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photo by Brie Cohen
Roger Bok makes his point to a Tribune reporter in September 2007.
Roger Bok dies at 76
Man was leading critic of Albert Lea City Council
Published Monday, September 29, 2008
The Albert Lea Tribune confirmed from local authorities that Roger Bok, 76, died Sunday of a heart attack. Nearly everyone in Albert Lea knew Bok. He was a subject of conversation that almost anyone could discuss, almost like talking about the weather.
He had attended Albert Lea City Council meetings for 18 1/2 years. He became the City Council’s most vocal opponent, gaining a reputation of speaking at the podium during the public forum. He would mosey to the podium, gladly state his name and his address, 1012 Cato Drive, and then launch into verbal attacks of the city officials and city policies.
He attended meetings of the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners for 11 years. He ran for mayor of Albert Lea in the early 1990s. He also was known with being obsessed with the city charter. Though it was updated in 1994, he often referred to a version from the 1960s and said the city had no right to update it in 1994.
“Basically, if everybody on the City Council would take and read the city charter and go by the charter, then you’re going to get rid of a majority of the problems,” he said to the Tribune in an interview in September of 2007.
Photo by Brie Cohen
Roger Bok considers his answer when fielding questions from a Tribune reporter in September 2007.
“Right now we’re back to making too many decisions at a workshop, or preagenda meeting, whatever you want to call it. You can go to these meetings, which are open. The public can attend them but has no say. And now, they don’t even turn the speaker system on so you can hear what they’re saying. That’s complete violation of not only city but state law.”
When asked if he felt the manner in which he brought up concerns was effective, he said: “Yes, a lot of it is working, but they don’t want to admit it. I can take you out and show you a lot of things that are getting done — and a lot of things that should be done.”
The various councils over the years modified the public forum to head off or distance them from his comments. On the subject of the public forum, he said: “Open it up. It’s a public forum. If the meeting’s early and everything, and you’re talking, then who cares. If they think the meeting last two hours, that’s too long. But the meetings used to go until midnight.”
Except for four years in the U.S. armed forces, Bok lived his entire life in Albert Lea.
In the interview he said: “I was married. I’ve been divorced for 40-some years. I have a very nice life — come and go as I please, do whatever I want. Had a whole bunch of kids.”
Look for a story in the Albert Lea Tribune this week reflecting on Bok’s life.
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Comments
Posted by Truth (anonymous) on September 28, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He will be missed. Hope someone will take his place and keep the council honest.
Posted by iamwoman (anonymous) on September 28, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is in very bad taste as most of the family doesn't even now yet. I am very close to Roger Bok and was one of the first ones to know. I can't believe the tribune would be this insensitve to the family.
Posted by metisman (anonymous) on September 28, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Godspeed to Roger. He was a good citizen, one who not only cared, but actively participated in the process.
Posted by jojo (anonymous) on September 28, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He was a true activist that wanted to see things done.
Posted by OldTrojan (anonymous) on September 28, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This man was a true American hero! He held the government accountable even when they tried to tune him out. A fitting memorial should be placed in the Freeborn Co. Courthouse to honor this man's dedication to making Freeborn Co. and Albert Lea a better place for all who live there. Thank God for this man and others like him who have the guts to do what is right!
Posted by wakemaker (anonymous) on September 28, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's sad his life ended and it appears he had many friends. I don't however believe he handled his conduct with the Council with grace. You can disagree with with anyone without getting personal and burning bridges. He did not do a good job of that. Show up and say what you want to say, it's your right as a citizen. Just do it with class, there is no honor is public flogging.
Posted by NoDFL (anonymous) on September 28, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wakemaker,
Sometimes the truth hurts. He spoke the truth. Please don't speak ill of the dead. He had the guts to stand up and be heard. A little respect for his family. I feel for their loss.
