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State of Illinois Elected Officials
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| State of Illinois - Constitutional OfficeholdersState of Illinois - Constitutional Officeholders | |
| Governor Pat Quinn Pat Quinn was re-elected Lieutenant Governor on Nov. 7, 2006. His priorities include advocating for taxpayers and consumers, protecting the environment, promoting decent health care, and helping members of the armed services and their families.
Quinn led the successful effort to enact the Illinois Military Family Relief Act, which provides financial assistance to families of Illinois National Guard members and Reservists called to active duty. He also spearheaded passage of the "Let Them Rest in Peace Act", which has been a national model in protecting grieving families from vile and disruptive protests at funerals of servicemen and women. The Lieutenant Governor's office provides a wide range of services to military families, troops and veterans, and maintains the website www.OperationHomefront.org, one of the country's most informative websites on supporting our troops. In 2003, Governor Rod Blagojevich named Quinn chairman of the Blackout Solutions Task Force to study the state’s power grid and prevent power outages. He also chairs the Mississippi River Coordinating Council, Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council, Illinois Biofuels Investment and Infrastructure Working Group, and the Broadband Deployment Council. Quinn served as Illinois State Treasurer from 1991 to 1995, where he cut his office's budget each year and earned taxpayers $848 million in investment income. Since 1975, Quinn has organized petition drives for consumer protection laws, tax reform and citizen empowerment. He spearheaded the 1983 drive to create the Citizens Utility Board. In 2001, he walked across Illinois, from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, on behalf of the Bernardin Amendment, which calls for decent health care for everyone. Quinn is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Law and holds an international economics degree from Georgetown University. He was elected Commissioner of the Cook County Board of (Property) Tax Appeals in 1982 and served as Revenue Director for the City of Chicago. The father of two sons, Quinn grew up in Hinsdale and now lives in Chicago. Governor Pat QuinnPat Quinn was re-elected Lieutenant Governor on Nov. 7, 2006. His priorities include advocating for taxpayers and consumers, protecting the environment, promoting decent health care, and helping members of the armed services and their families. Quinn led the successful effort to enact the Illinois Military Family Relief Act, which provides financial assistance to families of Illinois National Guard members and Reservists called to active duty. He also spearheaded passage of the "Let Them Rest in Peace Act", which has been a national model in protecting grieving families from vile and disruptive protests at funerals of servicemen and women. The Lieutenant Governor's office provides a wide range of services to military families, troops and veterans, and maintains the website www.OperationHomefront.org, one of the country's most informative websites on supporting our troops. In 2003, Governor Rod Blagojevich named Quinn chairman of the Blackout Solutions Task Force to study the state’s power grid and prevent power outages. He also chairs the Mississippi River Coordinating Council, Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council, Illinois Biofuels Investment and Infrastructure Working Group, and the Broadband Deployment Council. Quinn served as Illinois State Treasurer from 1991 to 1995, where he cut his office's budget each year and earned taxpayers $848 million in investment income. Since 1975, Quinn has organized petition drives for consumer protection laws, tax reform and citizen empowerment. He spearheaded the 1983 drive to create the Citizens Utility Board. In 2001, he walked across Illinois, from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, on behalf of the Bernardin Amendment, which calls for decent health care for everyone. Quinn is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Law and holds an international economics degree from Georgetown University. He was elected Commissioner of the Cook County Board of (Property) Tax Appeals in 1982 and served as Revenue Director for the City of Chicago. The father of two sons, Quinn grew up in Hinsdale and now lives in Chicago. | |
|  Lisa Madigan (Democrat) was elected to her second term as Attorney General on Nov. 7, 2006, earning the largest vote total of any statewide candidate.
As the lawyer for the people of Illinois, Madigan has led efforts to restore integrity to gaming, safeguard children from threats over the internet, better protect women and children from sex offenders, and stop the spread of methamphetamine. Madigan leads a statewide law enforcement task force focused on investigating and prosecuting online child exploitation. She also created a statewide law enforcement team to improve the state’s sex offender registry and enforce registry laws. She proposed successful legislation to strengthen laws that protect communities from sex offenders and to protect nursing home residents from abuse. Madigan has created training programs for prosecutors and police to improve Illinois’ response to methamphetamine production and use. She also has worked successfully to curb access to the ingredients needed to make this dangerous drug. Madigan’s efforts to protect consumers, especially seniors, include educating consumers on emerging scams, mediating consumer complaints, and filing lawsuits to stop fraudulent practices and recover losses on behalf of consumers. With identity theft emerging as one of the fastest growing frauds, Madigan created an identity theft hotline to help consumers respond and protect their credit. Madigan’s interest in making government more open and accessible has led to several innovations, including offering many office documents in multiple languages and creating a Spanish-language telephone hotline. Madigan also created a team of Public Access Counselors to take an active role in ensuring that public bodies conduct their business openly and that the public has access to governmental information. Before her election as Attorney General, Madigan served in the Illinois Senate and worked as a litigator for a Chicago law firm. Prior to becoming an attorney, she worked as a teacher and community advocate, developing after-school programs to help kids stay away from drugs and gangs. Madigan also volunteered as a high school teacher in South Africa during apartheid. Madigan earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and her J.D. from Loyola University Law School. She and her husband, Pat Byrnes, have one daughter. Lisa Madigan (Democrat) was elected to her second term as Attorney General on Nov. 7, 2006, earning the largest vote total of any statewide candidate. As the lawyer for the people of Illinois, Madigan has led efforts to restore integrity to gaming, safeguard children from threats over the internet, better protect women and children from sex offenders, and stop the spread of methamphetamine. Madigan leads a statewide law enforcement task force focused on investigating and prosecuting online child exploitation. She also created a statewide law enforcement team to improve the state’s sex offender registry and enforce registry laws. She proposed successful legislation to strengthen laws that protect communities from sex offenders and to protect nursing home residents from abuse. Madigan has created training programs for prosecutors and police to improve Illinois’ response to methamphetamine production and use. She also has worked successfully to curb access to the ingredients needed to make this dangerous drug. Madigan’s efforts to protect consumers, especially seniors, include educating consumers on emerging scams, mediating consumer complaints, and filing lawsuits to stop fraudulent practices and recover losses on behalf of consumers. With identity theft emerging as one of the fastest growing frauds, Madigan created an identity theft hotline to help consumers respond and protect their credit. Madigan’s interest in making government more open and accessible has led to several innovations, including offering many office documents in multiple languages and creating a Spanish-language telephone hotline. Madigan also created a team of Public Access Counselors to take an active role in ensuring that public bodies conduct their business openly and that the public has access to governmental information. Before her election as Attorney General, Madigan served in the Illinois Senate and worked as a litigator for a Chicago law firm. Prior to becoming an attorney, she worked as a teacher and community advocate, developing after-school programs to help kids stay away from drugs and gangs. Madigan also volunteered as a high school teacher in South Africa during apartheid. Madigan earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and her J.D. from Loyola University Law School. She and her husband, Pat Byrnes, have one daughter. | |
|  Secretary of State Jesse White Jesse White is Illinois’ 37th Secretary of State. White was first elected to the office in 1998 and was re-elected in 2002 by winning all 102 counties and garnering more than 2.3 million votes — the largest vote total by any candidate for Illinois statewide office in a quarter of a century. In November 2006, Jesse White was re-elected to a third term having received 63 percent of the vote statewide.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is the largest and most diverse office of its kind in the nation, providing more direct services to the people of Illinois than any other public agency. White's office issues state ID cards, vehicle license plates and titles; registers corporations; enforces the Illinois Securities Act; administers the Organ Donor Program; and licenses drivers and maintains driver records. As State Librarian, Secretary White oversees the State Library and literacy programs, and as State Archivist, he maintains records of legal or historic value.
Prior to his election as Secretary of State, White served as Cook County Recorder of Deeds — a job to which he was first elected in 1992 and re-elected in 1996. Before that, he served 16 years in the Illinois General Assembly, representing the most culturally, economically and racially diverse district in Illinois.
In 1959, White founded the internationally known Jesse White Tumbling Team to serve as a positive alternative for children residing in and around the Chicago area. Since its inception, more than 10,700 young men and women have performed with the team. White has spent more than 47 years working as a volunteer with the team to help kids stay away from gangs, drugs, alcohol and smoking, and to help set at-risk youth on the path to success. The program has received international praise. In 2006, the team made more than 1,500 performances throughout the nation.
White served our country as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division and as a member of the Illinois National Guard. He played professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs organization, which was followed by a 33-year career with the Chicago public school system as a teacher and administrator.
