Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Speaker Welch says talks are “moving forward” on energy, calls Thursday session
Next Post: *** UPDATED x3 - Bailey questions - ILGOP explains - Rabine claims victory *** Sullivan floats gubernatorial candidacy
Posted in:
*Alexi Giannoulias fundraising pitch…
Dear Friends,
Let’s face it. It’s hard to find anyone who loves their driver’s license photo.
But what if you could do a retake?
Earlier today, our campaign announced a plan that would allow Illinoisans to choose the photo placed on their driver’s license.
Under our proposal, the Secretary of State’s office would allow Illinoisans to take up to three additional photos when they renew their license or state identification card at one of the Secretary of State’s facilities.
The Secretary of State’s office would charge $10 for each additional photo taken. The additional cost would only apply to those who want to have their photo retaken.
Revenue generated from the extra photos would go towards a new driver safety fund to support education, safety and training programs.
Will you help us keep our policy driven campaign going by contributing $25, $50 or $100?
There are many important policy issues involving the Secretary of State’s office that we have discussed and initiatives we’ve proposed. This isn’t one of them.
But we want to give Illinoisans a choice and have the opportunity for a more flattering photo while generating new revenue to make our roads safer.
Sincerely,
Alexi
The change wouldn’t take effect until the current long lines finally dwindle.
Your thoughts on this?
*** UPDATE *** Potential Republican challenger issues formal response…
— Tom Demmer (@tomdemmer) September 7, 2021
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:34 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Speaker Welch says talks are “moving forward” on energy, calls Thursday session
Next Post: *** UPDATED x3 - Bailey questions - ILGOP explains - Rabine claims victory *** Sullivan floats gubernatorial candidacy
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Why am I not surprised that one of his “big ideas” is making sure he and others can look better in their State id picture?
Comment by fs Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:36 am
I’d do it if the extra money went toward a hair stylist and make-up artist.
Comment by JoanP Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:38 am
Exactly the sort of thoughtful and impactful leadership I’d expect from a candidate of AG’s caliber.
Comment by Excitable Boy Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:38 am
Vapid.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:38 am
I’ve heard of vanity campaigns but this takes the literary license cake…
“If you’re into a phony way to give yourself a chance to be seen in a different light, have I gotta deal for you”
It’s thinking I’d see in The Onion, but, if he can make some dough right now off it…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:41 am
I can’t think of a single time that I have had to show my license that has made me smile.
A bad picture will more closely match my face whenever some authority figure asks to look at it.
This isn’t even low hanging fruit.
Comment by Anonish Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:42 am
=== Your thoughts on this? ===
1) Translation: Jesse White has done such a great job, this is the best I could come up with.
2) If you were wondering “Who spends more time thinking about his hair, Alexi or Rod?” you now have your answer.
Comment by Marty McFly Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:45 am
The SOS is responsible for so many different areas that there are a number of ways that a candidate can promote ideas that actually help people. This is not one of them. Pretty pathetic, although I am sure there are people out there that would like this idea.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:45 am
I like it. But, put the money in GRF to fund current programs instead of creating a new program/fund.
Comment by AD Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:48 am
I am sure the ISP and other local and county PD’s will just love this idea. /s
Alexi is a banned word.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:49 am
is this a serious campaign? Jesse White is an octogenarian who has held back the advancement of a major customer service branch of government. There’s about 100 things that need to be modernized before we pursue a new selfie policy.
Comment by MaddyMoon Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:49 am
This is digital photography. There is literally zero cost to taking three photos and letting the driver choose one of the three photos. Charging per photo though is just insane.
Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:50 am
Probably spent too many hours looking at high school year book and wondering what if
Comment by BobCL Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:50 am
A driver’s license is NOT social media, Alex. What a joke this idea is.
Comment by thisjustinagain Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:55 am
Maddy Moon- Ageism much? And can you provide ideas/examples of how the Secretary has “held back” advancement? I’m interested in your list of 100 things, and perhaps it could give the candidates something to work off of since you seem to be quite the expert.
Comment by Reformed Blonde Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:56 am
I’d like to go back to my picture from 1972, please. Can you make that happen Alexi? I will pay extra.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:59 am
There are specific requirements from AAMVA and RealID for how the photos are taken. Doesn’t give you the opportunity to do a profile photo or one with your hand placed thoughtfully under your chin.
Comment by Out There In The Middle Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:00 am
For example, as the State Librarian he could do more to promote literacy in our underserved communities.
