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Kustra announces resignation, then decides to stay on following Edgar's heart surgery

In an ironic turn of events, Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra, just days after he announced his res- ignation, fulfilled his only constitutionally outlined duty — stepping in for the governor. Originally planning to leave state government August 1 to host a daily talk show for WLS- AM radio in Chicago, Kustra sat in for Gov. Jim Edgar during final budget negotiations in July while the governor lay in a Downers Grove hospital recuperating from quadruple bypass heart surgery. Less than two weeks later Edgar and Kustra announced that Kustra would remain at his job and would be Edgar's running mate in the November general election.

Edgar had not told Kustra or any of his staff that he was having heart trouble again. (An angioplasty to open clogged arteries was performed on the governor in October 1992.) In Downers Grove for state budget negotiations with legislative leaders, Edgar saw a doctor late in the evening of July 7 following three weeks of chest pains. Doctors performed an angiogram and recommended emergency heart bypass surgery. The operation was successful, and by the next afternoon Edgar was talking by phone with Kustra and other budget negotiators. The budget was passed by the legislature the following Tuesday. The governor returned to Springfield eight days after surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. His doctors say he should be able to rejoin the campaign for reelection around Labor Day.

The unusual series of events gave new importance to the office of the lieutenant governor. "A heartbeat away" became a phrase with literal meaning and immense implications for the Republicans. It didn't take long to realize that with the lieutenant governor's position open — the 1970 Illinois Constitution says the office remains vacant until the next election — the attorney general, Democrat Roland W. Burris, could succeed Edgar. Saying that possibility was "unacceptable," Edgar convinced Kustra to stay on the job and on the ticket, even going to bat with WLS to cancel Kustra's contract. Kustra didn't want to talk about giving up the talk show host salary. Though undisclosed, it was reportedly in six figures and considerably more than the S73.000 he makes as lieutenant governor, the lowest paid of the six constitutional officers.

Democratic candidate for governor Dawn Clark Netsch said the seesaw decision making showed a "sense of disarray" in the Edgar camp. Kustra's announcement of his leaving the lieutenant governor's office and the Edgar campaign with just over four months to the November election did fuel speculation that the governor wanted to adjust his ticket to combat the unprecedented pairing of two female candidates on the Democratic ticket. The Republicans claim that Kustra's staying proves the stability of "the team," a longtime campaign theme but not enough to hold Kustra two weeks earlier. Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor Penny Severns questioned whether Kustra was interested in the office for the long haul.

The governor said Kustra's responsibilities would expand if the team is elected to a second term. Kustra would be "point" person for economic development. The director of the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs would answer to Kustra rather than a member of Edgar's staff as is the case now.

Israel resigns from ICCB

Cary A. Israel, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) since 1991, is leaving the state to be president of Raritan Valley Community College in North Branch, New Jersey, effective August 8.

Israel, 45, of Springfield has been instrumental in developing and guiding the governor's telecommunications initiative. Eventually linking all 49 community colleges, the interactive video system will also reach out to schools and businesses in communities across the state (see Illinois Issues, May 1994, page 18). Also listed among Israel's accomplishments are his leadership in establishing the nation's first statewide educational guarantee policy for occupational and transfer programs; Vision 2000, the board's first strategic plan; and the community college system's first statewide non-profit foundation.

Israel says he is looking forward to being president of the 10,000-student college, where the state has just abolished its board of higher education. "I'm looking forward to being part of the creation and development of a new form of higher education in New Jersey," says Israel.

Citing Israel's innovative leadership and contributions to the Illinois community college system, the Illinois Community College Trustees Association in June gave Israel a Distinguished Service Award.

Gonet leaving ICC to join administration

Phil Gonet, executive director of the Illinois Commerce Commission, left August 1 to be assistant manager at Central Management Services.

Though taking an annual pay cut of nearly $ 19,000, Gonet says he is pleased to be joining the governor's administration. Gonet will be an assistant to Director Stephen B. Schnorf in charge of two major areas, benefits and procurement.