Jesse White earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama State College (now Alabama State University) in 1957, where he was a two-sport athlete earning all-conference honors in baseball and basketball. In May 1995, White was inducted into the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. He was an all-city baseball and basketball player at Chicago's Waller High School (now Lincoln Park High School) and was inducted into the Chicago Public League Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in June 1995. In 1999, he was inducted into the Alabama State University Sports Hall of Fame. Born in Alton, Illinois, he now lives on Chicago’s near north side.
March 2007 Secretary of State Jesse White Jesse White is Illinois’ 37th Secretary of State. White was first elected to the office in 1998 and was re-elected in 2002 by winning all 102 counties and garnering more than 2.3 million votes — the largest vote total by any candidate for Illinois statewide office in a quarter of a century. In November 2006, Jesse White was re-elected to a third term having received 63 percent of the vote statewide.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is the largest and most diverse office of its kind in the nation, providing more direct services to the people of Illinois than any other public agency. White's office issues state ID cards, vehicle license plates and titles; registers corporations; enforces the Illinois Securities Act; administers the Organ Donor Program; and licenses drivers and maintains driver records. As State Librarian, Secretary White oversees the State Library and literacy programs, and as State Archivist, he maintains records of legal or historic value.
Prior to his election as Secretary of State, White served as Cook County Recorder of Deeds — a job to which he was first elected in 1992 and re-elected in 1996. Before that, he served 16 years in the Illinois General Assembly, representing the most culturally, economically and racially diverse district in Illinois.
In 1959, White founded the internationally known Jesse White Tumbling Team to serve as a positive alternative for children residing in and around the Chicago area. Since its inception, more than 10,700 young men and women have performed with the team. White has spent more than 47 years working as a volunteer with the team to help kids stay away from gangs, drugs, alcohol and smoking, and to help set at-risk youth on the path to success. The program has received international praise. In 2006, the team made more than 1,500 performances throughout the nation.
White served our country as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division and as a member of the Illinois National Guard. He played professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs organization, which was followed by a 33-year career with the Chicago public school system as a teacher and administrator.
Jesse White earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama State College (now Alabama State University) in 1957, where he was a two-sport athlete earning all-conference honors in baseball and basketball. In May 1995, White was inducted into the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. He was an all-city baseball and basketball player at Chicago's Waller High School (now Lincoln Park High School) and was inducted into the Chicago Public League Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in June 1995. In 1999, he was inducted into the Alabama State University Sports Hall of Fame. Born in Alton, Illinois, he now lives on Chicago’s near north side.
March 2007 | |
| Daniel W. Hynes (Democrat) is serving his third term as State Comptroller. As the state’s chief fiscal officer, Hynes, 38, has made government more accountable to the citizens of Illinois and has been outspoken in pursuit of wasteful spending. As a public servant, he has forcefully advocated for the public good. And, on matters of ethical leadership and governance, he has led both by legislative action and personal example.
Hynes' advocacy for the public good is highlighted by his efforts to secure state funding for stem cell research, which culminated in the creation of the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute in 2005. To date, IRMI has awarded $15 million in grants to medical research facilities for the development of stem cell-based treatments and cures for diseases that affect nearly every family in Illinois, making Illinois the first state in the Midwest to commit public funds to this life-saving work.
Hynes believes the Comptroller should be a watchdog for taxpayers and consumers. To that end, he championed legislation that stopped the implementation of new federal rules that would have resulted in the elimination of overtime pay for as many as 350,000 Illinois workers. He successfully blocked a foreign firm from receiving payment for flu vaccines it had not delivered. He saved taxpayers $9.6 million by forcing the shut-down of a state-funded international business development group that an IOC audit showed was wasting money on lavish expenditures. And, in the midst of budgetary crises, he froze payments for member initiative pork projects and suspended pay raises for state judges.
Hynes has spearheaded the fight for higher ethical standards in government. His proposed Government Integrity Initiative attacked “pay to play” politics by dramatically reducing the ability of campaign contributors to get state contracts. Hynes led by example and issued an Executive Order banning campaign contributions from persons with more than $10,000 in contracts with the Comptroller’s Office. His proposed reforms also ban campaign contributions from companies awarded state contracts, toughen lobbyist disclosure requirements and create voluntary public campaign financing for state Supreme Court races as a first step toward establishing a sustainable funding system for statewide offices in Illinois.
He also sponsored successful legislation barring corporations from getting state contracts for five years if they are convicted of accounting fraud, fought to prohibit the state from doing business with corporations that incorporate in foreign tax havens to escape paying their fair share of Illinois taxes and passed legislation that bars tax scofflaws and child support deadbeats from getting state contracts.
His continuing crusade to institute long-term budget reform resulted in legislation that spurned quick fixes and created both a Rainy Day Fund and a permanent funding stream to pay for it. He has repeatedly warned against growing structural deficits, and in 2006 drafted legislation to address structural budget issues.
The Comptroller also regulates private cemeteries and funeral homes. After holding statewide hearings and receiving input from hundreds of citizens, Hynes spearheaded bi-partisan passage of the most sweeping consumer protection reforms of those industries in 25 years. His office also toughened its oversight of crematories and has initiated legal actions that resulted in monetary restitution to hundreds of defrauded funeral home customers. In addition, Hynes established a toll-free cemetery hotline and a special web page, created and distributed a consumer video, advocated legislation that doubled the plot allowance benefit for veteran burials, and sponsored the cleanup of dozens of neglected cemeteries across the state.
Hynes has re-energized the Local Government Division of his office. Under his administration, local government financial reporting compliance has increased from 65 percent to 95 percent. In addition, his office has provided statewide training and assistance to thousands of local government officials, which resulted in initiatives that saved local taxpayers more than $1 million.
Hynes has further demonstrated his commitment to openness and accountability by providing extensive information on his web site, both in English and Spanish, about the workings of state government. His Public Accountability Project has become an established reporting system that offers a comprehensive view of what each government program is intended to accomplish and whether it has met its goals.
During his tenure, Hynes has initiated cash management practices that have provided payment relief to thousands of state vendors and generated hundreds of millions in accelerated revenues for the State of Illinois. He has made the state a better business partner by strengthening the Prompt Payment Act so that vendors receive interest when reimbursements for goods and services they provided are severely delayed. He has also expanded the state’s commercial direct deposit program, encouraging state vendors to receive their payments electronically, thereby saving money and increasing efficiency. Under Hynes’ leadership, participation in the direct deposit program has grown substantially and he has put sharper teeth into the state’s debt collection efforts, more than doubling the monies collected through the Comptroller’s offset system.
Daniel W. Hynes (Democrat) is serving his third term as State Comptroller. As the state’s chief fiscal officer, Hynes, 38, has made government more accountable to the citizens of Illinois and has been outspoken in pursuit of wasteful spending. As a public servant, he has forcefully advocated for the public good. And, on matters of ethical leadership and governance, he has led both by legislative action and personal example.
Hynes' advocacy for the public good is highlighted by his efforts to secure state funding for stem cell research, which culminated in the creation of the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute in 2005. To date, IRMI has awarded $15 million in grants to medical research facilities for the development of stem cell-based treatments and cures for diseases that affect nearly every family in Illinois, making Illinois the first state in the Midwest to commit public funds to this life-saving work.
Hynes believes the Comptroller should be a watchdog for taxpayers and consumers. To that end, he championed legislation that stopped the implementation of new federal rules that would have resulted in the elimination of overtime pay for as many as 350,000 Illinois workers. He successfully blocked a foreign firm from receiving payment for flu vaccines it had not delivered. He saved taxpayers $9.6 million by forcing the shut-down of a state-funded international business development group that an IOC audit showed was wasting money on lavish expenditures. And, in the midst of budgetary crises, he froze payments for member initiative pork projects and suspended pay raises for state judges.
Hynes has spearheaded the fight for higher ethical standards in government. His proposed Government Integrity Initiative attacked “pay to play” politics by dramatically reducing the ability of campaign contributors to get state contracts. Hynes led by example and issued an Executive Order banning campaign contributions from persons with more than $10,000 in contracts with the Comptroller’s Office. His proposed reforms also ban campaign contributions from companies awarded state contracts, toughen lobbyist disclosure requirements and create voluntary public campaign financing for state Supreme Court races as a first step toward establishing a sustainable funding system for statewide offices in Illinois.
He also sponsored successful legislation barring corporations from getting state contracts for five years if they are convicted of accounting fraud, fought to prohibit the state from doing business with corporations that incorporate in foreign tax havens to escape paying their fair share of Illinois taxes and passed legislation that bars tax scofflaws and child support deadbeats from getting state contracts.