Also the SOS regulates the securities industry in Illinois, which has done a good job of protecting middle class families from financial fraudsters and financial services companies that take advantage of hard working people. Alexi does not have a good track record in this regard, however:
https://www.journalstandard.com/article/20100110/NEWS/301109949
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120112/NEWS01/120119895/prepaid-college-tuition-adviser-fined-over-failed-shorebank-investment
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2010-04-01-ct-met-giannoulias-bank-loans-20100401-story.html
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:02 am
Good grief, are we some kind of spoiled in this country.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:03 am
Glamour Shots?
Maybe an extra fee for a makeup or hair stylist too.
Comment by Downstate Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:03 am
=There are many important policy issues involving the Secretary of State’s office that we have discussed and initiatives we’ve proposed. This isn’t one of them.=
Even Alexi thinks this is bogus, but let’s try fundraising off of an idea he doesn’t even believe in. Good grief.
Comment by Steve Rogers Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:03 am
Kinda like Uncle Rico getting pictures for an ID so he can look official selling Tupperware kinda “re-shoot”?
I forgot what Uncle Rico paid for his glamour shots
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:04 am
I have a hard time believing this is even something that would come out of someone’s mouth running for office. Couldn’t this possibly be the worst generation?
Comment by Down South Dem Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:08 am
Our population is decreasing, our state and local finances are in shambles, there is a huge national and local partisan divide, but what about driver license photos, guys?
Comment by TJ Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:08 am
This seems dumb. I don’t know. Granted, DL photos are bad — but who cares about their DL photo?
Mine is bad. I sat in the chair and grinned. The person taking the picture told me to do not, under any circumstances, grin. She was emphatic.
Okay, I said.
I frowned. She snapped the photo.
And there it is — and shall be for several years. A frowning, brow-furrowed Mr. K.
Comment by Mr K Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:09 am
The perfect fellow to present an egotistical, “all show, no go” ‘idea’.
Comment by Sayitaintso Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:09 am
=Ageism much? =
Jesse White is 87 years old. Octogenarian defined= a person 80-89 years old. Stating a fact is not ageism.
It took a pandemic for several services to be offered online. Clearly these changes could have happened years ago but there was a complete lack of innovation from the SOS.
the only time anyone should ever have to enter an SOS facility is if they are taking a driving or vision test. all services should be 100% online.
also Apple is piloting digital DL’s in 8 states. surprise surprise Illinois is not one of them. Why? because we clearly aren’t capable of moving into modern society. in the next 5 years digital DL’s will exist in most states, ILlinois will not be one of them.
also let’s not forget the debacle with the real ID. I can’t help but feel like a more involved executive would have done a better job with the federal mandate of the real ID
Comment by MaddyMoon Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:10 am
As long as I can wear my colander on my head I’m fine. /s
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/7/10/18353165/pastafarian-fights-to-wear-pasta-strainer-in-license-photo
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:11 am
Giannoulias being entrepreneurial for the SoS office. I like it! How many would pay $10 more for extra vanity photos
Comment by Levois J Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:12 am
IL S.O.S Services. Drivers License, Vehicle registration and boudoir photography.
Comment by Anotherretiree Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:13 am
I don’t get the criticism. I know many young people who would pay $10 or $20 for a do-over. Why not let them if it raises money?
Comment by dr. reason a. goodwin Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:14 am
Holding up the line for glamour shots? No thanks.
Comment by Good Gravy Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:15 am
To answer the question -
Good idea.
We have vanity license plates that raise funds, both for GRF, designated charities and other purposes I think. This seems like an extension of that.
Again, a good idea.
Comment by Scott Fawell's Cellmate Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:15 am
=== Why not let them if it raises money? ===
Because this will create longer wait times for everyone else. Many people go to the SOS during their lunch periods or days off, and I do not imagine that those folks want to wait in a longer line because someone isn’t happy with their DL photo.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:17 am
==2) If you were wondering “Who spends more time thinking about his hair, Alexi or Rod?” you now have your answer.==
I actually would still answer Rod. Didn’t he have a separate security detail for his hairbrush while Governor?
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:20 am
Some of the ways this can so sideways.
– People think ‘bad’ photos are just a scam in order to get another 10 or 20 out of people.
– Hey my second photo stinks, I want another one for free.
– Hey my second photo stinks, you did that to get another $10 out of me.