Gonet will be paid $65,334, and his appointment requires Senate confirmation.

Taking Gonet's place at the commerce commission as interim executive director is Josephine Simmons, 52, of Springfield, manager of the consumer services division.

New director, board member for Criminal Justice Information Authority

Thomas F. Baker, 52, of Woodstock is the new executive director of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the agency responsible for coordinating law enforcement agencies throughout the state. He replaces Dennis E. Nowicki, who resigned in April to be chief of police in Charlotte, N.C. (see Illinois Issues, May 1994, page 31).

Prior to joining the authority Baker was an attorney in private practice. He also served as the state's attorney for McHenry County and as an associate judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit, where he was presiding judge of the Juvenile Court.

Candice Kane, who has been the acting head of the agency since April, will return to her duties as associate director.

Baker's appointment, effective July 1, must be confirmed by the Senate. He will be paid $79,531 annually.

Joining the 15-member governing body of the Criminal Justice Information Authority is Richard Mark of Collinsville.

Mark, 38, is president and CEO of St. Mary's Hospital of East St. Louis Inc. He replaces Wyatt Frazer in the position and will serve a four-year term with the authority until January 19, 1998.

In addition to coordinating the use of information in the criminal justice system, the authority issues regulations to ensure privacy of criminal history records consistent with state and federal laws; undertakes research in new information technologies; and serves as

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clearinghouse for federal, state and local studies and projects related to law enforcement, prosecution and corrections.

Members of the authority are reimbursed for expenses only.

DeMarco: deputy director of Financial Institutions

On July 15 Bill DeMarco of Springfield made the transition from Sangamon County sheriff, a position he has held since 1985, to deputy director of the Illinois Department of Financial Institutions.

As a 30-year law enforcement veteran, DeMarco, 58, will focus his administrative and investigative experience toward the automation of the department's unclaimed property files. This step is a response to legislation that shortened the time frame from seven to five years in which property is considered unclaimed. In addition, DeMarco will monitor all department activities in the Springfield office.

The Department of Financial Institutions is responsible for licensing and examining credit unions, currency exchanges and consumer finance companies throughout Illinois. The agency also directs the collection of unclaimed property within the state as well as the efforts to locate the property's owners so they may regain abandoned financial assets.

DeMarco, who was appointed by director Frank C. Casillas, will receive an annual salary of $58,500. He fills the position vacated upon the death of Robert 0. Antonini.

Marshall and McDoweIl: new appointments to ISBE

Joining the Illinois State Board of Education as a new member serving a one-year term is Leonard Marshall of Peoria. Marshall, 62, is president of Marshall Holdings Incorporated in Peoria, a member of the Illinois State Board of Education's Advisory Council on Business/Education Partnerships and a trustee of Bradley University.

Serving a three-year term is Gretchen McDoweIl of Chicago. McDoweIl, 56, is a homemaker and past president of the Illinois Parent Teachers Association. She has served on several advisory committees for the State Board of Education and chaired the local Beveriy Area Planning Association's Public Education Committee. She replaces Coni Battle in the position.

Lyie Neumann, an existing member of the board, was appointed to a new five-year term. Neumann, 51, of Sherman serves as the vice chair and member of the legislative and finance committees for the State Board of Education. He is also the intergovernmental liaison for the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Among the duties of the 17-member board are supervising the public school system from preschool through grade 12 and establishing educational policies and guidelines for both public and private schools.

Members are paid per diem plus expenses. The appointments were confirmed by the Senate in June.

Girard and Meyer reappointed to Pollution Control Board

Serving three-year terms ending July 1, 1997, two incumbents continue membership on the seven-member Pollution Control Board.

Reappointed to the board were G. Tanner Girard, 52, of Grafton, former professor of biology and environmental studies at Principia College in Elsah, and J. Theodore T. Meyer, 58, of Chicago, former U.S. representative from 1966 to 1982.

