUDY BIGGERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2004

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a man who 
exemplifies the very best in public service. His name is Joel Kagann 
and his service to the people of the Village of Woodridge and the 
County of DuPage is unmatched. His contributions are many, and his 
dedication to the highest ideals of service has been unwavering.
  Like so many other outstanding and unsung public servants, Joel 
Kagann began his career as a police officer. That was almost fifty 
years ago, back in 1957 when the Village of Woodridge was just 
beginning to attract returning servicemen looking for a great place to 
raise their young families. Working his way up through the ranks, Joel 
was named Chief of Police for the Village of Woodridge, a post he held 
for nearly a decade, until his retirement in 1978.
  For most mere mortals, that would be enough. But not for Joel Kagann.
  A natural born leader, Joel became Mayor of Woodridge--not because he 
was ambitious or yearning for more, but because his fellow citizens 
entered his name as a ``write-in'' candidate on the ballot in 1973. 
That same year, his leadership talents again were recognized when he 
was appointed Administrative Assistant to the DuPage County Circuit 
Clerk.
  Again working his way up through the ranks, Joel became Senior 
Executive Assistant and then Chief Deputy Circuit Court Clerk. In 1991, 
when his predecessor retired, the DuPage County Circuit Court appointed 
him to the office of Clerk of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court of 
DuPage County. He was elected to the post the following year, and again 
in 1996 and in 2000.
  Despite the demands of his professional obligations, Joel always 
found time to volunteer on local and statewide committees and groups, 
including the Illinois Association of Court Clerks, where he served as 
President in 1999. He holds multiple life memberships in organizations 
such as the International, Illinois, and DuPage County Chiefs of Police 
Associations, the Illinois and DuPage County Police Associations, Lions 
Club, Loyal Order of Moose, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, and 
Woodridge Special Events Committee. Joel is also a founding and active 
member of Saint Scholastica Roman Catholic Church in Woodridge and was 
named ``Citizen of the Year'' by the Village of Woodridge in 1987.
  Mr. Speaker, it is hard to imagine where the Village of Woodridge or 
DuPage County would be today without a man named Joel Kagann. For 47 
years, he has given, and given again, and given still more. He has 
inspired countless other young public servants to give their very best 
efforts to the people they serve.
  Those who have worked with and for him are loyal and devoted fans who 
will follow him anywhere. His commitment and tireless efforts as a 
public servant serve as inspirations to us all. He is a decent man, a 
giving man, and a man who I am so proud to call my friend.
  I am happy to join so many others in congratulating him on his 
retirement and wishing him all the best in the years to come. He will 
never be repaid for the goodness he has so generously shared with 
others, but I guess if you're a man named Joel Kagann, you would never 
expect it.