– Dear XYZ office of the SOS, you are way below the state average for “selling” extra photos. What are you doing to improve that?
– The SOS is disappointed in overall revenues for extra photos, what are you doing to improve those revenues.
The last thing based on the history of the SoS over the years in Illinois we need is for anything to ‘get cute’.
It’s a dumb idea, too much potential downside vs upside.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:27 am
Anna Valencia is the only candidate for SoS that has discussed the role of State Librarian. This yutz’s small-tators ideas mirror the support he showed for Democrats since 2011. As with all of his campaigns, it’s Alexi for Alexi.
Comment by Springfieldish Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:27 am
How much extra would I have to pay to have my picture Photoshopped so I look like George Clooney?
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:30 am
Washington State does this. not sure if they charge for the extra shot. I’m not sure, but I think they just automatically take two and let you choose. TBH, I would have paid an extra ten bucks to get a retake of my last one, it was so horrifying.
Comment by Jabes Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:34 am
Alexi: of the frat bros, by the frat bros, for the frat bros.
On the bright side, he’s giving some GOPers real hope.
Comment by Moe Berg Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:35 am
Really dude? This is the best you could come up with? How about giving us some substance?
Comment by Manchester Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:36 am
So, when I walk in and get #87 from the take a number rack, will people taking extra pictures and picking from them make the line move faster?
Comment by The Magnificent Purple Walnut Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:38 am
=== Anna Valencia is the only candidate for SoS that has discussed the role of State Librarian. ===
Actually Pat Dowell has discussed this as well.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:38 am
This should only be done if he also allows us to take do-overs for our lobbyist badges.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:42 am
When you have no serious contenders (thus far) in your race, you can afford to be ridiculous like this.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:44 am
on brand
Comment by walker Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:48 am
This is a policy idea straight out of a Jr High Civics class.
Who cares about competent leadership when you’ve got good hair?
Comment by Senator Clay Davis Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:51 am
MaddyMoon- you were being an ageist not because you mentioned his age, but because you inferred that his age had something to do with the evolution of customer service in his office. If Secretary White ran again, he would win in another landslide because of the way he handles his office. Furthermore, REALID could be said to have been troublesome for the entire country, not just Illinois. There were numerous federal extensions that indicate that to be the case. Since you are questioning the Secretary’s involvement on these issues, I would hope that you have some evidence of what he is/isn’t involved in, otherwise it is just a statement you throw out there to try to gain ground on an argument you can’t win based on facts. The pandemic, I believe, highlighted the available services the office had online because of necessity, but many services have been available online for awhile. Any improvements I would surmise are due to the administration’s concern for efficient customer service. But feel free to write off actual facts to try to support your initial misguided post.
Comment by Reformed Blonde Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:56 am
I also think it’s telling that Alexi’s orientation is towards extracting money from people.
The policy proposal could have been, we’ll take 3 shots to increase the likelihood of getting a good one, and you choose the one you want.
Instead, this scion of the Broadway Bank family is focused on finding another way to pick people’s pockets, instead of serving them well.
This is also why it cracks me up so much to see SEIU hail Alexi as, “…the undisputed choice for Illinois’ working families.”
Comment by Moe Berg Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:58 am
Much ado about nothing?
Comment by H-W Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 11:59 am
How bout whole packages with 8×10s, 5×8s, and wallets? Something for the whole family. Special first license packages too.
Comment by Captain Obvious Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 12:05 pm
What about also charging extra to list your goal weight instead of your actual weight on the license? Oh wait, I already can do that for free.
Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 12:13 pm
It’s not the worst idea in the world If it’s digital pics, it literally costs very close to nothing to take multiples and let the customer decide for a fee. And it would only add a lot of time if you get a vain person that ponders for a while. SInce that could be done on a well, you stand and ponder and I’ll get back to serving other customers basis, I see little downside.
It’s not the most pressing issue, but it’s not a dumb idea.
Comment by cermak_rd Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 12:13 pm
Does anyone actually care how they look in their DL picture?
Comment by Just Another Anon Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 12:24 pm
I’ve taken a lot of driver’s license photos and none of them have been good. The odds seem relatively low that sitting for two more would make a difference.
Comment by Crash Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 12:30 pm
==This is also why it cracks me up so much to see SEIU hail Alexi as, “…the undisputed choice for Illinois’ working families.”==
Apparently nobody from SEIU neither had nor knew anyone who had a checking account or other services from Broadway Bank.
