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* Bill Pickett…
A former longtime member of the Illinois General Assembly from Danville has died. Bill Black was 81 when he died on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
Black was a former Assistant Minority Leader for Republicans when he served in the Illinois House of Representatives. He was known for his sometimes feisty debate style on issues on the House floor.
Black is survived by his wife, Sharon, and two children. When he announced he would not be seeking re-election to his House seat in 2010 he said he wanted to spend more time with his family, including his grandchildren. Black had served in the House since 1986.
* This excerpt of a News-Gazette story about Bill’s retirement pretty well sums him up…
House members gave Black, one of the senior members of the chamber, an extraordinarily warm and lengthy tribute. More than 30 of his colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, spoke and offered praise and thanks to the lawmaker known for his sometimes-bombastic, sometimes-eloquent speeches and for his playfulness.
“I hope you know how much I love this place, how much I love the process,” Black said in a 23-minute-long response to all the accolades from his colleagues. “Look around here. Look where you work. There are few people who ever get this privilege. This ain’t exactly a 6-foot by 6-foot cubicle. This is a phenomenally beautiful, historic building that has been well-maintained. And you should always consider it an honor and a privilege to sit in this chamber.”
House Republican Leader Tom Cross, who last spring demoted Black from his leadership position after Black voted for a Democratic-backed pension borrowing bill, was the first to pay tribute to Black.
“He’s a guy who is incredibly passionate about his district and, above all, at the end of the day, he cares most about what’s best for Danville, what’s best for central Illinois,” Cross said. “He has never ever forgotten his district or the people he represents.”
Beloved, controversial, civic-minded and locally focused.
* From his retirement resolution…
WHEREAS, Representative Black has championed other issues important to families in his district, including protecting the funding for roads and other needed infrastructure improvements, helping low income families and seniors keep warm in the winter by removing the sales tax on natural gas, creating jobs through the creation of Job Renewal Zones, cracking down on drunk and distracted drivers that pose a deadly hazard on our roads, and protecting the rights of adoptive parents; and
WHEREAS, Representative Black successfully worked to keep our State parks and recreational areas open for the education and enjoyment of our families and worked with colleagues across the State and Chicago city leaders to stop the infamous phantom Chicago parking tickets; and
WHEREAS, Representative Black’s good humor is infectious, and House Republican members and staff can always count on Representative Black to make them laugh on long session days by ambushing them with squirt guns, silly string, and other toys, or by relaying a funny story or joke; and
WHEREAS, Representative Black has received many honors for his service to his local communities, including several Outstanding Legislator Awards from various Illinois associations; he was also named one of the ten Outstanding State Legislators in the country in 1991;
* He could also be a humble man. From his retirement announcement…
“I have always tried my best to represent the legislative districts which I served. I may not have always succeeded, but I always tried.”
* From the Danville Commercial News…
“On his DACC resume, you’d have to point out that he once ran the public-relations department at the college. Then after getting elected to the State House, Bill was a passionate and successful advocate for those of us in his district, and especially for Danville Area Community College. As an Illinois Representative, he brought desperately needed funds to bring the DACC campus to a state of good repair,” according to [DACC President Stephen Nacco].
“On a personal note, I met Bill in June 2016 when he was a member of the DACC board that hired me as the college president. He’s one of the most colorful and entertaining people I’ve ever met. One of my favorite memories of Bill was when Dave Harby (board chair), Bill, and I went to Springfield for a community college ‘Lobby Day’ visit to the offices of elected officials. By that time, Bill had been out of office for almost 10 years. But whenever someone spotted him in those majestic hallways — elected officials and staffers and even building workers — they’d stop whatever they were doing and rush over to him to give him a handshake, a hug, a pat on the back, and they’d say how much they missed him and that Springfield needed him to come back. It’s quite a legacy he left as someone who was enormously popular and was able to touch so many lives,” stated Nacco.
When state Rep. Mike Marron first started in the position once held by Black, Marron said he will work tirelessly to uphold the tradition of excellence that has embodied the House seat from Harry “Babe” Woodyard to Bill Black to Chad Hays.