His continuing crusade to institute long-term budget reform resulted in legislation that spurned quick fixes and created both a Rainy Day Fund and a permanent funding stream to pay for it. He has repeatedly warned against growing structural deficits, and in 2006 drafted legislation to address structural budget issues.
The Comptroller also regulates private cemeteries and funeral homes. After holding statewide hearings and receiving input from hundreds of citizens, Hynes spearheaded bi-partisan passage of the most sweeping consumer protection reforms of those industries in 25 years. His office also toughened its oversight of crematories and has initiated legal actions that resulted in monetary restitution to hundreds of defrauded funeral home customers. In addition, Hynes established a toll-free cemetery hotline and a special web page, created and distributed a consumer video, advocated legislation that doubled the plot allowance benefit for veteran burials, and sponsored the cleanup of dozens of neglected cemeteries across the state.
Hynes has re-energized the Local Government Division of his office. Under his administration, local government financial reporting compliance has increased from 65 percent to 95 percent. In addition, his office has provided statewide training and assistance to thousands of local government officials, which resulted in initiatives that saved local taxpayers more than $1 million.
Hynes has further demonstrated his commitment to openness and accountability by providing extensive information on his web site, both in English and Spanish, about the workings of state government. His Public Accountability Project has become an established reporting system that offers a comprehensive view of what each government program is intended to accomplish and whether it has met its goals.
During his tenure, Hynes has initiated cash management practices that have provided payment relief to thousands of state vendors and generated hundreds of millions in accelerated revenues for the State of Illinois. He has made the state a better business partner by strengthening the Prompt Payment Act so that vendors receive interest when reimbursements for goods and services they provided are severely delayed. He has also expanded the state’s commercial direct deposit program, encouraging state vendors to receive their payments electronically, thereby saving money and increasing efficiency. Under Hynes’ leadership, participation in the direct deposit program has grown substantially and he has put sharper teeth into the state’s debt collection efforts, more than doubling the monies collected through the Comptroller’s offset system.
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| At the age of 30, Alexi Giannoulias became the youngest State Treasurer in the nation when he was elected to office on November 7, 2006.
A former community banker, Giannoulias uses his financial expertise and business acumen to employ innovative investment strategies to get a better rate of return on the 17 billion in taxpayer dollars that his office is responsible for investing on a daily basis.
Shortly after taking office, Giannoulias overhauled the state's Bright Start College Savings Program, allowing families to earn more money for their children's college tuition.
Giannoulias announced changes to Bright Start that will make it one of the most competitive tax-exempt college tuition programs in the nation with better performing funds and lower costs so more children can earn a college degree.
Last summer, Giannoulias launched the nation’s largest state-funded rebate for hybrid vehicles. The Green Rewards program gives $1,000 cash back to Illinois residents who make the environmentally responsible choice to purchase a new hybrid or other fuel-efficient vehicle.
Giannoulias is also improving the way Illinois auctions its unclaimed property. Giannoulias started a pilot program in 2007 to sell the abandoned contents of safe deposit boxes on eBay and scrapped the state’s inefficient annual live auctions. The weekly online auctions have driven up sale prices and attracted a worldwide audience, resulting in increased revenue for property owners and the state.
In his inaugural address, Giannoulias promised to make government more accountable and efficient. As his first official act as Treasurer, Giannoulias signed his own executive order to enact the most comprehensive, widest-ranging ethics package of any elected official in the state. The order prohibits him from accepting contributions from banks, Treasurer’s Office employees and contractors who do business with the office.
To make the state's investments more transparent, Giannoulias crafted legislation that was signed into law, requiring him and future treasurers to post monthly investment updates as a means of holding the state more accountable for investing the state's money.
Giannoulias is also helping farmers keep pace with the rising costs of doing business. He has pledged a record $4 billion in low-interest agriculture loans over the next four years, the largest amount ever earmarked by the Treasurer's Office and more than any other state in the nation. He doubled the amount available to farmers for long-term projects based on feedback from loan program users.
Ending decades of mismanagement and graft, Giannoulias has moved to foreclose on two debt-ridden hotels built by politically connected insiders in Springfield and Collinsville in the early 1980s. Giannoulias put a stop to financial wrongdoing and implemented new management, resulting in both hotels showing significant profits. Giannoulias intends to sell the hotels on the open market to recoup as much money as possible for taxpayers and the state.
Prior to taking office, Giannoulias served as vice president and senior loan officer at Broadway Bank in Chicago’s Edgewater community. Crain’s Chicago Business rated Broadway the No. 1 Bank in Illinois for five years based on return on assets.
Giannoulias' financial experience resonated strongly with voters throughout the state in the November 2006 election. He received 54 percent of the vote, winning key areas, including Chicago, suburban Cook County and Lake and Will counties, as well as some pivotal central and southern counties.
In endorsing Giannoulias as an independent Democrat, the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, “We believe Giannoulias’ banking experience will help him bring creative money management ideas to the treasurer’s office.” The Daily Herald endorsed Giannoulias’ primary bid on his “strength of banking and investment expertise suited to the office.”
Giannoulias grew up in Chicago, graduated cum laude from Boston University and earned a law degree from Tulane University’s School of Law in New Orleans. He founded and chairs the AG Foundation, a not-for-profit charity that donates money to treat child-related illnesses, curb poverty and assist disaster relief organizations.
Giannoulias formerly served on the board of directors of the Community Banker’s Association of Illinois Legislative Committee. At the age of 30, Alexi Giannoulias became the youngest State Treasurer in the nation when he was elected to office on November 7, 2006.
A former community banker, Giannoulias uses his financial expertise and business acumen to employ innovative investment strategies to get a better rate of return on the 17 billion in taxpayer dollars that his office is responsible for investing on a daily basis.
Shortly after taking office, Giannoulias overhauled the state's Bright Start College Savings Program, allowing families to earn more money for their children's college tuition.
Giannoulias announced changes to Bright Start that will make it one of the most competitive tax-exempt college tuition programs in the nation with better performing funds and lower costs so more children can earn a college degree.
Last summer, Giannoulias launched the nation’s largest state-funded rebate for hybrid vehicles. The Green Rewards program gives $1,000 cash back to Illinois residents who make the environmentally responsible choice to purchase a new hybrid or other fuel-efficient vehicle.
Giannoulias is also improving the way Illinois auctions its unclaimed property. Giannoulias started a pilot program in 2007 to sell the abandoned contents of safe deposit boxes on eBay and scrapped the state’s inefficient annual live auctions. The weekly online auctions have driven up sale prices and attracted a worldwide audience, resulting in increased revenue for property owners and the state.
In his inaugural address, Giannoulias promised to make government more accountable and efficient. As his first official act as Treasurer, Giannoulias signed his own executive order to enact the most comprehensive, widest-ranging ethics package of any elected official in the state. The order prohibits him from accepting contributions from banks, Treasurer’s Office employees and contractors who do business with the office.
To make the state's investments more transparent, Giannoulias crafted legislation that was signed into law, requiring him and future treasurers to post monthly investment updates as a means of holding the state more accountable for investing the state's money.
Giannoulias is also helping farmers keep pace with the rising costs of doing business. He has pledged a record $4 billion in low-interest agriculture loans over the next four years, the largest amount ever earmarked by the Treasurer's Office and more than any other state in the nation. He doubled the amount available to farmers for long-term projects based on feedback from loan program users.
Ending decades of mismanagement and graft, Giannoulias has moved to foreclose on two debt-ridden hotels built by politically connected insiders in Springfield and Collinsville in the early 1980s. Giannoulias put a stop to financial wrongdoing and implemented new management, resulting in both hotels showing significant profits. Giannoulias intends to sell the hotels on the open market to recoup as much money as possible for taxpayers and the state.
Prior to taking office, Giannoulias served as vice president and senior loan officer at Broadway Bank in Chicago’s Edgewater community. Crain’s Chicago Business rated Broadway the No. 1 Bank in Illinois for five years based on return on assets.
Giannoulias' financial experience resonated strongly with voters throughout the state in the November 2006 election. He received 54 percent of the vote, winning key areas, including Chicago, suburban Cook County and Lake and Will counties, as well as some pivotal central and southern counties.
In endorsing Giannoulias as an independent Democrat, the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, “We believe Giannoulias’ banking experience will help him bring creative money management ideas to the treasurer’s office.” The Daily Herald endorsed Giannoulias’ primary bid on his “strength of banking and investment expertise suited to the office.”