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 12:33 pm
If you wanted to cruelly parody the Alexi Giannoulias campaign, you’d have a tough time topping this proposal.
– MrJM
Comment by MisterJayEm Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 12:36 pm
I want a separate line for those of us who don’t really care what that picture looks like.
Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 12:44 pm
Very heavy eye roll, that’s my thought about this proposal.
Comment by LoyalVirus Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 12:54 pm
==The change wouldn’t take effect until the current long lines finally dwindle.==
What if the long lines never do dwindle?
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 1:09 pm
=Does anyone actually care how they look in their DL picture?=
Apparently Alexi does. Seems to me that this is a solution looking for a problem. If this were on a list of issues that I might have with the SOS office I would rank it at the bottom. Our goal in thinking about this office should center around it running as safely and efficiently as possible. And there’s always room for improvement in both of those areas. Asking me to wait in a line that stretches out the door and offering more pictures as a value added service seems a bit tone deaf.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 1:31 pm
Alexi makes it so hard to support him. It’s a dumb idea, and then they’ve framed it in an even dumber way (vanity pictures). The amount of money it would raise is minimal, the amount of making him look like someone with no vision is maximum. How about joining the 8 or so other states that will allow you to store your DL in your phone. That’s something useful at least.
Comment by Ferris Bueller Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 1:34 pm
just another tax and reason for them to give everyone awful pics the first shot around.
Comment by larry saunders Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 1:39 pm
Alexi: The Aaron Schock of the Illinois Democrats.
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 1:55 pm
The offensive part of this is that with digital technology you should get three free cracks at a good picture with out paying one cent. Typical politician. Nickle and diming the people for something that should be free.
Comment by Groucho Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 2:01 pm
I bet you $10 it takes more than $10 of staff time to do this. How many minutes for the person to decide if they want another picture, to take it, and to decide between the two, or ask for another one. How many minutes to explain how to pay and the casher to accept payment? Make it $100 minimum and you might see some positive net revenue, but it will still probably not be worth the effort.
Comment by LocalGovGuy Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 2:02 pm
To the update.
Has Demmer announced?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 2:06 pm
Alexi Giannoulias, now with even more vanity.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 2:08 pm
==Uncle Rico==
Don’t forget ‘82 !!
Comment by Dave Dahl Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 2:20 pm
I choose this one. Would like a sample arrangement with 3 other sizes…and the class picture of every other poor dupe who showed up that day with me.
Comment by A Guy Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 2:36 pm
I’ve been very unimpressed with him so far
Comment by Nick Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 2:36 pm
I am going to take my photos at the corner of Elmdale and Broadway. With a certai building in the backround
Comment by Regular democrat Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 3:24 pm
It’s a driver’s license. None of the door guys, desk clerks, liquor store workers, or police care.
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 3:44 pm
He has offered more substance than anyone else combined? I’d be ok with this.
Comment by Diane Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 3:46 pm
=== He has offered more substance===
Since when is vanity ever substance?
Yikes.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 3:48 pm
===He has offered more substance===
Alexi also claimed an “idea” that Jesse White is already implementing…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 3:50 pm
Going to charge money for a digital photo that cost nothing to take? Lol. Tell me how else you can rip me off, rather than just provide me a simple courtesy service.
Comment by ;) Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 3:59 pm
=== that cost nothing to take?===
They don’t take themselves
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 4:01 pm
If it’s a cost-effective way to bring in sorely needed extra revenue, I’m all for it. I’d support Giannoulias picking up spare change from the sidewalks on his lunch break if it’ll bring in more revenue.
Comment by SIUEalum Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 4:05 pm
“They don’t take themselves”
Agreed. But my small town SOS office always let me look at my photo, and if it stinks they take another one. I just thought that was common practice. I guess not.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 4:22 pm
As long as the clerk at the liquor store thinks it’s me, I don’t really care what it looks like.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 5:09 pm
Try this one. Two year sticker. $300.
Comment by Blue Dog Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 7:29 pm
Ha-lexi.
Comment by SubRosa Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 9:21 pm
hopefully folks will now begin to look at alternative solid folks. this is beyond silly. anna v, seems serious. this chap, does not.
Comment by Publius Tuesday, Sep 7, 21 @ 10:06 pm
Passport photos you take yourself and they are free. The photos not the passport.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Wednesday, Sep 8, 21 @ 6:51 am