“He (Black) was the best. Personally he was a friend, a mentor, and someone I’ve looked up to since I was a kid. As public servants go, he was the gold standard. He is a legend in Springfield to this day, and you will never find anyone who fought harder for Danville and Vermilion County. He is going to be missed by us all,” Marron stated.
…Adding… Treasurer Michael Frerichs…
I had the privilege of knowing and working with Bill Black and the honor to call him a friend. My heart goes out to Sharon and all of Bill’s family on his passing.
I was blessed to have Bill as a mentor when I was elected to the State Senate. The Republican Representative from Danville and the Democratic Senator from Champaign were able to get a lot done for our constituents in Champaign and Vermillion counties. Bill was a loyal Republican, who frequently served as a floor leader aggressively challenging Democratic legislation. But he knew how to put aside partisanship to get things done for our constituents. I’m grateful for all he taught me and for his lifetime of service to his community and our state. Leaders like Bill Black are all too rare today – and our world is all the worse for it.
* Sen. Chapin Rose…
“Bill was one of a kind. As much as he will be remembered for his fierce and fiery speeches as a staunch defender of the people of East Central Illinois, his wit and sense of humor were unparalleled. He also deserves much credit and respect for his support of quality education. He was a huge advocate for the community college system here in Illinois, and even served in later years as trustee at his beloved Danville Area Community College. He truly understood and believed in the power of a quality education to transform lives.
“I was lucky enough to serve in the House of Representatives with Bill for several years. As a young legislator at the time, Bill was someone I looked up to,” said Rose.
“I extend my sincerest sympathies to Sharon and the rest of the family. There will never be another like him,” he concluded.
* Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
A legend has passed. State Representative Bill Black, R-Danville, was such a great mentor to so many of us who served in Illinois’ General Assembly. I was honored to be part of his tradition of hazing new legislators. I had been forewarned and donned protective gear when I introduced my first bill. He found that highly amusing and we got on great ever since. I’ve missed his insightful commentary since he retired. Illinois was lucky to have him as long as we did. I send my prayers to his family. May he rest in God’s peace and eternal glory.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 9:44 am
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He may had his quirks, but he was an honorable man with integrity. R.I.P. Leader Black.
Comment by Davos Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 9:59 am
Wonderful, caring man, who believed deeply in government service. When he (brilliantly) attacked ideas or bills in debate as floor leader, he would then come over and speak informally to opposing members to make sure they felt okay. I often think of him as a model for legislators.
Comment by Walker Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 10:00 am
Rep. Bill Black was always one of my favorite guests on Illinois Lawmakers over the years. He was indeed a colorful character during floor debates in the House as he fiercely defended his party’s interests but unfailingly kind and gracious in person. I avalued his political acumen as he sized up where things were going on the issues before the House. He laughed easily and was wonderful to watch along the Rail as he met with his constituents. Rest easy, Bill. You will be missed.
Comment by Jak Tichenor Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 10:02 am
Was waiting for this, thank you so much for this post, Rich.
I was an unabashed fan of Bill Black. Unapologetic to the understanding of who he was, his public service, his “way”, and truly his love of his state, and his “home”.
No one could replace Bill Black in his role on the floor as the minority antagonist. Why? Why was Bill Black so special?
Those tasked to be “the next Bill Black” have all failed because it starts with this…
…you can try to be a character but you need to know you can never be a caricature.
Bill Black could speak spinning yarns or say biting funny things, speak to policy and speak to just the folks “in the room” I saw Bill Black speak where others continued with their business, letting Black opine.. I saw a chamber many times fall deathly silent when Black’s words captured everyone’s attention… and respect… the character was showing all what it meant to passionately speak, and be heard.
The caricature folks that followed? They truly never understood what made Bill Black special.
You might think you knew more than Black, understood the politics at play more than Black, others even thought they knew procedure better than Black. The caricatures that followed Black, even after Black left, underestimated the incredible knowledge, passion, and the sheer vocabulary to the moment Black had… always letting everyone in on the joke, a character, never ever a caricature.