The Pollution Control Board determines and implements applicable federal environmental control standards for Illinois. In addition, the board has authority over rule violations and appeals concerning permits for pollution control facilities and hazardous waste disposal sites.

Members are paid an annual salary of $68,015, and appointments require Senate confirmation.

Flowers and Suter join advocacy commission

Mary E. Flowers and Sue Suter are new commissioners with the 11-member Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission.

Flowers, former state representative from Chicago serving the 31st district, will serve a term ending June 30, 1997. Suter, former director of both the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Children and Family Services, will serve a term ending June 30, 1996.

The commission guides policy for people with disabilities who have no family or friends to care for them. Commissioners are paid expenses only. Both Flowers and Suter were confirmed by the Senate in the spring session.

Thomas appointed to Illinois Human Rights Commission

Isiah Thomas of Calumet Park joins the Human Rights Commission serving a term ending January 16, 1995.

Thomas, 50, is the president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241 in Chicago. He replaces G.A. Finch.

The commission adjudicates charges of civil rights violations in employment, housing, public accommodations and financial credit that are filed with the Department of Human Rights.

Members of the commission receive an annual salary of $27,290. Thomas' appointment was confirmed by the Senate in June.

Ianello Manning and Sims appointed to Great Lakes Commission

With unspecified terms, three new commissioners join the five-member Great Lakes Commission, which administers the intergovernmental compact of the Great Lakes Basin states to plan the development, use and conservation of water resources.

Anthony lanello, 39, of Olympia Fields, executive director for the Illinois International Port District, replaces Christos Kritilos. Brent Manning, 41, of Pawnee, director of the Illinois Department of Conservation, replaces Don Moore. Norman Sims Jr., 43, of Springfield, deputy director of community development for the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, replaces Jay Hedges.

Members are paid expenses only, and appointments do not require Senate confirmation.

DeAngelo new member of minority/female advisory council; three reappointed

Joining the 15-member Minority and Female Business Enterprise Advisory Council is Judith DeAngelo, 51, of Elmhurst, president of Jade Carpentry Contractors in Chicago. With a term expiring September 6, 1995, DeAngelo replaces Patricia Smith-Pierce.

Reappointed to the council with terms ending September 6, 1995, are: Charles Seavers, 64, of Chicago, self-employed at Charles Seavers and Associates in Chicago; Teresa Valdes, 55, ofEvanston, owner and president of Envirosafe Inc. in Schiller Park; and Katie Wright, 70, of East St. Louis, superintendent of schools of the East St. Louis School District 189.

The council helps implement the state's program of awarding 10 percent of the dollar amount of state contracts to minority and female businesses. The council also maintains a list of all such businesses, provides information related to pending contracts on which they may bid and reviews compliance plans submitted by each state agency.

Members of the council are paid expenses, and appointments do not require Senate confirmation.

One new member appointed, three reappointed to horse racing board

Joining the Illinois Horse Racing and

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Breeding Industry Promotion Board as a new member is Steven Holland, 51, of Long Grove, retired president of Applied Information Development of Oak Brook. His term expires January 1, 1996. Holland replaces Gerard McGrath.

Those reappointed with terms expiring January I, 1996, are: Charles Bidwill, 65, of Winnetka, president of Sportsman's Park Race Track, Cicero; Billy Johnston, 58, of Hinsdale, president of the Chicago Downs Association; and Tex Moats, 51, of Fairfield, a self- employed horse trainer in Fairfield.

The board regulates horse racing and parimutuel wagering at state tracks. It also issues licenses, allocates racing days, prescribes rules and imposes penalties for violations.

Members are paid $150 per diem to a maximum of $7,541 per year plus expenses, and appointments do not require Senate confirmation.

Delaney, Dempsey, Edson and Osberg join export promotion council

Four new members, nonpartisan state residents with a background in international export trade, join the 25-member Export Promotion Coordinating Council. The council's responsibilities include coordinating international exports of Illinois businesses, seeking funding for state export programs and the recruitment of foreign capital investment and business development in the state.

