John Stroger facts for kids

John H. Stroger Jr. (born May 19, 1929 – died January 18, 2008) was an important American politician. He made history as the first African-American president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners in Illinois. He served in this role from 1994 to 2006. Stroger was a member of the Democratic Party. He also led the National Association of Counties for a time. A hospital in Cook County, Stroger Hospital, was named in his honor.

John Stroger's Early Life

John Stroger was born on May 19, 1929, in Helena, Arkansas. He went to Xavier University in Louisiana. In 1953, he earned a degree in business. After college, Stroger moved to Chicago. He quickly became involved in the Democratic Party on the South Side of Chicago.

Just one year later, he became an assistant auditor for the Municipal Court of Chicago. From 1955 to 1961, Stroger worked as the personnel director for the Cook County Jail. He also studied law at DePaul University College of Law. He graduated in 1965. While studying law, he worked for the State of Illinois's financial director.

In 1968, Stroger was elected as the 8th Ward Committeeman. This was an important local political role. In 1970, he was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners. As a Commissioner, he led many important committees. These included finance, health, and building. He also supported laws to help businesses owned by minorities and women.

Leading Cook County

As president of the Cook County Board, John Stroger achieved many goals. He successfully managed the county's large $2.9 billion budget. He also created a special group to focus on women's issues. He opened a new facility for AIDS treatment and research.

Stroger was involved with the Chicago Metropolitan Healthcare Council. He also served on the board of South Shore Hospital. The new Cook County Hospital was renamed the John H. Stroger Jr. Cook County Hospital in his honor. This happened while he was still the County Board President. Stroger also led the National Association of Counties. Former President Bill Clinton chose him to be part of an important government advisory committee.

Family and Beliefs

John Stroger was a dedicated member of St. Felicitas Catholic Church. This church is located on the South Side of Chicago. He was married to Yonnie, and they had three children. Two of their children, Todd and Yonnie Lynn, are still alive. Their son, Hans Eric, passed away a year after graduating from his father's college. John Stroger's son, Todd Stroger, later became the Cook County Board President, following in his father's footsteps.

Challenges as Board President

In his later years as president, John Stroger faced some criticism. Some people felt his administration had problems. However, his supporters said he worked hard. They believed he dedicated his life to providing good healthcare. This healthcare was for people in Cook County who needed it most.

Campaigns for President

In 1994, John Stroger ran for Cook County Board President. He won the Democratic primary election. The previous president, Richard Phelan, did not run again. Stroger then easily defeated Republican Aurelia Pucinski in the main election. Many people were surprised by how well he did.

In 1998, he won the Democratic primary again. He defeated Cook County Commissioner Calvin Sutker. In 2002, Stroger had no opponent in the Democratic primary. He then won the general election against Republican Christopher Bullock by a large margin. Stroger sought a fourth term in 2006. He was challenged by Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool. Claypool ran as a reform candidate. He said Stroger's government was too big.

The 2006 Election

The 2006 election was very talked about in Cook County. Just one week before the primary election, John Stroger became very ill. Despite this, he still won his party's support. He won against Claypool by 53 percent to 47 percent. Information about how serious Stroger's health was not fully shared with voters. This might have helped him win the primary. It also prevented other candidates from challenging the replacement Democrat later.

In late June 2006, John Stroger was removed from the Democratic ticket. His son, Todd Stroger, took his place. Stroger also resigned as Cook County Board President on August 1. Bobbie L. Steele became the interim president. Some people, including Republicans, felt it was unfair for his son to take over.

Todd Stroger faced Republican Tony Peraica in the election. Peraica was a strong critic of John Stroger's time in office. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley strongly supported Todd Stroger. Todd Stroger also had strong support from the Cook County Democratic Party. While Peraica did well in the suburbs, Todd Stroger's support in Chicago helped him win. He won the election with 54 percent of the total vote.

John Stroger's Final Years

John Stroger had several health issues throughout his life. He had diabetes and had battled prostate cancer. In 2001, he had a major heart surgery. In March 2006, he suffered a severe stroke. This caused him to have partial paralysis. After this stroke, John Stroger never appeared in public again.

More information about Stroger's health was shared over time. In July 2006, a TV station reported he was back in the hospital. He had suffered seizures. In December 2007, Todd Stroger spoke about his father's health. He said his father had been improving until the seizures started. After that, he said, "He's not been better since."

John Stroger passed away on January 18, 2008, at age 78. Before he died, he cast an absentee ballot for Barack Obama. This was for the Illinois Democratic Presidential Primary.