Jerry Costello Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (Profile/Biography):
Jerry Francis Costello is an American former politician and longtime Democratic U.S. representative from Illinois. Born on September 25, 1949, in East St. Louis, Illinois, he built his early career in law enforcement, probation services, county government, and local administration. Costello entered Congress in 1988 after winning a special election and remained there for 24 years. He became especially known for transportation, aviation, railroads, highways, and infrastructure issues. During his congressional career, he chaired the House Aviation Subcommittee and served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. After leaving Congress in 2013, Costello worked as a lobbyist and consultant. His public career also included awards, regional development efforts, and ethics-related controversies.
Early Life And Education of Jerry Costello
• Born September 25, 1949, in East St. Louis, Jerry studied locally before earning degrees at Belleville Area College and Maryville.
• Before Congress, he worked as a bailiff, deputy sheriff, probation official and chief investigator in St. Clair County, Illinois.
• He chaired the St. Clair County Board from 1980 to 1988, building a local-government base before entering the U.S. House.
Political Career of Jerry Costello
• Costello won a 1988 special election after Congressman Charles Melvin Price died, then secured reelection through twelve House terms.
• He represented Illinois through the 21st District and later the 12th District, serving in the House from 1988 until January 2013.
• His congressional work centered on transportation, aviation, railroads, highways and infrastructure across southern Illinois.
Transportation And Aviation Work
• Costello chaired the House Aviation Subcommittee and became associated with legislation involving airports, air traffic and safety.
• He supported major transportation projects in southwestern Illinois, including infrastructure connecting the St. Louis region with the state.
• His long committee service made transportation policy one of the defining themes of his 24-year congressional career.
Controversy Around Jerry Costello
• The issue drew attention because Costello had directed federal funds toward Southwestern Illinois College before his wife's appointment.
• In 1997, the FEC approved campaign funds for legal expenses linked to allegations Costello had faced as a federal officeholder.
• A later investigation examined his post-Congress lobbying work and connections with transportation interests he had dealt with in Washington.
Awards And Recognitions Received by Jerry Costello
• In 2012, Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed June 14 as Congressman Jerry Costello Day to recognize his public service and career.
• Costello received the AOPA Hartranft Award in 2007 for supporting general aviation and aviation policy during his career.
• NATCA honored him with its 2007 Sentinel of Safety Award for work involving aviation safety and air traffic controllers nationwide.
Less-Known Facts About Jerry Costello
• He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Southwestern Illinois College, where he and his wife Georgia both studied.
• Less known: before Congress, Costello helped establish a St. Clair County veterans information center and supported local groups.
• His congressional papers contain about 705 boxes and are preserved by Southern Illinois University for historical research.