Giannoulias grew up in Chicago, graduated cum laude from Boston University and earned a law degree from Tulane University’s School of Law in New Orleans. He founded and chairs the AG Foundation, a not-for-profit charity that donates money to treat child-related illnesses, curb poverty and assist disaster relief organizations.
Giannoulias formerly served on the board of directors of the Community Banker’s Association of Illinois Legislative Committee. | |
| State SenatorsState Senators | |
| State Senator 19th District Maggie CrottyMaggie Crotty was elected to the Illinois Senate on November 7th, 2002. Though she is serving her first term as State Senator, she is no stranger to the fast-paced legislative process of Illinois. Crotty served three terms as a State Representative, after first being elected in 1996. Senator Crotty's committee appointments reflect her legislative agenda, which focuses on health issues. In the 93rd General Assembly she serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Licensed Activities Committee and as a member of the Health and Human Services Committee and the Executive Appointments Committee.
Improving education is the cornerstone of Crotty's legislative agenda. She has passed legislation that will expand state reading assistance grants to grades 7 through 12, which was signed into law by the Governor this year. Another goal is to increase the state reimbursement rate to school districts for providing special education. She also feels air-conditioning for students with health issues should be added to items qualifying for "Health, Life and Safety" funding. In addition, Crotty is working closely with Senators on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the new state aid formula for education will benefit local schools and property tax payers in the 19th District. State Senator 19th District Maggie CrottyMaggie Crotty was elected to the Illinois Senate on November 7th, 2002. Though she is serving her first term as State Senator, she is no stranger to the fast-paced legislative process of Illinois. Crotty served three terms as a State Representative, after first being elected in 1996. Senator Crotty's committee appointments reflect her legislative agenda, which focuses on health issues. In the 93rd General Assembly she serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Licensed Activities Committee and as a member of the Health and Human Services Committee and the Executive Appointments Committee.
Improving education is the cornerstone of Crotty's legislative agenda. She has passed legislation that will expand state reading assistance grants to grades 7 through 12, which was signed into law by the Governor this year. Another goal is to increase the state reimbursement rate to school districts for providing special education. She also feels air-conditioning for students with health issues should be added to items qualifying for "Health, Life and Safety" funding. In addition, Crotty is working closely with Senators on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the new state aid formula for education will benefit local schools and property tax payers in the 19th District. | |
| State Senator Toi Hutchinson has earned a reputation as a highly effective and well-regarded public servant with a strong commitment to the residents of the 40th district. Since joining the Senate in January 2009, Hutchinson has sponsored numerous legislative measures that help working families. A proud mother of three children, Hutchinson has placed a high importance on improving education since joining the Senate. She has sponsored legislation expanding funding for early-childhood education and helping high-school dropouts re-enroll to receive their diplomas. Hutchinson is also a firm supporter of “tax-swap” legislation, which would provide more dollars for education and reduce the state’s pension debt by exchanging property tax relief for a modestly higher income tax. Understanding that a key to stimulating the Illinois economy is putting people back to work, Hutchinson sponsored landmark capital construction legislation, providing Illinois with its first jobs bill in over a decade. The legislation will bring hundreds of thousands of quality jobs back into the state and allow Illinois to capture federal matching dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Hutchinson also sponsored legislation to help businesses foster job creation through property tax breaks and interest free loans, available when they restore and update vacant buildings. To promote public safety, Hutchinson worked with Attorney General Lisa Madigan to craft legislation that clearly defines the act of stalking and cyber stalking. This legislation brings our criminal stalking statutes into the 21st century by acknowledging that stalkers have the ability to use technology to harass their victims. The measure provides harsher penalties for those who violate the law as well. Hutchinson also sponsored a proposal to educate students in grades eight through twelve about the danger of teen dating violence. To assist seniors who use Medicaid, Hutchinson negotiated legislation to expand the Illinois Cares Rx program, increasing the variety of prescription drug available. A dedicated public servant for over 15 years, Senator Toi Hutchinson was appointed to the 40th District Senate seat in January 2009. Hutchinson represents portions of Kankakee, Will, Cook and Iroquois counties. Before joining the Senate, Hutchinson served two terms as the Clerk of the Village of Olympia Fields and most recently worked as Chief of Staff to then Illinois Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson. Hutchinson and her husband Paul live in Olympia Fields with their three children. State Senator Toi Hutchinson has earned a reputation as a highly effective and well-regarded public servant with a strong commitment to the residents of the 40th district. Since joining the Senate in January 2009, Hutchinson has sponsored numerous legislative measures that help working families. A proud mother of three children, Hutchinson has placed a high importance on improving education since joining the Senate. She has sponsored legislation expanding funding for early-childhood education and helping high-school dropouts re-enroll to receive their diplomas. Hutchinson is also a firm supporter of “tax-swap” legislation, which would provide more dollars for education and reduce the state’s pension debt by exchanging property tax relief for a modestly higher income tax. Understanding that a key to stimulating the Illinois economy is putting people back to work, Hutchinson sponsored landmark capital construction legislation, providing Illinois with its first jobs bill in over a decade. The legislation will bring hundreds of thousands of quality jobs back into the state and allow Illinois to capture federal matching dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Hutchinson also sponsored legislation to help businesses foster job creation through property tax breaks and interest free loans, available when they restore and update vacant buildings. To promote public safety, Hutchinson worked with Attorney General Lisa Madigan to craft legislation that clearly defines the act of stalking and cyber stalking. This legislation brings our criminal stalking statutes into the 21st century by acknowledging that stalkers have the ability to use technology to harass their victims. The measure provides harsher penalties for those who violate the law as well. Hutchinson also sponsored a proposal to educate students in grades eight through twelve about the danger of teen dating violence. To assist seniors who use Medicaid, Hutchinson negotiated legislation to expand the Illinois Cares Rx program, increasing the variety of prescription drug available. A dedicated public servant for over 15 years, Senator Toi Hutchinson was appointed to the 40th District Senate seat in January 2009. Hutchinson represents portions of Kankakee, Will, Cook and Iroquois counties. Before joining the Senate, Hutchinson served two terms as the Clerk of the Village of Olympia Fields and most recently worked as Chief of Staff to then Illinois Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson. Hutchinson and her husband Paul live in Olympia Fields with their three children. | |
|  State Senator 42nd District Linda Holmes
Linda is a moderate Democrat who, as your Senator of the 42nd District, brings a no-nonsense, common sense approach to the Illinois Senate. Linda has a reputation of listening to the "people" and speaking out on quality of life issues that affect our daily lives. Important issues to Linda are healthcare & health insurance, education (ensuring a strong and affordable higher education system for all), jobs and the economy (promote entrepreneurial spirit with opportunities), individual rights (the right for women to make decisions that affect her body), senior issues (concerns about affordable medical care, prescription drugs, high energy costs, while on a fixed income), environmental conservation (protecting and preserving the environment - clean air/clean water). Linda believes that just as business owners, individuals and families must be financially responsible, so our government has the obligation to do the same. Linda will continue to represent the 42nd District to ensure fiscal responsibility by our government, while serving the needs of her constituents. State Senator 42nd District Linda HolmesLinda is a moderate Democrat who, as your Senator of the 42nd District, brings a no-nonsense, common sense approach to the Illinois Senate. Linda has a reputation of listening to the "people" and speaking out on quality of life issues that affect our daily lives. Important issues to Linda are healthcare & health insurance, education (ensuring a strong and affordable higher education system for all), jobs and the economy (promote entrepreneurial spirit with opportunities), individual rights (the right for women to make decisions that affect her body), senior issues (concerns about affordable medical care, prescription drugs, high energy costs, while on a fixed income), environmental conservation (protecting and preserving the environment - clean air/clean water). Linda believes that just as business owners, individuals and families must be financially responsible, so our government has the obligation to do the same. Linda will continue to represent the 42nd District to ensure fiscal responsibility by our government, while serving the needs of her constituents. | |
|  State Senator 43rd District AJ Wilhelmi
A.J. Wilhelmi was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, by his parents, Mary Beth and Art Wilhelmi. Wilhelmi’s father was a dentist in Joliet for 40 years and his mother a homemaker who was very active in community concerns. Wilhelmi has 3 sisters and 2 brothers, one of whom is Steve Wilhelmi, current County Board member from District 9. Wilhelmi’s ancestors came to Joliet in the mid to late 19th Century. Wilhelmi’s grandfather owned a tire store on Cass Street in Joliet for many years. Wilhelmi’s grandmother, Rachel Adler, took over as President of Adler Roofing in the 1930s after the premature death of Wilhelmi’s grandfather, Joe Adler, Sr. Eventually, after raising her 3 young children, Rachel Adler turned the roofing company over to her son, Joe Adler, Jr. The roofing company is thriving with Wilhelmi’s first cousins, Chris, Mike and Jay Adler, at the helm.
