Incoming Illinois comptroller says she’d run in 2016

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO – Illinois' incoming appointed comptroller says she'd run in a 2016 special election if lawmakers approve one at a legislative session in Springfield.
 
Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner appointed Republican Leslie Munger of Lincolnshire. She'll fill the position left vacant by the death of Judy Baar Topinka.
 
However, it's been unclear how long Munger will stay in the post. Rauner says it should last four years, but Gov. Pat Quinn and top Democrats support holding an election for the final two years.
 
Munger tells the Chicago Tribune that if there is an election, she believes voters will support her work in office.
 
Munger made an unsuccessful bid for an Illinois House seat in November, losing to Democratic state Rep. Carol Sente.
 
She's previously worked for companies, including Helene Curtis and Unilever.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…