(November 3, 2008) City of Bell, CA – Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard presented a Certificate of Congressional Recognition to Councilman George Cole commemorating his 24 years of service as member of Bell City Council, including four terms as mayor, at a ceremony held at the Bell Community Center.

“I am pleased to be here tonight to celebrate the notable career of someone I consider a good friend, Councilman George Cole,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.  “For over 24 years, George has demonstrated his commitment to the enrichment of Bell and our community.  He has played an important role in identifying unmet needs of Southeast residents and forging innovative solutions—be they related to health, education, housing, or recreational opportunities … These are just a few of his obvious contributions.  His other contributions are harder to quantify, but include his ability to inspire, give hope and to be greatly valued by everyone around him.”

During his time on the Bell City Council, Councilman Cole has been successful at identifying community needs and working with local residents and community-based organizations to achieve lasting solutions. 

To help students, he assisted in forming new parent groups focused on reaching out to school officials and bringing attention to student drop-out rates.  To augment the education of Bell’s youth, Councilman Cole sought to establish a free after school tutoring program.  As a way to develop a well-rounded environment for youth, Councilman Cole was also influential in creating several new youth programs such as a teen counseling center and expanding existing ones like the youth sports leagues.

For adults, Councilman Cole’s tenure included the support of a health and wellness center to educate families on health issues and provide a location for fitness and research, which is still in its development following the recent passage of a state grant.  Also, the Councilmember’s attention to senior citizen issues led him to assist in developing Bell’s first senior living complex.  Due to an overwhelming response by senior residents, a second senior complex soon followed.  Through the assistance of local organizations, Councilman Cole has been a mediator for strengthening the lives of seniors in Bell by providing transportation, meal, and social service programs.

Councilman Cole announced his retirement on October 7, 2008 at a bi-monthly city council meeting, but will remain serving as the Executive Director of Oldtimers Foundation in Huntington Park.

Pictured in the photo from left to right: Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; Councilman George Cole; and his wife, Judi Cole.