PEOPLE

Edited by Jennifer Davis

HONORS

Laura Washington, publisher and editor of The Chicago Reporter. was named to The Century Club, Newsweek magazine's list of 100 Americans to watch as we head into the next century. The Reporter, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this month, has focused on issues related to race and poverty in the city Beginning this year, the publication will expand its investigative reach to the entire metropolitan area. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation have funded a project on the impact of regionalism. "It's a small publication," Newsu-eek said in naming Washington, "but her style of investigative journalism has made it a powerful — and award- winning—voice."

University of Illinois President James Stukel received an honorary degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. The doctorate of engineering awarded in May at Pin-due's commencement ceremonies is Stukel's first honorary degree.

Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra received the Frank Bellrose Illinois River Valley Conservation Award for his advocacy of the Illinois River. The award, presented by The Nature Conservancy of Illinois, honors individuals dedicated to restoring the river. The award's namesake, Frank Bellrose of Havana, is a wildlife biologist.

Former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon was nominated by President Bill Clinton to the National Institute for Literacy advisory board. While the nomination has yet to be approved by the U.S. Senate, it is expected to be. Simon now teaches journalism and runs a think-tank at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. The institute fosters adult literacy efforts.

Edgar and top aides may testify in fraud trial

Gov. Jim Edgar and a laundry list of who's who in his administration may be asked to testify in the federal trial involving Management Services of Illinois Inc.

MSI is accused of defrauding the Illinois Department of Public Aid of more than $7 million, bribery, misappropriation of government property and mail fraud.

In addition to the governor, Edgar's former press secretary Mike Lawrence and his personnel director Janis Cellini may be asked to testify. Republican Senate President James "Pate" Philip also is on a long list of top government officials who may get called as witnesses. None have been charged with wrongdoing.

The trial is scheduled for late June.

Controversial former Peoria mayor wins post

Former Peoria Mayor Jim Maloof, a Republican and friend of Gov. Jim Edgar, was appointed to the Illinois Human Rights Commission despite a $2 million settlement in a sexual discrimination lawsuit.

The Senate, which approved the appointment, lacked the necessary votes on the first try. While Edgar and some Senate Republicans praised Maloof's character and ability to handle

the post, several groups, including the Illinois chapter of the National Organization for Women, opposed the appointment because the commission settles cases of civil rights abuses, including sex discrimination and harassment.

Maloof's lawsuit included charges from his secretary that he subjected her to unwanted hugs, kisses and comments about her breasts.

Illinois Issues July/August 1997 / 33

PEOPLE

Appointments

Martha Alien will now handle public relations for the state's new Department of Human Services. She has been communications chief for the Department of Children and Family Services for the past four years.

Jacquelyn Heard, formerly a Chicago Tribune city hall reporter, is Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's new press secretary. She replaces Jim Williams.

Maurice Daniel, former chief of staff for Democratic congressman Bobby Rush of Chicago, is Vice President Al Gore's new director of political affairs. Daniel set up Rush's congressional office after a stint as the Midwest campaign director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Amy Zisook, a native Chicagoan who was finance director for Clinton's first presidential campaign, will direct lobbying and civic activities for the Chicago Board of Options Exchange.

Nancy Kimme is now executive assistant for state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka. Kimme moved from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

Ken Kamps, who worked for former Cook County State's Attorney Jack O'Malley, will be Topinka's director of personnel beginning July 1. He replaces Keith Albrecht.

Ray Long, political writer for The Associated Press, will head the AP's Illinois Statehouse bureau. He replaces Sandra Skowron, who took a job with the Tribune-Review of Greensburg, Pa.

In memory of Chicago Defender's John Sengstacke

As a young man, John H.H. Sengstacke admitted he wasn't "too keen" on the newspaper business. Now, some 60 years later, the former owner and editor of the Chicago Defender is known nationwide as a pioneer in the African-American press.

Sengstacke, 84, died May 28 after an extended illness. He had inherited the newspaper from its founder and his uncle Robert S. Abbott in 1940, later turning the weekly into a daily paper.

Over his lifetime, he served as an adviser to presidents Truman, Kennedy and Johnson. One of those presidential appointments helped result in the desegregation of the military, according to one of his many obituaries in the Chicago Defender.

Illinois Issues' cartoonist goes legit

Longtime Illinois Issues political illustrator and Chicago attorney Mike Cramer will show his paintings at the Vedanta Gallery of Chicago. While Cramer has shown his cartoons in Chicago before, this will be his first non- cartoon gallery showing. The show runs from August 1 to September 1.

Shifts at the Top

Chicago State University President Dolores Cross is resigning. Cross was the first woman and the only African American to head an Illinois public university. After serving in that capacity for seven years, she will leave this fall to become president of the GE Fund, General Electric Co.'s international foundation that provides grants to support education. "This is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life," Cross said in a printed statement. "In my new position, I will be able to assist institutions like CSU in achieving greater heights of excellence."

Robert Creamer abruptly ended his tenure with Citizen Action of Illinois, a consumer organization that lobbies in Springfield on such issues as utility deregulation and campaign finance reform. The resignation came early last month amid a federal investigation into the group's financial affairs. Creamer had headed the group for more than two decades. In a prepared statement he cited an inability to serve as an effective spokesman and leader. According to the Chicago Tribune, Creamer met with federal agents about a $1 million overdraft in an organization account.

34 / July/August 1997 Illinois Issues