Wilhelmi attended St. Paul the Apostle elementary school and Joliet Catholic High School. In 1986, Wilhelmi enrolled at Loyola University of Chicago, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a major in English and minors in Philosophy and Political Science. In 1990, Wilhelmi enrolled at Chicago-Kent College of Law. In the summer of 1991, Wilhelmi clerked for the Joliet law firm McKeown, Fitzgerald, Zollner, Buck, Hutchison & Ruttle. In June 1993, Wilhelmi gradu! ated from Chicago-Kent. After passing the Illinois State Bar Examination in October, Wilhelmi was sworn in as an attorney on November 3, 1993.
On November 4, 1993, Wilhelmi began his law practice with the McKeown Law Firm, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2000. On January 1, 1999, the McKeown Law Firm promoted Wilhelmi to partner. Wilhelmi has a real estate and business law practice. With regard to his real estate practice, Wilhelmi represents clients in residential and commercial sales and purchases, zoning issues and commercial leases.
Committed to the Community!
Wilhelmi has been active in the Joliet and Will County community since returning to the area to practice law. In 1996, Wilhelmi co-sponsored the building of the 13th Will County Habitat for Humanity home, and served on the Family Support Committee. Wilhelmi has also been a VIP Host for the Easter Seals Telethon for the past 5 years. Last year, he was asked to anchor a 2-hour spot as Master of Ceremonies. Wilhelmi has been active with the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry. From 1996 to 2001, he served on the steering committee for the communit! y leadership school. In January 1999, Wilhelmi was appointed to the board of directors for the Joliet Region Chamber, and for the years 2000 and 2001 served as Vice Chair. In 2002, Wilhelmi served as Chair-Elect, and in 2003 as Chair of the Board. In October 2004, the Joliet Area Young Professionals, a division of the Chamber, recognized Wilhelmi as the first recipient of the Young Professional of the Year Award. In 2001 and 2002, Wilhelmi chaired the Diplomats Committee for the Will County Center for Economic Development. Wilhelmi has also been active with his alma mater, Joliet Cat holic Academy. Wilhelmi served on the JCA Alumni Board from 1994 to 2002. He served as Treasurer in 1996-97, Vice President from 1997 to 1999, and President from 1999-00 to 2000-01. Wilhelmi also served for three years (1998, 1999, 2000) as Community Division Chair for the YMCA Annual Sustaining Campaign, which solicits funds from the area to allow underprivileged children and families to attend the YMCA. Wilhelmi has volunteered his time with the Joliet Grade Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence. He served as Vice President of the Foundation Board for 2003-2004. Wilhelmi was also a member of the Joliet Rotary Club from 1998 to 2005.! He was the Sergeant at Arms for 2003-2004.
Proud to be a Democrat!
Wilhelmi has also been active in the local Democratic Party. When in college and law school, he helped with Jack McGuire’s campaign for State Representative, and walked precincts for Jack. Then in 1998, his brother Steve ran for County Board (District 6). Wilhelmi donated time and money to his brother’s campaign, and walked precincts, worked parades, placed signs in yards, sent friend to friend cards, and met with volunteer groups to get the message out for Steve. Wilhelmi’s brother prevailed in that election. Also during this election year, Wilhelmi worked for the ! entire slate of candidates, including Larry Walsh for State Senate. In 2002, Steve ran for County Treasurer, and again Wilhelmi actively campaigned for Steve. While working with Steve in 2002, Wilhelmi also walked precincts with Jeff Allen, along with groups in Bolingbrook, Lockport, Crest Hill, New Lenox, Shorewood, and Joliet. In addition, Wilhelmi was also asked to work as Senator Dick Durbin’s campaign coordinator in 2002. Wilhelmi worked to spread the word that Senator Durbin should be reelected to the U.S. Senate. In 2004, Wilhelmi again sup! ported his brother Steve in his quest to retain the county board seat from District 9, which was successful. Also in 2004, Wilhelmi was on a committee that hosted a fundraiser for Senator Barack Obama. Wilhelmi contributed money and time to Senator Obama’s campaign. Wilhelmi also walked door to door with literature for Larry Walsh and the entire slate of candidates in 2004, both local and statewide. Wilhelmi is proud to be a Democrat.
Leader in the Senate!
As a current member of the Illinois Senate, Wilhelmi serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Conservation Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Housing and Community Affairs, Local Government and Appropriations II and III committees.
Dedicated to Family!
Wilhelmi lives in Joliet with his wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Maycen and Laine. Wilhelmi and his family are parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet, where he is a lector. In his spare time, Wilhelmi enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading motivational books and golfing. State Senator 43rd District AJ WilhelmiA.J. Wilhelmi was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, by his parents, Mary Beth and Art Wilhelmi. Wilhelmi’s father was a dentist in Joliet for 40 years and his mother a homemaker who was very active in community concerns. Wilhelmi has 3 sisters and 2 brothers, one of whom is Steve Wilhelmi, current County Board member from District 9. Wilhelmi’s ancestors came to Joliet in the mid to late 19th Century. Wilhelmi’s grandfather owned a tire store on Cass Street in Joliet for many years. Wilhelmi’s grandmother, Rachel Adler, took over as President of Adler Roofing in the 1930s after the premature death of Wilhelmi’s grandfather, Joe Adler, Sr. Eventually, after raising her 3 young children, Rachel Adler turned the roofing company over to her son, Joe Adler, Jr. The roofing company is thriving with Wilhelmi’s first cousins, Chris, Mike and Jay Adler, at the helm.
Wilhelmi attended St. Paul the Apostle elementary school and Joliet Catholic High School. In 1986, Wilhelmi enrolled at Loyola University of Chicago, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a major in English and minors in Philosophy and Political Science. In 1990, Wilhelmi enrolled at Chicago-Kent College of Law. In the summer of 1991, Wilhelmi clerked for the Joliet law firm McKeown, Fitzgerald, Zollner, Buck, Hutchison & Ruttle. In June 1993, Wilhelmi gradu! ated from Chicago-Kent. After passing the Illinois State Bar Examination in October, Wilhelmi was sworn in as an attorney on November 3, 1993.
On November 4, 1993, Wilhelmi began his law practice with the McKeown Law Firm, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2000. On January 1, 1999, the McKeown Law Firm promoted Wilhelmi to partner. Wilhelmi has a real estate and business law practice. With regard to his real estate practice, Wilhelmi represents clients in residential and commercial sales and purchases, zoning issues and commercial leases.
Committed to the Community!
Wilhelmi has been active in the Joliet and Will County community since returning to the area to practice law. In 1996, Wilhelmi co-sponsored the building of the 13th Will County Habitat for Humanity home, and served on the Family Support Committee. Wilhelmi has also been a VIP Host for the Easter Seals Telethon for the past 5 years. Last year, he was asked to anchor a 2-hour spot as Master of Ceremonies. Wilhelmi has been active with the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry. From 1996 to 2001, he served on the steering committee for the communit! y leadership school. In January 1999, Wilhelmi was appointed to the board of directors for the Joliet Region Chamber, and for the years 2000 and 2001 served as Vice Chair. In 2002, Wilhelmi served as Chair-Elect, and in 2003 as Chair of the Board. In October 2004, the Joliet Area Young Professionals, a division of the Chamber, recognized Wilhelmi as the first recipient of the Young Professional of the Year Award. In 2001 and 2002, Wilhelmi chaired the Diplomats Committee for the Will County Center for Economic Development. Wilhelmi has also been active with his alma mater, Joliet Cat holic Academy. Wilhelmi served on the JCA Alumni Board from 1994 to 2002. He served as Treasurer in 1996-97, Vice President from 1997 to 1999, and President from 1999-00 to 2000-01. Wilhelmi also served for three years (1998, 1999, 2000) as Community Division Chair for the YMCA Annual Sustaining Campaign, which solicits funds from the area to allow underprivileged children and families to attend the YMCA. Wilhelmi has volunteered his time with the Joliet Grade Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence. He served as Vice President of the Foundation Board for 2003-2004. Wilhelmi was also a member of the Joliet Rotary Club from 1998 to 2005.! He was the Sergeant at Arms for 2003-2004.
Proud to be a Democrat!
