PEOPLE
Edited by Jennifer Davis

Shifts at the Top Lori Spear Montana replaced outgoing Department of Lottery Director Desiree Rogers as of March 1. Rogers, who is returning to the private sector, was appointed director in February 1991. Montana has served as executive director of the Illinois Arts Council for the past two years. She also was finance director of Citizens for Edgar from March 1991 to March 1995. The council has yet to name a successor to Montana's post. Lawrence moves out, Hardy moves in Mike Lawrence, Gov. Edgar's longtime press secretary, has officially announced he will leave at the end of this legislative session. He will be replaced by Thomas Hardy, the Chicago Tribune's political writer for the last decade. Lawrence said last month he has spoken with Southern Illinois University in Carbondale about joining former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon's new think tank, but he has options at other universities as well. "I haven't made up my mind yet," he says. Hardy will earn $98,000 a year and will be based in Chicago, where he lives with his wife and two sons. Although he joined the Edgar administration in mid-February, Hardy will not take over as press secretary until June 1. In announcing the appointment, Edgar said he is "delighted that we could convince someone of Tom's reputation and abilities to succeed Mike, who has been with me for nearly a decade." Hardy, a Chicago native, was with the Tribune for 20 years. He has a bachelor's degree in English from Ripon College in Wisconsin and a master's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston. Lawrence will be the second Edgar press aide to resign this year. Gary Mack, who served Edgar for a dozen years, recently announced he is starting his own communications and lobbying firm in Chicago.

Discord dogs slate's top court

The controversy surrounding Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice James Heiple continues to divide members of the state's high court.

Heiple, a Peoria Republican who currently faces misconduct charges, was recently accused by a fellow justice of trying to avoid disciplinary action.

Last month, Justice Charles A. Freeman, a Chicago Democrat, asked his colleagues to consider creating a special commission to oversee charges by the Judicial Inquiry Board that Heiple used his position to evade traffic tickets. Heiple, who elected not to refute the factual allegations, faces possible disciplinary action from the Illinois Courts Commission. He could be reprimanded or removed from the bench.

Freeman's request is unusual and illustrates deep divisions among the court's members. He challenged the commission's impartiality on grounds that Heiple bypassed Freeman to tap his friend, Justice Moses Harrison II, a Fairview Heights Democrat, to head the panel. Harrison's appointment came just days before the misconduct charges were filed against Heiple.

Meanwhile, allegations of patronage surround another Heiple appointment — that of Illinois appellate court Judge William Holdridge, Heiple appointed Holdridge, his former law clerk, administrative director of the state's court system. Three of Heiple's colleagues, including Freeman, have charged the appointment violates the state Constitution because judges are forbidden to hold other full-time positions while they serve on the bench.

Circuit judge withdraws from federal nomination

Sangamon County Circuit Judge Sue E. Myerscough has withdrawn her name from consideration for a federal judgeship, citing family reasons.

Myerscough, the presiding judge of the 7th Circuit, which includes Springfield, was nominated in November 1995 by then-U.S. Sen. Paul Simon.

Daley confirmed U.S. commerce secretary

It's official. William M. Daley was confirmed January 30 as President Bill Clinton's secretary of commerce.

40 / March 1997 Illinois Issues

WOODYARD REMEMBERED

State Sen. Harry "Babe" Woodyard was loved by many, endeared by most and, perhaps, feared by a few. And that's probably the worst thing you could say about him.

The 66-year-old downstate Republican from Edgar County suffered a massive stroke and died January 31. He was recovering from surgery to repair a weak spot in his heart.

"You will never find a finer man than Babe Woodyard," was Senate President James "Pate" Philip's high and heartfelt praise. "He always had a great attitude. He wasn't afraid to stand up and be counted, yet he was one of the most agreeable people you would ever want to know."