Black was one who loved the House, a place I’m quite partial to myself, so in that I loved him for that sometimes solely to that. He respected colleagues, staff, press, his constituents, others failed to be Bill Black because even in his fiery “Bill Black-ness”, it always came with a passion to the good of what it meant to be a member of the General Assembly.
If you never got to see, personally, Bill Black work 8 hours on the floor and get up and run his own “show business” while never crossing the line of ruining his own respected stature… while serving this state, “his town”, his district, that chamber, you missed a true giant… his voice so much larger than him, and in his own era (Pate, Emil, MJM, Edgar…) Bill Black was the voice and soundtrack of the Illinois House, and Illinois was better with him giving voice to the process he loved.
My sincere condolences to his family and his many friends, and admires like me. Godspeed, Bill Black.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 10:15 am
After you got to know him, you understood his approach to being a lawmaker. He could strike the fear of God into a new legislative liaison or staffer just by asking to chat with them. He could be tough and direct but at the end of the day, you wouldn’t find a more hard working or honest Rep.
His stories about his Dog missing him during session were priceless and his annual, “I’m not running again speech on the House floor were not to be missed.
I don’t Bill would think much of today’s GOP crew.
Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 10:18 am
YDD’s tribute on the other thread summed it up for me nicely. We need more Bill Blacks in our world. RIP and condolences to his family and friends.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 10:27 am
I believe Bill Black served for about 25 years. I overlapped with him in the House as a legislative staffer for about half of his service. A few memories:
–The famous physical confrontation with Terry Parke over the Constitutional Amendment on Education Funding, which I witnessed. The expression on Tom Ryder’s face as it started was priceless. The scuffle finally was broken up by self-described Mother of Five Jane Barnes.
–Bill really believed that the Minority Party should not be run roughshod over by the Majority Party through parliamentary procedures. I always felt he was uncomfortable when Lee Daniels had rules adopted during his speakership that further limited the powers of the Minority. Bill didn’t spend much time during those 2-years presiding over the House.
–Some believed his explosions of temper were all an act. Some were but others were 100% genuine. He let me have it one time when he felt that the Speaker was trying to kill one of his bills by moving it to another committee. Bill sought me out later and apologized, even though I worked for the other side. He was the only member who ever apologized to me for his actions.
–I saw some very effective debaters during my tenure: Jim McPike, Barbara Currie, Lou Lang, Tom Cross, and Tom Ryder. However, Bill was the best by far. Maybe one of the only members who occasionally was able to change votes through his verbal skills.
RIP Representative Black.
Comment by Oldtimer Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 10:30 am
Thanks 47th Ward, Oswego Willy said it well, but in my own words from the other thread:
I am very, very sad to hear of the passing of Leader Bill Black. My condolences to his family, friends, constituents, and colleagues past.
He was a staunch and fierce advocate and spokesperson for his party. When Bill Black rose to speak on the floor, he had most everyone’s attention. And unlike the worn-out vaudeville routine of Bruce Rauner and others, when Bill Black talked of being a “simple country gentleman” or “the shade tree mechanics in my district,” we all chuckled a little with him, not at him. He stood up, stood his ground, made his points, did it with the utmost of civility, and moved on.
But it was his great spirit of bipartisanship, so evident even in a party leader, that most set Bill Black apart.
Bill Black fought tirelessly for fair and full funding for downstate schools, often putting himself at odds with entrenched suburban interests within his own party. And working hand-in-hand with Democrats who shared his goals.
When Madigan was elected chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, Leader Black rose to congratulate him on the floor, showering him with lauditory praise, calling him “the most powerful Democrat in Illinois” as I recall. Amdor can tell me if I am wrong.
When State Rep. Connie Howard passed her landmark expungement bill by an overwhelming bipartisan vote, laying the groundwork for future criminal justice reforms including the SAFE-T Act, Leader Black came over afterward and apologized to her that someone had voted No on his switch while he was away from his chair, and praised the bill.