New members with terms ending January 1, 1996, are: Laurel Delaney, 39, of Chicago, president of Global Trade Source Limited, Chicago; William Dempsey, 48, of Decatur, a business agent for Plumber and Pipefitters Local 65; Gary Edson, 38, of Chicago, vice president of Business Development for Ameritech, Chicago; and James Osberg, 51, of Carbondale, director of International Economic Development at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Council members are paid expenses, and appointments do not require senate confirmation.

Swanson appointed to historic preservation board

Warren Swanson of Palos Park has joined the seven-member Historic Preservation Board of Trustees.

Swanson, 60, is an attorney and president of Swanson & Brown Limited in Palos Heights. He assumes a position vacated by the death of Frank Mason and will serve a two- year term with the board until January 15, 1996.

Members are paid expenses, and appointments require Senate confirmation.

Chicago Bar Association installs new president; files suit to challenge petition process

The Chicago Bar Association (CBA) recently installed Richard J. Prendergast of Chicago as its 70th president. He succeeds John B. Simon of the law firm Jenner & Block.

A Loyola School of Law graduate, Prendergast began his career with Keck, Mahin & Cate, where he worked from 1971 to 1973. He then served as law clerk for the late U.S. District Judge William J. Campbell. Prendergast, 49, now heads his own four-member law firm.

As president, Prendergast will follow a lawsuit filed by the CBA regarding the use of the public initiative petition process as a proper method to amend the Illinois Constitution to limit the terms of state legislators to eight years. Prendergast says the decision to file suit was based on the need to ensure that procedures of the Illinois Constitution are followed when the constitution is sought to be amended. Over the past 20 years, the Chicago Bar Association has been involved in evaluating all amendments to the Illinois Constitution.

Illinois Trial Lawyers Association installs new president

Curt N. Rodin, 44, of Northbrook was installed as president of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) during its annual convention in Oak Brook Hills.

Rodin, a partner in the law firm of Anesi, Ozmon & Rodin, Chicago, will lead the state's largest voluntary bar association whose members specialize in representing injured consumers and workers.

Rodin states, "As ITLA president my primary goal is to warn citizens of Illinois that the so-called "pro-business" reforms proposed by the Senate Republican leadership is an attack on the rights of consumers. It is an attack on the working people of this state. It is an attack on the victims of medical malpractice. And most significantly, it is an attack on the ability of any citizen of this state to serve on a jury and fairly decide a civil case."

Rodin succeeds Patrick A. Salvi of Waukegan as president.

Welcome, Peggy Boyer Long

Peggy Boyer Long is the new editor oi Illinois Issues. An award-winning journalist, Long, 47, of Chicago will assume her new position September 1. She replaces Caroline Gherardini, who resigned in March. Gherar- dini helped write the charter for the magazine at its inception in 1975 and guided it for nearly 20 years, first as managing editor and from 1978 as editor.

Long is currently teaching graduate courses at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston. With the school since 1991, she instituted Medill's first Statehouse reporting unit, now a component of the Urban Public Affairs Reporting course. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College in Chicago.

Long is returning to familiar territory in Springfield and Sangamon State University, the home of Illinois Issues. Twice she was bureau chief for the university's radio station WSSU-FM, from 1975-78 when it was WSSR-FM and from 1989-91.

From 1992-93 Long worked as an independent reporter and producer for Illinois Public Radio. She received the 1993 Media Award presented by the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois for a series exploring public policy from a humanities perspective. Following that series until April of this year, she was an associate editor for Chicago Journalist, a monthly publication of the Chicago Headline Club, Society of Professional Journalists.

Long received a bachelor's degree in literature and master's degree in journalism from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a second master's degree in history from Sangamon State University, Springfield. 

Beverley Scobell andJulie Detrick

Next month in Illinois Issues:
Illinois Democrats since the '68 convention

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