Wilhelmi has also been active in the local Democratic Party. When in college and law school, he helped with Jack McGuire’s campaign for State Representative, and walked precincts for Jack. Then in 1998, his brother Steve ran for County Board (District 6). Wilhelmi donated time and money to his brother’s campaign, and walked precincts, worked parades, placed signs in yards, sent friend to friend cards, and met with volunteer groups to get the message out for Steve. Wilhelmi’s brother prevailed in that election. Also during this election year, Wilhelmi worked for the ! entire slate of candidates, including Larry Walsh for State Senate. In 2002, Steve ran for County Treasurer, and again Wilhelmi actively campaigned for Steve. While working with Steve in 2002, Wilhelmi also walked precincts with Jeff Allen, along with groups in Bolingbrook, Lockport, Crest Hill, New Lenox, Shorewood, and Joliet. In addition, Wilhelmi was also asked to work as Senator Dick Durbin’s campaign coordinator in 2002. Wilhelmi worked to spread the word that Senator Durbin should be reelected to the U.S. Senate. In 2004, Wilhelmi again sup! ported his brother Steve in his quest to retain the county board seat from District 9, which was successful. Also in 2004, Wilhelmi was on a committee that hosted a fundraiser for Senator Barack Obama. Wilhelmi contributed money and time to Senator Obama’s campaign. Wilhelmi also walked door to door with literature for Larry Walsh and the entire slate of candidates in 2004, both local and statewide. Wilhelmi is proud to be a Democrat.
Leader in the Senate!
As a current member of the Illinois Senate, Wilhelmi serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Conservation Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Housing and Community Affairs, Local Government and Appropriations II and III committees.
Dedicated to Family!
Wilhelmi lives in Joliet with his wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Maycen and Laine. Wilhelmi and his family are parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet, where he is a lector. In his spare time, Wilhelmi enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading motivational books and golfing. | |
| State RepresentativesState Representatives | |
|  State Representative 37th District Kevin McCarthy
State Representative Kevin McCarthy is serving his fourth term in the General Assembly. He represents the 37th Representative District, which includes all of Orland Hills as well as portions of Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Forest and unincorporated Frankfort Square.
Representative McCarthy is committed to remaining accessible and maintains a full-time constituent service office. He is dedicated to improving education, assisting seniors and increasing opportunities for our developmentally disabled citizens, and improving our state's dismal record of child support collection
A former teacher, McCarthy understands the value of education. Since he was first elected in 1996, McCarthy has been successful in increasing state funding for our local schools by 59%, reducing the burden on local property taxes. He has sponsored and passed legislation to raise our state education standards for public schools and to better prepare our children to compete in the global marketplace. McCarthy continues to work each year to increase funding to our local schools and raise education standards.
In response to the increasing cost of prescription drugs, McCarthy sponsored HB 4001, the Senior Citizen Prescription Drug Discount Program this year. For a $25 annual fee, Illinois seniors may join a state-run buying group to access 30-50 percent discounts on prescriptions. This measure has a great chance to become law during the current General Assembly.
McCarthy kept his campaign pledge to oppose tax increases, voting against a $600 million tax increase that nearly doubled our license plate fees. Since his election, McCarthy has secured more than $880 million in tax relief for the people of Illinois, and his district.
For twenty years, McCarthy has sold school supplies and equipment. Prior to a career in sales, he was a public school teacher. He coached several youth teams and is a board member of United Way and American Cancer Society.
McCarthy holds a bachelor's degree from Chicago State University and a master's degree from DePaul University. He lives in Orland Park with his wife Judy and their children, Amy and Kevin John.
State Representative 37th District Kevin McCarthy State Representative Kevin McCarthy is serving his fourth term in the General Assembly. He represents the 37th Representative District, which includes all of Orland Hills as well as portions of Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Forest and unincorporated Frankfort Square.
Representative McCarthy is committed to remaining accessible and maintains a full-time constituent service office. He is dedicated to improving education, assisting seniors and increasing opportunities for our developmentally disabled citizens, and improving our state's dismal record of child support collection
A former teacher, McCarthy understands the value of education. Since he was first elected in 1996, McCarthy has been successful in increasing state funding for our local schools by 59%, reducing the burden on local property taxes. He has sponsored and passed legislation to raise our state education standards for public schools and to better prepare our children to compete in the global marketplace. McCarthy continues to work each year to increase funding to our local schools and raise education standards.
In response to the increasing cost of prescription drugs, McCarthy sponsored HB 4001, the Senior Citizen Prescription Drug Discount Program this year. For a $25 annual fee, Illinois seniors may join a state-run buying group to access 30-50 percent discounts on prescriptions. This measure has a great chance to become law during the current General Assembly.
McCarthy kept his campaign pledge to oppose tax increases, voting against a $600 million tax increase that nearly doubled our license plate fees. Since his election, McCarthy has secured more than $880 million in tax relief for the people of Illinois, and his district.
For twenty years, McCarthy has sold school supplies and equipment. Prior to a career in sales, he was a public school teacher. He coached several youth teams and is a board member of United Way and American Cancer Society.
McCarthy holds a bachelor's degree from Chicago State University and a master's degree from DePaul University. He lives in Orland Park with his wife Judy and their children, Amy and Kevin John.
| |
|  State Representative 75th District Careen Gordon
State Representative Careen Gordon has been a member of the General Assembly since December 2003. A former criminal prosecutor, Gordon has used her service in the General Assembly to advance measures to keep our communities safe.
Gordon began her career in public service as a prosecutor in the Grundy County State’s Attorney’s Office and later served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Kankakee and Will counties. Due to her success as a local prosecutor, Gordon was recruited by Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan to be an Assistant Attorney General in 2000. She continued to serve in that role until she became a state representative in December 2003.
Since taking office, Gordon has worked diligently to keep criminals off our streets. She spearheaded legislation to require lifetime registration for the most dangerous sex offenders and fought to increase penalties for methamphetamine producers. Gordon also worked to increase penalties for domestic abusers and helped to close a loophole that prevented rapists who murdered their victims from also being charged with rape.
Gordon has also lead the charge to keep businesses in Illinois and is working to repeal harmful fees instituted in recent years. Gordon introduced legislation to restore an important sales tax exemption for trucking companies, and fought for greater government efficiency and accountability in the budget process. She also passed legislation that gives Grundy County an economic tool for relief from the burdensome machinery and equipment tax.
Gordon takes a hands-on approach on education issues affecting her district. She routinely visits local schools and maintains open lines of communication with teachers, parents and administrators. Last year, Gordon was able to secure an additional $2.6 million for local schools. She continues to work to hold the state accountable as the primary source of funding for education.
Gordon’s top priority as state representative is to be an open and accessible advocate for everyone in the 75th District – Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike. Gordon is focused on offering high quality constituent service and believes in working with all of her constituents, regardless of their political affiliations. Gordon was born and raised in Morris, Illinois. The youngest of three children of Tom and the late Diane Gordon, Careen graduated from Morris Community High School in 1990. She went on to attend Purdue University and the University of Illinois, receiving two bachelor’s degrees in 1994. She returned home to begin practicing law after graduating from John Marshall Law School in 1998. She currently resides in Morris. State Representative 75th District Careen GordonState Representative Careen Gordon has been a member of the General Assembly since December 2003. A former criminal prosecutor, Gordon has used her service in the General Assembly to advance measures to keep our communities safe.
Gordon began her career in public service as a prosecutor in the Grundy County State’s Attorney’s Office and later served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Kankakee and Will counties. Due to her success as a local prosecutor, Gordon was recruited by Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan to be an Assistant Attorney General in 2000. She continued to serve in that role until she became a state representative in December 2003.
Since taking office, Gordon has worked diligently to keep criminals off our streets. She spearheaded legislation to require lifetime registration for the most dangerous sex offenders and fought to increase penalties for methamphetamine producers. Gordon also worked to increase penalties for domestic abusers and helped to close a loophole that prevented rapists who murdered their victims from also being charged with rape.
Gordon has also lead the charge to keep businesses in Illinois and is working to repeal harmful fees instituted in recent years. Gordon introduced legislation to restore an important sales tax exemption for trucking companies, and fought for greater government efficiency and accountability in the budget process. She also passed legislation that gives Grundy County an economic tool for relief from the burdensome machinery and equipment tax.
Gordon takes a hands-on approach on education issues affecting her district. She routinely visits local schools and maintains open lines of communication with teachers, parents and administrators. Last year, Gordon was able to secure an additional $2.6 million for local schools. She continues to work to hold the state accountable as the primary source of funding for education.
