Wesley Bell

“I am honoring the late Mayor Reggie Jones of Dellwood, Missouri. He was my friend and mentor. He spent over 30 years helping young people and working for his community. We will miss him.”

“Mr. Speaker, this isn’t about politics. This is about a friend, a good man, a husband, a father, a superhero, whose not-so- secret power was that he just happened to be one hell of a public servant, not to mention his sport coat game which was unmatched. I don’t have to talk about my personal experience with him as a mentor, as a leader, and partner on countless initiatives that always were about making things better for the people of Dellwood and of St. Louis County. When unrest ensued in 2014, Mayor Reggie Jones refused to let Dellwood be forgotten in the shadow of its nationally known neighbor. If that wasn’t enough, he had another super, also not-so-secret, power, his service to our kids. Reggie poured countless hours into our young people long before he held public office. For more than 30 years, Reggie served as the Herbert Hoover Club director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. The entire community mourns with his lovely wife, Rukiya; his children; family; and loved ones and is here for them. I will continue to honor Reggie by doing exactly what he would be doing if he were with us now, through work, the work for Dellwood, for St. Louis County, for our youth and anyone who needs a helping hand. Cool Reggie Jones, may his memory be a blessing and may his example be our charge. My friend will be missed.”

• Little substance
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  Speech in the House

  Signal 34 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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“I represent many Bosniak Americans in St. Louis. I am remembering the more than 8,300 Bosniaks killed at Srebrenica 31 years ago. We must not forget this history, and we must support the survivors.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud Representative of the largest Bosniak population outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to stand in solidarity with them. Over the weekend, we marked 31 years since more than 8,300 Bosniaks were murdered at Srebrenica. Today, we remember the victims and stand with the families and survivors. Srebrenica should never have happened, and yet it did--not because the world didn’t know but because in too many places, the world chose to look away. As co-chair of the Bosnia Caucus and as a St. Louisan, I will do everything I can to ensure we are reaffirming our commitment to truth and remembrance. We have an obligation to honor that history and to support those who live with its legacy and trauma every day.”