IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION honoring the memory, achievements, and dedication of former County Executive William ("Bill") F. Waris, who served as a community advocate and friend to many.
Intro
RESOLUTION #16414, September 24, 2007
INTRODUCED BY Dan Tarwater, Henry C. Rizzo, Theresa Garza, Fred Arbanas, Scott Burnett, James D. Tindall, Dennis Waits, Greg Grounds, and Bob Spence, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, former County Executive William ("Bill") F. Waris, a dedicated public servant, passed away unexpectedly and far too soon on September 18, 2007, at age 63, surrounded by his loving family; and,
WHEREAS, Bill earned profound respect early in his professional career through his service as principal of a parochial grade school, St. Thomas More and Parish Center, from 1972 - 1982, during which time he also served as basketball coach at Avila University; and,
WHEREAS, Bill entered politics in 1978, winning election to the Jackson County Legislature, 6th District , and eventually serving as Vice-Chair in 1980 and Chair from 1981-82; and,
WHEREAS, in 1982, Bill's love for public service and politics led him to seek the Democratic nomination for County Executive which he won, and from which he springboarded to victory in the general election; and,
WHEREAS, Bill's legacy as County Executive is evidenced in many ways, including shepherding of the first countywide reassessment of real property, his responsibility for securing funding for the Truman Sports Complex and new county construction projects, and his negotiation of new stadium leases with the Chiefs and Royals which ensured the Royals staying in Kansas City; and,
WHEREAS, Bill was instrumental in the establishment of recreation programs for citizens of all ages by securing funding for the construction of new facilities and the development of existing facilities such as the Frank White Sports Complex, the Longview Lake Recreation Center, the Fred Arbanas Golf Course, the Longview Lake Marina and Beach and the Blue Springs Lake Marina and Beach; and,
WHEREAS, Bill's advocacy for charities was exemplified in his establishment of an annual "Jackson County Combined Charities Golf Tournament" and the ever popular holiday display, "Christmas in the Park," both of which programs have been continued by his successors in office; and,
WHEREAS, Bill never retreated after his tenure as County Executive, establishing a distinguished record as a lobbyist for local governments and entities, in which capacity he secured state support for the Truman Sports Complex and additional state support for the Kansas City School District, allowing it to end its desegregation lawsuit; and,
WHEREAS, Bill won high marks from humanitarian advocates for his passionate support of the poor, especially in assisting the Bishop Sullivan Center in taking over the operation of a food pantry and soup kitchen so that the poor could be fed; and,
WHEREAS, in his later years, Bill returned to coaching basketball-the life he knew and loved before politics; and,
WHEREAS, Bill is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Patty, and children, Kathleen Cuddy and husband, Mike, Tim Waris and wife, Amy, Mary Oades and husband, Dan, and Anne Waris, and eight grandchildren; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby honors the memory of former County Executive Bill Waris upon his untimely passing and extends sincere gratitude for his lifelong contributions to the Jackson County community.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________ ______________________________
Chief Deputy County Counselor County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution #16414 of September 24, 2007, was duly passed on September 24, 2007 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _______9________ Nays _______0_______
Abstaining ____0_____ Absent ______0______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino
Clerk of Legislature