CLEVELAND — Greater Cleveland and Ohio just lost a truly influential figure whom most people have probably never heard of: Bill Burges, a political strategist and longtime community researcher, died unexpectedly on Oct. 27. Those of us who knew Bill were fortunate to be among the few who witnessed his brilliance up close, knowing that Ohio’s children, families, seniors and workers are better off because of him.
Born 77 years ago to a working-class family in the Bronx and raised in New Jersey, Bill dedicated his life to addressing the challenges faced by everyday people. He began his career as a public schoolteacher in Brockton, Massachusetts, and became president of his union in his 20s. After years of night school, he earned a master’s and doctorate in education degrees from Boston University.