Jerry Costello

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Jerry Costello – Life, Career, and Public Service

: Jerry F. Costello (born September 25, 1949) is an American Democratic politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1988 to 2013. Explore his background, legislative priorities, controversies, and legacy.

Introduction

Jerry Francis Costello (born September 25, 1949) is a prominent American politician and public figure, best known for his 25-year tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. A Democrat from Illinois, Costello represented first the 21st and later the 12th Congressional District from 1988 until his retirement in 2013. Over that span, he earned a reputation as a committed advocate on transportation, infrastructure, science & energy, and regional development. This article examines his early life, political career, key initiatives, controversies, and lasting influence.

Early Life, Education & Family

Jerry Costello was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on September 25, 1949. Assumption High School in East St. Louis in 1968.

He then studied at Southwestern Illinois College (Belleville, IL) and earned a B.A. from Maryville College (Missouri), majoring in political science and the administration of justice.

Costello is married to Georgia Cockrum.

Early Career & Entry into Politics

Before entering Congress, Costello built a career in law enforcement, judicial administration, and county government:

• He served as a court bailiff, deputy sheriff, and director of court services & probation in St. Clair County, Illinois.

• He also worked as a chief investigator for the Illinois State Attorney’s office in St. Clair County.

• In 1980, he was elected chairman of the St. Clair County Board (effectively the county executive role), serving in that capacity until 1988.

This local and regional experience grounded him in constituency needs and administrative governance — a foundation for his later federal work.

U.S. House of Representatives (1988–2013)

Entry & Electoral History

Costello entered Congress via a special election held August 9, 1988, after the death of Representative Melvin Price.

Initially, he represented Illinois’s 21st District (1988–1993). Illinois’s 12th District from 1993 until his retirement in January 2013.

Over his reelection campaigns, Costello typically won with comfortable margins: after his first election, he received at least 60% of votes in most subsequent races.

In October 2011, he announced he would not seek re-election in 2012, and he left office on January 3, 2013.

Committee Assignments & Policy Focus

During his Congress years, Costello served on several key committees:

• Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, including subcommittees on Aviation, Railroads, Pipelines & Hazardous Materials, and Water Resources & Environment.

• Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, including subcommittees on Energy & Environment.

He was particularly active in transportation and aviation safety policy. For example, after the 2009 Colgan air crash (Buffalo, NY), he helped draft and pass enhanced aviation pilot training and safety legislation — seen as the strongest such reform in decades.

Costello was known as a “go-to” member on infrastructure issues, advocating for his district’s transportation and water projects, and also pushing for renewable energy and scientific research funding.

Notable Actions & Controversies

• In 1996, federal prosecutors alleged that Costello was an unindicted co-conspirator in a plan to build a riverboat casino. Costello denied involvement, testified before a grand jury, and was never indicted.

• In 1997, an ethics complaint was filed via the Congressional Accountability Project seeking an investigation; no formal action resulted.

• Costello co-sponsored H.R. 3 — the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which sought stricter limits on federal funding for abortion.

• Late in his tenure, Costello was mentioned as a possible candidate for U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Obama, though that position ultimately went to Ray LaHood.

Legacy & Post-Congress

After leaving Congress, Costello formed The Jerry Costello Group, LLC, offering services and advocacy for government agencies, trade organizations, and businesses. Board of Directors of Ullico, Inc.

In 2016, he served as a presidential elector from Illinois.

Though out of office, Costello’s legislative record, especially in transportation and infrastructure, continues to influence policy debates in Illinois and beyond.

Style, Reputation & Traits

Jerry Costello cultivated an image as a pragmatic, constituent-focused Democrat who prioritized tangible improvements over ideological grandstanding. He often described himself as a moderate and was considered a “centrist Democratic follower” by some analysts.

He was particularly valued for his policy expertise, especially in infrastructure and aviation issues, and his willingness to work across party lines when needed.

Colleagues and local observers often noted his strong ties to his home district and his commitment to bringing federal resources to local projects.

Lessons & Reflection

1. Long-term service with focus
   Costello’s 25 years in the House show how maintaining consistent priorities (transport, infrastructure, science) can build durable influence.

2. From local to federal — grounded representation
   His early roles (county board, law enforcement) gave him close insight into everyday governance, which informed his federal work.

3. Navigating controversies
   Despite serious allegations (e.g. casino scheme), he was never indicted, and managed to sustain his political career — a lesson in resilience and reputation management.

4. Balancing district and national concerns
   Costello’s ability to bring federal funds to local infrastructure while engaging national issues (aviation reform, energy) illustrates how members of Congress can wear both hats.

5. Post-office influence
   By leveraging his knowledge and networks after office, he continues to shape policy indirectly through advisory roles and advocacy.

Conclusion

Jerry F. Costello is a notable American political figure whose career highlights the work of a committed legislator with deep roots in local governance. His emphasis on transportation safety, infrastructure investment, and science policy made lasting contributions to his district and national conversations. While his tenure encountered controversies, his durability and focus offer instructive lessons on public service. If you like, I can also supply a timeline of his major bills, or compare his impact to contemporaries from Illinois. Do you want me to do that?