Posted by realtree (anonymous) on September 28, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
comes as no suprise that some hated roger and some felt he was too brash with the council! but however he will be sadly missed even by those that disliked him! roger would give his shirt off his back to help someone. he meant well but just could not get his point across without verbaly attacking people. lord knows he was stubbon and he was always right! all one had to do is ask him! he would say I'm always right your wrong thats it! roger you will be missed!!!
Posted by mmurtaugh (anonymous) on September 28, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While I didn't always agree with how Roger presented himself, I do believe that what he wanted was honest government that would listen to its citizens.
Over the last few years, I spoke with Roger anytime I saw him and always made a point to shake his hand. I did this after the last council meeting on Sept. 22. I am glad to say that we parted for the final time on good terms, as always.
Mike Murtaugh
Posted by alhs07 (anonymous) on September 28, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this is very very poor taste on behalf of the tribune.
i cant believe an editor would let their paper publish this.
embarassing.
Posted by OldTrojan (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Substance is always more important than presentation. Elected officials at all levels need to realize that when they run for public office they put themselves in a position of public scrutiny. If they do not have the backbone to take some heat then they probably should not run for office.
Posted by wingo (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I didn't know Mr. Bok, but I think the article was good. Maybe the paper had the permission of Mr. Bok's family to do it. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Posted by iamwoman (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Considering only one family member knew by 430 that he had passed away, I highly doubt the tribune had permission. This was totally uncalled for. The tribune once again showed no thought for the family. Nice plug for Mike Murtaugh though. Some people have no class.
Posted by scurvydog (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In defense of the Tribune, I don't think they would have printed this information if ALMC hadn't released it to them. The Tribune isn't responsible for informing the family - that is the hospital's job.
And death notices are public information, by the way.
Roger Bok, love him or hate him, was a prominent citizen. He wasn't a Chamber member, or business owner, or member of any community organizations, but he called our local elected officials to account. Say what you will about the way he addressed them, but he still was looking out for the community, and most people at least knew of him. His death, like it or not, is newsworthy.
Posted by tkk07 (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just hope and pray that none of you that think its ok to have this published before the family knows, never happens to your family. The tribune had no right to publish this until the family said it was ok to do so. I am done with the AL tribune for good.
Posted by realtree (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
funny how some names can be printed and others can not! I guess the paper was not worried about a loss suit for this printing!
Posted by RobertHoffmanRealtor (Robert Hoffman) on September 29, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
spoke with him at length down at South Side Custom/South Side Motors quite a few times and he mentioned many of times that he didnt have his family around to argue with and that he stopped drinking years ago so his going to the meetings was his "Night Out" ...he saw us as family. -Gods speed Roger, you made your mark. You were dedicated to your community, our community, we are family.
Posted by menace56 (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Like it or not Mr. Bok had "celebrity status" in Albert Lea because of his maverick style of giving it to the city council.
With that being said, he made headlines with his passing. Mr. Bok left this place better than what he came into with his remarkable dedication to keep elected officials in check. Mr. Bok definitely created his own legacy with his unselfish dedication. Therefore, I conclude in my opinion that The Albert Lea Tribune did the right thing by informing the public of his death. Mr. Bok's family has my deepest sympathy.
Posted by 57boy (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We have lost the GREATEST watch dog our area has ever had.Roger had the courage to point out things that this town & county was & is doing wrong.More peolpe should be like him.I think a moment of silence @ the next council meeting would be a fitting tribute to him.Rest in peace Roger !!!!
Posted by winonagirl36 (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would have to agree with scurvydog, it is not the Tribune's job to tell the family, it is the hospital's job. The hospital released information about Roger's death and the Tribune did their job of reporting.
I agree that Roger had obtained celebrity status in Albert Lea. I don't care if you liked him or not, almost everyone knew who Roger Bok was. He was at a celebrity status, so when the hospital was willing to release the information, the Tribune did their job reporting the passing of a celebrity.
I feel that if there is any fingers to point over the Tribune knowing before the family, it is the hospital, whose job it is to inform the family of the passing.
Posted by tkk07 (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How about the fact that he never was taken to the hospital. Lets face it, the tribune screwed up AGAIN!