Gordon’s top priority as state representative is to be an open and accessible advocate for everyone in the 75th District – Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike. Gordon is focused on offering high quality constituent service and believes in working with all of her constituents, regardless of their political affiliations. Gordon was born and raised in Morris, Illinois. The youngest of three children of Tom and the late Diane Gordon, Careen graduated from Morris Community High School in 1990. She went on to attend Purdue University and the University of Illinois, receiving two bachelor’s degrees in 1994. She returned home to begin practicing law after graduating from John Marshall Law School in 1998. She currently resides in Morris. | |
|  State Representative 79th District Lisa Dugan
Lisa Dugan was born in Kankakee in 1955, one of six children of Len and Toni Scheppler. She attended East Ridge High School and married her husband Jack in 1979. They have two adult daughters, Danielle and Jaclyn and one grandson, Dugan.
Dugan has made community service the foundation of her life. She has served on over fifty boards and community planning organizations around Kankakee county and the surrounding region. Highlights include service to the Regional Planning Commission, Kankakee County United Way and the American Red Cross "Heroes Campaign." She also volunteered time to raise funds for many local non-profit agencies including Harbor House, a domestic violence shelter, Options, an independent living center that advocates for persons with disabilities, Easter Seals and Victims Assistance. She recently was honored as the Legislator of the Year by the Illinois HomeCare Council.
In 1990, Dugan began volunteering her time with other local leaders to launch the Bradley-Bourbonnais Chamber of Commerce. She joined the Chamber's staff in 1994 and served as the President/CEO from 1998 until becoming a member of the Illinois House in 2003. Her primary focus while leading the Chamber was to work with local businesses, labor and community leaders to promote economic development and increase dollars coming into the community. As the former head of an organization of nearly 500 businesses, Dugan knows what it takes to bring jobs to our area. A leader in Springfield on business issues, Dugan has seen the negative impact that recent fee hikes have had on our local economy.
A union member, Dugan also understands the needs of working families. Before starting work at the Chamber, she worked as a union electrician with IBEW Local 176 in Joliet. She was the first woman from Kankakee County to become a certified union electrician and she served on the advisory board of "Women in Non-Traditional Jobs." She is a strong voice for basic workplace protections, like fair wages, dependable benefits and safe work conditions.
In 1995, Dugan was elected trustee of the Village of Bradley. In grocery stores and coffee shops, she listened to the concerns and the advice of her constituents, serving as their voice on the village council. She worked to maintain a balanced budget and expand city services without raising taxes. Dugan is proud of her work securing a $250,000 grant to rehab homes on Bradley's east side and she also worked to expand affordable housing for senior citizens.
Dugan knows that a quality education, from kindergarten through college, is key to our children's futures and one of the top concerns of the community. Like most taxpayers, she is tired of seeing some education dollars being wasted while teachers struggle to buy basic supplies and property taxes continue to rise. She is committed to working with local parents, teachers and school officials to craft legislation to cut waste and put more dollars back in the classroom.
The same commitment to fiscal responsibility she demonstrated in her many roles as a community leader serves Dugan well in state government. She will continue to watch over tax dollars closely and ensure that revenue projections are being met. If further cuts become necessary, she will insist that vital programs like health care and public safety are spared from the budget axe and look for more ways to make government more efficient, eliminate duplicate programs and cut bureaucratic red tape.
Whether it's working on legislation in Springfield or helping local residents access state services and programs, Dugan remains devoted to serving the public. Dugan is a fulltime, bipartisan Representative who puts our community first.
The 79th District includes portions of Kankakee, Iroquois and Will Counties. State Representative 79th District Lisa DuganLisa Dugan was born in Kankakee in 1955, one of six children of Len and Toni Scheppler. She attended East Ridge High School and married her husband Jack in 1979. They have two adult daughters, Danielle and Jaclyn and one grandson, Dugan.
Dugan has made community service the foundation of her life. She has served on over fifty boards and community planning organizations around Kankakee county and the surrounding region. Highlights include service to the Regional Planning Commission, Kankakee County United Way and the American Red Cross "Heroes Campaign." She also volunteered time to raise funds for many local non-profit agencies including Harbor House, a domestic violence shelter, Options, an independent living center that advocates for persons with disabilities, Easter Seals and Victims Assistance. She recently was honored as the Legislator of the Year by the Illinois HomeCare Council.
In 1990, Dugan began volunteering her time with other local leaders to launch the Bradley-Bourbonnais Chamber of Commerce. She joined the Chamber's staff in 1994 and served as the President/CEO from 1998 until becoming a member of the Illinois House in 2003. Her primary focus while leading the Chamber was to work with local businesses, labor and community leaders to promote economic development and increase dollars coming into the community. As the former head of an organization of nearly 500 businesses, Dugan knows what it takes to bring jobs to our area. A leader in Springfield on business issues, Dugan has seen the negative impact that recent fee hikes have had on our local economy.
A union member, Dugan also understands the needs of working families. Before starting work at the Chamber, she worked as a union electrician with IBEW Local 176 in Joliet. She was the first woman from Kankakee County to become a certified union electrician and she served on the advisory board of "Women in Non-Traditional Jobs." She is a strong voice for basic workplace protections, like fair wages, dependable benefits and safe work conditions.
In 1995, Dugan was elected trustee of the Village of Bradley. In grocery stores and coffee shops, she listened to the concerns and the advice of her constituents, serving as their voice on the village council. She worked to maintain a balanced budget and expand city services without raising taxes. Dugan is proud of her work securing a $250,000 grant to rehab homes on Bradley's east side and she also worked to expand affordable housing for senior citizens.
Dugan knows that a quality education, from kindergarten through college, is key to our children's futures and one of the top concerns of the community. Like most taxpayers, she is tired of seeing some education dollars being wasted while teachers struggle to buy basic supplies and property taxes continue to rise. She is committed to working with local parents, teachers and school officials to craft legislation to cut waste and put more dollars back in the classroom.
The same commitment to fiscal responsibility she demonstrated in her many roles as a community leader serves Dugan well in state government. She will continue to watch over tax dollars closely and ensure that revenue projections are being met. If further cuts become necessary, she will insist that vital programs like health care and public safety are spared from the budget axe and look for more ways to make government more efficient, eliminate duplicate programs and cut bureaucratic red tape.
Whether it's working on legislation in Springfield or helping local residents access state services and programs, Dugan remains devoted to serving the public. Dugan is a fulltime, bipartisan Representative who puts our community first.