I am sure those who were lucky enough to work with him regularly have their own stories to tell. I saw only a slimmer of the man, and what I saw was greatness.
Black believed in, nurtured, and protected the institution of the Illinois House of Representatives, as “the people’s House,” where real democracy happens. He would occasionally refer to the Illinois Senate as the “House of Lords” if they attempted to assert authority or dominion over the House, and likewise crossed swords with governors of either party when they attempted to tilt the balance of power between the co-equal branches.
I think his advocacy for the House of Representatives sprang not from some lofty constitutional convictions, but from a deep, true love of the people he represented, in all their diversity.
But as a pragmatist in both lawmaking and politics, he also seemed to understand that democracy demands bipartisanship to get big things done. And that true bipartisanship requires people on both sides of the aisle who are joined by the bonds of trust, shared values, and the shared goal of advancing the common good of the state.
I have known many great Republicans, but Bill Black was among the very best in my eyes.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 10:39 am
I think he was the first person I heard use the phrase “I may have been born in the morning, but it wasn’t yesterday morning.”
Comment by George Ryan Reynolds Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 10:52 am
- YDD -
Your comment, so well put. Appreciate your kind words, back at you, thank you for sharing
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 11:14 am
Tried to post earlier but it didn’t make it through. Apologies if this shows up two times.
I was a legislative staffer during part of Bill Black’s tenure. Here are a few of my memories of the Gentleman from Vermilion:
–The 1992 physical confrontation on the House Floor with Terry Parke over the Education Amendment. The look on Tom Ryder’s face as it started in front of him. The tussle finally broken up by self-described Mother of Five Jane Barnes.
–He genuinely believed that the Minority Party should not be run roughshod over by the Majority through parliamentary rules. I always thought Bill was a bit embarrassed when Lee Daniels put through rules in House 1995 that further limited the rights of the Minority.
–Some thought Bill’s outbursts were all an act. Some were. Others were 100% genuine. He laid into me one time after the Speaker moved a bill of his to another committee at the last minute. Bill thought it was a deliberate attempt to kill his legislation. As the Speaker’s committee staff, I took the brunt of his anger. Bill later sought me out and apologized, the only member to ever apologize to me in 12 years.
–I saw many good debaters in the House: Jim McPike, Barbara Currie, Lou Lang, Tom Cross, Tom Ryder, and more. Bill, however, was the best. He was so good that he occasionally changed member’s votes. And never give him a second bite at the apple by using his name in debate.
RIP Representative Black
Comment by Oldtimer Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 11:19 am
Leader Black was one of the most honest people I have ever had the opportunity to cross paths with. His powerful and colorful verbiage skills were unsurpassed. I was a staffer back then, and he always said hello and was very respectful. Rest in power, Leader Black.
Comment by Moi Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 11:29 am
Yes, what a truly genuine individual. Talk about a straight shooter. Then he’d have all of us in stitches. Remarkable. He was the one Republican I learned from and have thought about all these years later. Condolences to his family.
Comment by low level Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 11:52 am
Very saddened to hear the news Bill was one of a kind. A great orator and you had to know your legislation if his light came on while you were presenting a bill. I remembered when he collapse on the House Floor I went over to offer me or Beth Coulson to offer mouth to mouth once he appeared he was gonna be OK. He looked at me a smiled RIH Bill.
Comment by David Miller Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 12:25 pm
I worked with Bill as a staffer many, many years ago. He had his imperfections, of course, but he was a fine man.
Comment by DougChicago Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 12:40 pm
Wow. What an icon. I served with Bill for several years in the G.A. and also on the leadership team. You knew where he stood at all times. Any disagreement was NEVER personal. He LOVED the G.A. and the process. He helped others understand the oath they took and the responsibility it carried. He was true to his word. “The Chair recognizes Leader Black”… I hope the Speak light is always lit for you. RIP Leader. My sincere condolences to Bill’s family.