Known as a champion of farmers, Woodyard, a former farmer himself, pushed for increased Illinois farm exports. He also promoted ethanol, a corn-based fuel, and developed a task force to find new markets for recyclables. Conservation 2000, a long-range plan aimed at helping to balance Illinois' preservation and recreation needs, was another of his initiatives.

Considered a gentle man, "Babe" got his nickname because he was the younger of two boys.

"His death is a great personal loss for me as well as a tremendous loss for our state," said Gov. Edgar, adding that Woodyard was a friend and ally for more than two decades.

"Babe was a champion of fair funding for our schools. He was a champion of promoting our agricultural products abroad. He was a champion of providing more accessible and high-quality health care to those in rural areas."

Woodyard was appointed to Edgar's state House seat in 1979 when Edgar took a position in then-Gov. James Thompson's administration. From then on, he won every bid for re-election.

Woodyard had decided not to seek another term, however, mainly because of his failing health.

He was buried February 4 in Ridge Farm, the small Vermilion County village of his youth.

Condolences Illinois Issues extends its condolences to Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan and his family on the loss of 12-year-old Anne Marie Ryan.

Illinois Issues March 1997 / 41

PEOPLE

NEW UTILITY DEREGULATION PANEL SEATED Gov. Edgar is seeking advice on, the complicated issue of electric utility deregulation. But instead of looking to representatives of the utility industry, Edgar appointed an advocate for low-income citizens, a utility investment analyst and a former member of the Illinois Commerce Commission. The appointments were: Nancy Brockway, attorney and utility analyst with the low-income advocacy group the National Consumer Law Center in Boston. Randle Smith, managing director of a Chicago investment firm with 15 years of experience in utility investment analysis. Charles Stalon, former member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Illinois Commerce Commission. Stalon, a former economics professor at Michigan State University, has also served as an energy regulation consultant since 1993. "I favor deregulation of electricity," Edgar said in announcing the appointments. "I believe the increased competition will benefit all consumers, and I want to make sure that all consumers are treated fairly." Members of the Citizens Utility Board praised Edgar's choices, adding it shows Edgar is open-minded and committed to the issue. The General Assembly is likely to debate legislation designed to open the electric utility market to competition this spring. (See Illinois Issues January 1997, page 12.) At least two proposals — one that phases in consumer choice over several years and another that opens the market entirely in 1998 — have been introduced so far this session.

Appointments

Mary Ann Louderback, a former aide to Gov. Jim Edgar and current member of the Illinois Labor Relations Board, was recently elected president of Literacy Volunteers of America-Illinois.

Louderback is a former chief education advisor for Edgar as well as a former director of his planning office.

The Literacy Volunteers of America-Illinois is a statewide organization that promotes literacy. Last year, the Illinois chapter provided services to more than 6,500 teenagers and adults.

Gov. Edgar underscored his commitment to education funding reform recently by appointing his own advisor on the subject.

Mark Boozell, a longtime Edgar aide, has been director of the Department of Insurance since 1995. He will continue in that role as he works for bipartisan support of a school funding reform proposal, something Edgar says Boozell is well-suited for.

Edgar's association with Boozell goes back to the governor's days as secretary of state. Boozell was his legislative director then and later after Edgar was elected governor.

Bobby J. Wilkerson, director of the Illinois Development Finance Authority, was recently elected to a national economic development post.

As secretary of the Council of Development Finance Agencies, Wilkerson will help CDFA's more than 150 public and private members nationwide.

Wilkerson was appointed director of the state authority in April 1995. The agency was created in 1983 to help stimulate economic development and jobs in Illinois.

Former state Sen. David Barkhausen has been appointed to the Illinois State Labor Relations Board.

Pending confirmation by the Senate, Barkhausen will earn $65,130 to serve on the three-member board, which oversees collective bargaining between the state and employee organizations.

The former Lake Bluff Republican resigned from the Senate this year after 15 years in the General Assembly.

Banks and real estate commissioner Jack Schaffer named Michael Seng to a three-year appointment on the Residential Mortgage Board.

