County Executive Receives Prestigious East-West Gateway ‘Chairman’s Award’
The East-West Gateway Council of Governments presented St. Charles County Executive Joe Ortwerth with its prestigious Chairman’s Award at the organization’s annual meeting and award ceremony at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis on November 17, 2006. The Chairman’s Award is a rarely bestowed honor given to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the St. Louis region.
While delivering the award, EWGCG Chairman Les Sterman recognized Ortwerth’s contributions during his time as County Executive and also his service as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives.
According to Sterman, the award is given to “individuals who recognize that their responsibilities as elected officials go beyond the boundaries of their own jurisdiction. They engage thoughtfully and passionately in regional issues, even though they may get little political benefit at home from doing so.” Sterman also referred to County Executive Ortwerth as a straight shooter who never shrinks from difficult subjects and will always share his honest opinion.
Joe Ortwerth served 12 years in the state legislature and became St. Charles County Executive in 1995. He has served on the EWG Board of Directors for many years, on the Blue Ribbon Panel of the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission and was the leading proponent of the Page Avenue bridge project. County Executive Ortwerth is a strong proponent of ethics in government and is a respected steward of taxpayer dollars. After 12 years as St. Charles County Executive, Mr. Ortwerth is retiring to private life, leaving a fiscally sound government in place for the residents of St. Charles County and his mark on the metropolitan region as a leader of character, integrity and foresight.