Comment by Fmr Rep Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 12:48 pm
Bill Black was a unique statesman and leader whose take on passionate, microphone slamming speeches in Springfield have influenced floor debate at the highest levels of U.S. government. I’m thinking today of how Leader Black managed to represent the House Republicans, his district and the other 117 members without compromising his integrity, his oath of office and his personal core values. The staff who witnessed on their first day a Leader Black floor speech were absolutely correct when they expressed more excitement over what they had just seen than those of us more accustomed to his passionate outbursts: These things do NOT happen every day.
Comment by Dirty Red Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 12:50 pm
In one my favorite debates, on a bill to create a criminal offense for using a dog as a weapon, Bill Black got up to speak. He talked about how he used to walk his little dog. Sometimes in rainy weather he’d pick up the dog and tuck it under his coat to keep him dry. Bill asked if his dog popped his head out from under the coat and bit someone, would there be an aggravated penalty for carrying a concealed dog.
Comment by SAP Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 12:51 pm
Bill Black was a giant of a lawmaker. He and I didn’t always agree on quite everything, but in those instances we agreed to disagree and to keep things friendly and respectful. Others have used the word “pragmatic” to describe him, and very accurately. I’d add “human” and “genuine,” as he was a very down-to-earth and grounded human being.
Once, I was part of a group working a bill to help low-income families. Rep. Black essentially told us: “I’m very strongly in favor of your legislation. And I know that I often rub some folks the wrong way. So if you think I could help attract more votes by actually speaking against your proposal, let me know and I’ll do that. Whatever helps the cause.”
No sir, we told him: We want you to be a chief co-sponsor and speak FOR the bill, if you please. And he did both, and our measure passed with plenty of votes to spare, thanks in part to Bill’s passionate support.
Those of us who knew and worked with Rep. Black have already missed him in Springfield. Today, I miss him even more.
Comment by Linus Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 1:23 pm
Bill Black is an East Central Illinois legend. He loved the House and the process. He was at the same time an overt partisan in his role as floor leader, yet very pragmatic in his willingness to work across the isle for the good of all.
A ferocious advocate on behalf of his constituency and home area, he came from an era where elected officials chose to govern.
I learned much from Representative Black. It was an honor and a privilege to know him well. Godspeed to an incredibly good man.
Comment by Chad Hays Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 2:09 pm
I was on legislative staff when Representative Black first took office. In the beginning we had to be on our toes to answer his countless questions. He was a true critical thinker that kept us on our toes, yet he possessed a level of common sense that others lacked.
Many are legislators. Few are statesmen. Representative Black was a statesman. Rest well, Bill.
Comment by Observation Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 2:53 pm
Rep. Bill Black served with distinction in a very different time in the GA when Republicans and Democrats could fight aggressively for their bills in Committee or on the floor of the House with a spirited debate and then walk off the floor together laughing and patting each other on the back. That wouldn’t happen in today’s world of ideological purity. His antics in debate are legend but so was his kind nature and willingness to work with people he disagreed with. No one, and I mean no one, slammed a mike down to punctuate a debate point better than Bill Black. Rest in Peace Rep. Bill Black, “an incredibly good man” to quote Chad Hays above.
Comment by Suburbanon Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 3:13 pm
Of all the Republicans this liberal Goo-goo lobbyist ever worked with to get things over the line, Bill gave me the greatest pleasure. I met him when I was a light green newbie as a State Student Association lobbyist and he was a freshman Rep. sitting on the House Higher Ed. Committee. He had come from the faculty at Danville Community College, and never lost that simple, sensible, approach to everything. He took his job and his district very seriously, but never took himself very seriously. His sense of proportion and humor was often a surprising delight. He was always good for his word, and expected me to be. So much so, that I considered myself honor-bound never to disappoint him, and it taught me a lesson some lobbyists never learn.
He will be missed by many, not least by me.
Comment by David Starrett Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 4:19 pm
Sorry to hear of his passing. Bill was a one of a kind. He was hlways happy tp share with you his opinion on issues and to explain to you the how and why. While he sometimes was a bit theatrical, he was truly a statesman and gentleman. Godspeed Sir.
Comment by NorthSideNoMore Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 4:36 pm