Seng is co-executive director of the John Marshall Fair Housing Legal Support Center.

The Office of Banks and Real Estate regulates more than 1,000 licensed mortgage brokers and bankers.

Dr. Joseph Cipfl, president of Belleville Area College, has been appointed executive director of the Illinois Community College Board.

Cipfl begins his new post July 1. The ICCB is the coordinating board for Illinois' 49 public community colleges.

Robb D. Miller Jr. of Springfield was recently reappointed inspector general for the Illinois Department of Public Aid, pending Senate confirmation. Miller is the former police chief of the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Attorney David A. Epstein of Chicago was recently reappointed to the Court of Claims. Attorney Frederick J. Hess of Belleville was also appointed. Both appointments require confirmation from the Senate.

42 / March 1997 Illinois Issues

STATUS OF STATE
EDUCATION BOARD IN QUESTION

While lawyers and politicians continue to mull things over, the Illinois State Board of Education languishes in limbo.

In January, the state Senate unanimously confirmed five of Gov. Edgar's appointees to the board. They ignored the other four, raising concerns that the debate over education funding reform might be put on hold if there is no working board to represent the state's school districts.

Lou Mervis of Danville, Connie Rogers of Buffalo Grove, Vince Seritella of Lombard, Marilyn McConachie of Northbrook and Sharon Gist Gilliam of Chicago were confirmed after extensive questioning by senators on the department's contractual spending practices.

The status of Bill Hill of Charleston, Jim Palos of Chicago, Harry Litchfield of Coal Valley and Sandra Pelligrino of Peoria, however, is still uncertain and likely to remain so until late spring.

The senators hope a pending review by Auditor General William Holland will allay concerns. The unconfirmed members of the new board served on the previous board that approved a contract extension and pay raise for state Superintendent Joseph Spagnolo.

Higher Education director says long goodbye

Richard Wagner, executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, has announced his resignation from the board effective February 28, 1998.

Wagner, who has headed the staff for 16 years, joined the agency in 1969.

"I want to do something less time-demanding, a little less stressful," Wagner says. "Frankly, I don't know what that is yet, but I'm interested in public affairs initiatives in Illinois and, as the year unfolds, hope to have some opportunities." The one-year notice also will allow time to find his successor, he adds.

Wagner has been recognized for his efforts at streamlining and updating university degree programs (see Illinois Issues, December 1996, page 31).

The Board of Higher Education develops budget recommendations for higher education programs, institutions and student financial aid.

Roosevelt University names new board

Seven business, media and sports management leaders were recently elected to the Roosevelt University Board of Trustees:

Seymour J. Abrams, chairman of Sysco Financial Corp, is also chairman and president of Brickyard Bank in Lincolnwood.

William C. Bartholomay, president of Near North Groups, is also vice chairman of Turner Broadcasting System Inc. and a director on the Executive Council of Major League Baseball.

Barry J. Carroll, chairman of Carroll International Corp. in Des Plaines, is also director of Katy Industries, president of E.D. Pehrson Associates Real Estate Development and vice president of Internal Metals and Machines.

Frank M. dark is a vice president at Commonwealth Edison.

James A. Miller is president and CEO of Alliant Foodservice Inc. in Deerfield.

Thomas H. Miner is founder and president of Thomas H. Miner & Associates Inc., an international business consulting firm.

Norman Ross is a television news personality and retired senior vice president and head of community affairs for First National Bank of Chicago.

U of I trustees pick chairwoman The trustees elected Susan Loving Gravenhorst to head the University of Illinois board. Gravenhorst, a Lake Bluff Republican, was first elected a university trustee in 1984. She was re-elected in 1990 and renamed by Gov. Edgar after the position became appointive.

LaPaille elected president
of party's state chairs

Illinois Democratic Party Chairman Gary LaPaille was recently elected president of his party's association of state chairs.

The national position means LaPaille also will serve on the Democratic National Committee's executive committee.

Illinois Issues March 1997 / 43