IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION honoring the life and achievements of former Kansas City Mayor Richard "Dick" Berkley who passed away November 29, 2023.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21501, December 11, 2023
INTRODUCED BY DaRon McGee, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer, and Sean E. Smith, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, former Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Richard "Dick" Berkley passed away November 29, 2023; and,
WHEREAS, born as Richard Berkowitz in 1931, Dick Berkley embarked on a journey of academic excellence, obtaining his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and a master's degree in business administration from Harvard Business School in 1957; and,
WHEREAS, Dick Berkley was instrumental in the success of the Kansas City-based Tension Corporation, formerly known as Tension Envelope Corporation, where he served as treasurer and as a member of the company's board of directors; and,
WHEREAS, Dick Berkley's commitment to public service was exemplified during his tenure on the City Council of Kansas City, Missouri from 1969 to 1979, where he served as mayor pro tem from 1971 to 1979, and in 1979, he was elected the 50th mayor of Kansas City, serving until 1991, making him the longest serving Kansas City mayor; and,
WHEREAS, Mayor Dick Berkley's remarkable leadership left an indelible mark on the region, as he championed a federal investigation into the tragic Hyatt Regency walkway collapse in 1981 and spearheaded over 700 capital improvement projects, including the significant expansion of the Bartle Hall Convention Center and the revitalization of the Quality Hill neighborhood; and,
WHEREAS, the Richard L. Berkley Riverfront Park stands as a testament to Mayor Berkley's enduring contributions to the city, providing a space for reflection and recreation along the Missouri River, symbolizing his dedication to the community and the d...
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