The 79th District includes portions of Kankakee, Iroquois and Will Counties. | |
|  State Representative 80th District
Democratic State Representative Anthony DeLuca is serving his first term in the Illinois House of Representatives representing the 80th District. With a state economy in peril, DeLuca is taking the lessons he has learned as mayor and Chief of Operations for Skyline Disposal Company, a third generation family-owned business, and applying them to solving the state’s fiscal crisis through a renewed focus on how state government can operate more efficiently and services provided to the public can be improved. As the mayor of Chicago Heights, DeLuca made building a more responsive and fiscally responsible government a top priority, an effort he will duplicate in Springfield. DeLuca reduced the number of salaried employees by twenty percent and revamped the city-funded health care plan to require that municipal workers contribute to the cost of their health insurance, as is required of private-sector workers. To create economic growth, DeLuca engineered a policy that sold off unused city-owned property to private entities. The end result was to attract businesses and create new jobs in the community. In fact, at a time when the unemployment rate in many Chicago area communities was rising, it was decreasing in Chicago Heights thanks, in part, to this initiative. DeLuca is a longtime supporter of a third regional airport in the Southland to serve the Chicago region and the construction of the proposed Illiana Expressway/Tollway which would connect Interstate 55 with Interstate 65 for improved transportation in our region. In addition, he plans to continue his work to develop a Metra Southeast Service Line, he favors the location of a new casino in the South Suburbs and he strongly supports the construction of the Star Line. As a believer in open and honest government that is accountable to taxpayers, DeLuca will use his position in the General Assembly to fight for ethics reforms that puts the era of George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich firmly in the past. The married father of three, DeLuca is committed to creating safer communities and stronger neighborhoods. He helped create a new alert system in Chicago Heights that informs residents of emergencies in the community, and because of his efforts to put more police officers on the streets, crime has gone down year after year. Prior to serving as mayor, DeLuca worked to improve local schools for eight years as a member of the Bloom Township High School District 206 Board of Education. DeLuca has been active in the community for many years as a coach and director for the Chicago Heights Small Fry basketball team, an active supporter of the Chicago Heights Drama Group, a member of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association Transportation Committee, and a member of the Chicago Heights Kiwanis Club. DeLuca also is a recipient of the 2004 Italo-American National Union David Award, the 2006 Mt. Carmel High School “Fitz Award” and a recipient of the 2006 IAET Civic Pride Award. Born and raised in Chicago Heights, DeLuca graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School and Elmhurst College. He and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of three children. The 80th District spans South Suburban Cook County, including all of Chicago Heights, Crete, Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights, and Steger, and parts of Beecher, Flossmoor, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing, Lynwood, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, and University Park,. The district also includes all of Crete Township in Will County. State Representative 80th District Democratic State Representative Anthony DeLuca is serving his first term in the Illinois House of Representatives representing the 80th District. With a state economy in peril, DeLuca is taking the lessons he has learned as mayor and Chief of Operations for Skyline Disposal Company, a third generation family-owned business, and applying them to solving the state’s fiscal crisis through a renewed focus on how state government can operate more efficiently and services provided to the public can be improved. As the mayor of Chicago Heights, DeLuca made building a more responsive and fiscally responsible government a top priority, an effort he will duplicate in Springfield. DeLuca reduced the number of salaried employees by twenty percent and revamped the city-funded health care plan to require that municipal workers contribute to the cost of their health insurance, as is required of private-sector workers. To create economic growth, DeLuca engineered a policy that sold off unused city-owned property to private entities. The end result was to attract businesses and create new jobs in the community. In fact, at a time when the unemployment rate in many Chicago area communities was rising, it was decreasing in Chicago Heights thanks, in part, to this initiative. DeLuca is a longtime supporter of a third regional airport in the Southland to serve the Chicago region and the construction of the proposed Illiana Expressway/Tollway which would connect Interstate 55 with Interstate 65 for improved transportation in our region. In addition, he plans to continue his work to develop a Metra Southeast Service Line, he favors the location of a new casino in the South Suburbs and he strongly supports the construction of the Star Line. As a believer in open and honest government that is accountable to taxpayers, DeLuca will use his position in the General Assembly to fight for ethics reforms that puts the era of George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich firmly in the past. The married father of three, DeLuca is committed to creating safer communities and stronger neighborhoods. He helped create a new alert system in Chicago Heights that informs residents of emergencies in the community, and because of his efforts to put more police officers on the streets, crime has gone down year after year. Prior to serving as mayor, DeLuca worked to improve local schools for eight years as a member of the Bloom Township High School District 206 Board of Education. DeLuca has been active in the community for many years as a coach and director for the Chicago Heights Small Fry basketball team, an active supporter of the Chicago Heights Drama Group, a member of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association Transportation Committee, and a member of the Chicago Heights Kiwanis Club. DeLuca also is a recipient of the 2004 Italo-American National Union David Award, the 2006 Mt. Carmel High School “Fitz Award” and a recipient of the 2006 IAET Civic Pride Award. Born and raised in Chicago Heights, DeLuca graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School and Elmhurst College. He and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of three children. The 80th District spans South Suburban Cook County, including all of Chicago Heights, Crete, Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights, and Steger, and parts of Beecher, Flossmoor, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing, Lynwood, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, and University Park,. The district also includes all of Crete Township in Will County. | |
|  State Representative 85th Representative
Emily McAsey Democratic Emily McAsey serving her first term as 85th District State Representative, continues a career dedicated to public service that she first began as a middle school teacher and criminal prosecutor. McAsey’s legislative priorities include ending “pay-to-play” politics and reforming government ethics laws, standing up for middle-class families, working to revive the state’s economy, strengthening the education system, providing law enforcement professionals with the resources they need to get criminals off the streets, and ensuring that veterans receive state-of-the-art medical and mental health services. McAsey serves on the Aging, Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations, Criminal Law, State Government Administration and Veterans Affairs committees. As a member of these committees she is in a unique position to shape legislation to improve the quality of life in the communities that she represents. A graduate of The College of William and Mary, McAsey began her professional career as an eighth grade social studies teacher. While teaching, she went to law school at night, graduating with honors from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. After graduation, she joined the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office where she worked as a criminal prosecutor. She is now a full-time State Representative. She, and her husband Craig, an orthopedic surgical resident, live in Lockport in a limestone house dating from the 1850s located near the Illinois and Michigan Canal. McAsey represents the 85th District, which lies entirely within Will County. It includes all or parts of DuPage, Lockport, and Plainfield townships and the towns of Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Joliet, Lockport, Naperville and Romeoville. State Representative 85th Representative Emily McAsey Democratic Emily McAsey serving her first term as 85th District State Representative, continues a career dedicated to public service that she first began as a middle school teacher and criminal prosecutor. McAsey’s legislative priorities include ending “pay-to-play” politics and reforming government ethics laws, standing up for middle-class families, working to revive the state’s economy, strengthening the education system, providing law enforcement professionals with the resources they need to get criminals off the streets, and ensuring that veterans receive state-of-the-art medical and mental health services. McAsey serves on the Aging, Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations, Criminal Law, State Government Administration and Veterans Affairs committees. As a member of these committees she is in a unique position to shape legislation to improve the quality of life in the communities that she represents. A graduate of The College of William and Mary, McAsey began her professional career as an eighth grade social studies teacher. While teaching, she went to law school at night, graduating with honors from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. After graduation, she joined the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office where she worked as a criminal prosecutor. She is now a full-time State Representative. She, and her husband Craig, an orthopedic surgical resident, live in Lockport in a limestone house dating from the 1850s located near the Illinois and Michigan Canal. McAsey represents the 85th District, which lies entirely within Will County. It includes all or parts of DuPage, Lockport, and Plainfield townships and the towns of Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Joliet, Lockport, Naperville and Romeoville. | |
|  State Representative 86th Representative Jack McGuire
State Representative Jack McGuire is serving his ninth two-year term in the Illinois House of Representatives. A full-time legislator, Representative McGuire feels it is his duty to speak for those without a voice, specifically children and senior citizens.
Education funding is a top priority for McGuire. Each year he has fought to make sure our public schools receive the funding they need, last year securing approximately $56.8 million. He has worked to secure additional grants for school safety and education improvement and will continue to work to improve education standards.
A champion of senior issues, McGuire is the former Chairman of the House Aging Committee and has worked to expand the circuit breaker and pharmaceutical assistance program to provide affordable prescription drugs and property tax relief to seniors across the state.
McGuire is an overseas veteran of the U.S. Army and former Joliet Township Supervisor. An active community member, he has served on a variety of social service boards including the Salvation Army, Senior Services Center, Will/Grundy Medical Clinic, Foster Grandparents, and Center for Independent Living. He also served as Secretary and Vice-President of the Irish-American Society.
During his years of service in the legislature, McGuire has received several awards, including the American Red Cross’ Legislator of the Year Award in 1991 and the Advocates United Legislator of the Year Award in 1997. McGuire was also the 1998 recipient of the Zeke Giorgi Labor Award and the 1999 Josephine Oblinger Award. He has been honored by the Will County Farm Bureau, Region Two Area Agency on Aging, Senior Services Center, Senior Companion Program, and Citizens with Disabilities.
McGuire was born and raised in Joliet. He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School and attended Joliet Junior College. He later graduated from Colorado State College and began his career as a teacher and coach. Representative McGuire is married (wife, Pat) and has four children (one deceased) and 11 grandchildren. State Representative 86th Representative Jack McGuireState Representative Jack McGuire is serving his ninth two-year term in the Illinois House of Representatives. A full-time legislator, Representative McGuire feels it is his duty to speak for those without a voice, specifically children and senior citizens.
Education funding is a top priority for McGuire. Each year he has fought to make sure our public schools receive the funding they need, last year securing approximately $56.8 million. He has worked to secure additional grants for school safety and education improvement and will continue to work to improve education standards.
A champion of senior issues, McGuire is the former Chairman of the House Aging Committee and has worked to expand the circuit breaker and pharmaceutical assistance program to provide affordable prescription drugs and property tax relief to seniors across the state.
McGuire is an overseas veteran of the U.S. Army and former Joliet Township Supervisor. An active community member, he has served on a variety of social service boards including the Salvation Army, Senior Services Center, Will/Grundy Medical Clinic, Foster Grandparents, and Center for Independent Living. He also served as Secretary and Vice-President of the Irish-American Society.
During his years of service in the legislature, McGuire has received several awards, including the American Red Cross’ Legislator of the Year Award in 1991 and the Advocates United Legislator of the Year Award in 1997. McGuire was also the 1998 recipient of the Zeke Giorgi Labor Award and the 1999 Josephine Oblinger Award. He has been honored by the Will County Farm Bureau, Region Two Area Agency on Aging, Senior Services Center, Senior Companion Program, and Citizens with Disabilities.
McGuire was born and raised in Joliet. He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School and attended Joliet Junior College. He later graduated from Colorado State College and began his career as a teacher and coach. Representative McGuire is married (wife, Pat) and has four children (one deceased) and 11 grandchildren. | |
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