[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOE BOLGER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor one of Jackson County's 
finest political leaders, Joe Bolger, Jr. who died on November 18, 
2008. He grew up proud of his Eastern Jackson County roots. He attended 
the University of Missouri and graduated with a bachelor of science in 
1955. By the age of 36 he was happily married to Joanne Kobe Bolger and 
had three children, Kathleen, Brian and Craig. By this time in his 
life, he had garnered the respect of his community as he served as 
president of the Jackson County Chamber and had been appointed to the 
State Water Pollution Board by Missouri Governor Warren E. Hearnes. 
With the support of friends and family he entered the political arena 
running for the Democratic nomination for Jackson County Eastern 
District Judge, a seat that had been held by President Harry S. Truman. 
He filed his papers at the Jackson County Clerk's office in the 
Independence Courthouse, which he insisted was the real county seat, a 
debate that continues today.
  In 1970 Joe Bolger, Jr. was elected Eastern Judge of Jackson County, 
joining Presiding Judge George W. Lehr and Western Judge Harry Wiggins. 
All three judges were in their 30's with Joe Bolger, Jr. being the 
youngest of the judges. They were a dynamic combination and set Jackson 
County on a path of prosperity and growth. He was a strong advocate and 
defender for Eastern Jackson County. He believed in listening and 
learning from his constituents. While fighting for the rights of 
Eastern Jackson County, Joe Bolger, Jr. stated in The Kansas City Star 
article, ``We would like to look upon you as our big brother. . . . not 
be seen as stepchildren. The eastern and western districts are two 
different worlds, and I'm not pleased with your attitude toward the 
balance of the county.'' He spoke of the future and warned that the 
population would soon shift outside Kansas City. He fought for the 
sports complex, infrastructure improvements, economic opportunities, 
and better schools.
  He served for two years, 1971 and 1972. History will record that he 
was the last Eastern Jackson County Judge. In his last year, 1972, the 
Truman Sports Complex opened in Eastern Jackson County. We were the 
talk of the sports nation as we cut the ribbon on the top designed 
major league facilities.
  By 1973, Jackson County had adopted a charter form of government, 
consisting of a County Executive and 15 legislators. Joe Bolger Jr. was 
voted to continue his service as a member of the original 15 
legislators, representing northeast Jackson County. He was a powerful 
voice as he served with three Jackson County Executives. After the 
second County Executive, Mike White, decided not to run for another 
term, many asked Joe Bolger, Jr. to run but he declined. He served on 
the Jackson County Legislature for ten years, leaving all of Jackson 
County a better place to live. He brought industry and commerce to 
Eastern Jackson County and watched as the population grew. He was 
instrumental in the Little Blue Valley Sewer District and the continued 
development of Eastern Jackson County. He believed in a Truman style of 
government of plain speaking and respect for his community. He will 
always be remembered as highly intelligent, a caring father, and 
advocate for his constituency.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in expressing our appreciation to the 
life and accomplishments of Joe Bolger, Jr. His legacy lives on in 
Jackson County as his work and dedication lead to the betterment of our 
community. I urge my colleagues of the 110th Congress to join me in 
remembering a great man from Eastern Jackson County.

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