Posted by controlledhyperness (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Am I right in thinking, that until at least ONE family member is reached, news of one's passing is offlimits to news media or other? If this is the case, then the hospital must have reached someone...hence that point should be put to rest. Also, if I am not mistaken, the article said OFFICIALS confirmed Mr. Bok's death. While this could potentially be up for debate as to who those officials are, it came across to me that ALPD or someone of equal rank were the one's that confirmed the death. I feel for the family, as I have family that is out of state, and finding out by paper is a hard way to find out, however, there is something that needs to be remembered by all. A family memeber had to have been contacted, at that point it was up to that family member to pass on the news. Obviously, that had been done since "iamwoman" was "one of the first to know". I understand that to some this was uncalled for, but as so many citizens have pointed out, Mr. Bok held almost a mayoral status here in this town. My feelings on the topic of notifying family memebers is simply optimistic...people tried to contact them...they may have been at church, or even out of our time zone (thus doing something else out of house). Point being (as said before), someone HAD been contacted or it would not have been released, confirmed, and passed on to at least one of the commentors. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Bok's family wherever they are. The town (as stated by others) will feel his loss.
Posted by demo1960 (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If if not everyone agreed with Roger Bok's style, you have to admit he must have touched a nerve with those in charge. After all Craig Nelson, our "esteemed county attorney" rose to the bait and rules have been changed just to muzzle Roger. He must have been on to something. And lets face it, both the city and county councils need some good opposition. Maybe if more were so inclined we wouldn't have that big fancy courthouse that could have been built without all the bells and whistles that cost the taxpayers more than could be afforded. It is hard to teach our children that you can't live above your means when government can't seem to reign itself in. That is what Roger was trying to get. Accountability.
Posted by NoDFL (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
demo1960,
Well said and he will be missed. Makes you want to go and speak up. Hope his love for this area will live on.
Posted by Ground (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As the person who informed the family about his passing, I have a hard time believing the paper had any idea that the family was informed let alone permission. They had it up on the website less then an hour after a family member was informed by me. Roger has kids that live out of town, and having a brother that lives out of town myself, I can't imagine him finding out about his parents death via the internet, as he reads the web version of the paper every day. My idea is the paper had a "scoop" and did not want to be "out scooped". Celebrity or not, he should have received the same common courtesy and dignity as anyone else.
Posted by WS (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The community has lost a sincere, colorful citizen.
I have no idea when family members were notified. It was shocking to read last night, but no more so than if I had found out from another source. Finally, I think Roger would be enjoying this if he were still around.
Posted by inobmaz (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Quote By tkk07 "How about the fact that he never was taken to the hospital. Lets face it, the tribune screwed up AGAIN!"
Where in the article did it say he was taken to the hospital?
Also where did it say the hospital gave out the information that Roger had passed... I see the artical say, "local authorities"
Posted by allake (anonymous) on September 29, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ground Quote As the person who informed the family about his passing, I have a hard time believing the paper had any idea that the family was informed let alone permission. \
Why did you inform the family? How did you find out?
Posted by iamwoman (anonymous) on September 30, 2008 at 5:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
allake, love your questions, you must work for the paper doing overtime and trying to get some more dirt. People, let it go now and let the family have some peace. Lets just hope none of your family members ever find out about a death via the internet. That would be the worst in my book. Roger, I hope your looking down and shaking your head at most of this stupidity. Rest well my friend.
Posted by controlledhyperness (anonymous) on September 30, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
iamwoman...
Just for a quick matter of clarification before this horse gets beaten for a second time for being dead....allake had a very good and honest question that I myself have been wondering. Is Ground an authority figure, or was he there at the time of his passing? I am not employed, so therefore should not be criticized for digging information out for dirt. Average people who read this paper, much less these comment have probably come across the comments made by Ground and those thereafter, and wondering what part Ground played, and why you seem to be taking offence at a simple question. Please keep in mind, I am not trying to start arguments, just trying to make a point.
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