Quinn names longtime aide Stermer as temporary Comptroller

Posted on December 19, 2014

Gov. Pat Quinn has named his budget chief, Jerry Stermer, to fill in as Comptroller on an interim basis. (WJBC file photo)

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has named his budget chief as a short-term replacement for late Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.

Jerry Stermer has been director of the governor's budget office since 2012. He was the Chicago Democrat's chief of staff during Quinn's first term and the longtime director of advocacy group Voices for Illinois Children.  

Incoming Gov. Bruce Rauner had called on Quinn to name Topinka's longtime chief of staff as her replacement.

Stermer will serve until Rauner takes office on Jan. 12, when the new governor will announce a full four-year replacement.

There have been conflicting ideas about how to fill Topinka's terms.

Quinn has called lawmakers back to Springfield to consider a 2016 special election so voters could have a say in the process.

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