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* The 2023 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best State Agency Director goes to Heidi Mueller with the Department of Juvenile Justice…
She has the toughest job in the state! She is constantly advocating for youth and seeks to eliminate biases surrounding youth. She does not back down! She is surrounded by an amazing team that works to push policies and programs that are trauma informed and evidence based.
Heidi maintains an open-door policy between her Juvenile Security Staff and is always present at the facilities. She ultimately seeks peace between DJJs opponents - she brings everyone to the table!
She has brought DJJ from the bottom and made them a national leader in trauma informed care
* The 2023 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Statewide Staffer is a tie. Emily Miller in the governor’s office…
She’s a do gooder actually doing good from the inside. She comes with principles but knows how to get to yes on some of the toughest issues. I’m glad to see her still on the Gov’s team after educating us on what the Rauner years meant.
* And Andy Manar in the governor’s office…
From Chinese mega corporations to tiny central Illinois villages, he works hard to make sure everyone can get what they need from state government. And while he doesn’t have time for everyone, he sure tries to find it.
Congrats to all!
We’re going to skip a few categories because we are quickly running out of time.
* On to today’s category…
Make sure to explain your nomination or it won’t count. Thanks.
* As I write this, several of you have stepped up and contributed a grand total of $54,198 to help Lutheran Social Services of Illinois purchase Christmas presents for foster kids. That’s pretty darned amazing. But in case you haven’t contributed yet or you think you might be able to give just a little bit more, please click here. Thanks to everyone!
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 18, 23 @ 10:39 am
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Jim Durkin–Chose to step away from leadership and paved the way for the first female party leader in Illinois. Was smart enough not to try and run for Cook County State’s Attorney as a Republican.
Comment by Unionman Monday, Dec 18, 23 @ 11:00 am
**the first female party leader in Illinois**
Christine Radogno says hi.
Comment by JoeMaddon Monday, Dec 18, 23 @ 11:04 am
This award would be fitting for David Harris, Director of the Department of Revenue, who I also nominated for Best Agency Director last week.
Distinguished military career, including serving as Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. He was inducted into the Infantry Officer Hall of Fame.
Also served in Iraq with the US State Department as the deputy director and chief of staff for the reconstruction office.
Did two separate stints as a Republican state representative, in the 1980s and 2010s.
Elected not to run for re-election and joined the Pritzker Administration as Revenue Director. (Also a compliment to Pritzker for recognizing Harris’ talent and seizing an opportunity to demonstrate bipartisanship.)
He’s done an excellent job in that role. Is well respected and liked by lawmakers of both parties.
He exemplifies country/state before self, treats others with courtesy, and puts on no airs.
He provides a model of statesmanship for Democrats and Republicans alike. If the later were more like him - probably not possible for now given the makeup of the party’s base- they’d be a heck of a lot more competitive in Illinois elections.
Hard to believe his is 75, given his energy and willingness to keep working, but that also seems to be an appropriate point for the recognition of a lifetime achievement award.
Comment by Moe Berg Monday, Dec 18, 23 @ 12:12 pm
For sheer “ahead of her time” fearlessness, I nominate the late former Rep. Susan Catania. If you look back at some of the big legislative advances in the last 10 years, you’d be hard pressed to find one that she wasn’t standing alone or nearly so pushing for when she served in the 1970s. Moms of young kids serving? Her daughters basically grew up on the House floor. LGBTQ equality, the Equal Rights Amendment, criminal justice reform, reproductive freedom…the list goes on and on and she was fearlessly in the forefront of issues that seemed impossible then and are reality now. She’s a hero and a role model to many who have followed.
Comment by Kelly Cassidy Monday, Dec 18, 23 @ 12:20 pm
Couldn’t agree more with David Harris. He’s a true gentleman and professional. In his second House stint we interacted and totally got off on the wrong foot. He made a point to find me and have a discussion and out of that we became friends. It was a small gesture that spoke to a bigger man. Springfield could use two dozen more of him.
Comment by High Socks Monday, Dec 18, 23 @ 1:29 pm
Matt Rigali-
At a young age, this star has accomplished so much. The Governor is so fortunate to have him on his team and we all know it wouldn’t be the same without him. I am confident Matt will have a “lifetime” of “achievements.” Thank you Matt for all that you do for the folks of Illinois. Bravo!
Comment by Shallow Hal Monday, Dec 18, 23 @ 2:22 pm
I move to nominate Rep. Jay Hoffman for his long service in the State Legislature over the last few decades to the Metro East.
Comment by Justin Monday, Dec 18, 23 @ 5:07 pm
Matt Jones has been a staple in the Capitol for decades. From legislative staffer to accomplished attorney to longtime lobbyist for the State’s Attorneys, Matt has accomplished so much and is greatly deserving of this award. Matt is a wealth of knowledge, a true statesman, and a wonderful human being.
Comment by Mjolnir Monday, Dec 18, 23 @ 6:34 pm
Just want to say a sincere “thanks” to all of you who voted for William McNary to receive the “Do-Gooder” award. I am doubly honored to know that I share this honor with Niya Kelly from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. She is truly deserving of the honor. She’s a tireless, indefatigable fighter for justice whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Thanks Rich for your kind words, both on the Capitol Fax thread and at My Retirement Celebration. To all My Fellow-Do Gooders who do this work: “Never tire of doing good.” Happy Holidays!
Comment by Aggressive Progressive Tuesday, Dec 19, 23 @ 8:52 am
Kristin DiCenso, hands down. She is a force to be reckoned with and has been instrumental in turning DNR around. There’s no doubt in my mind that with her at IDFPR, that agency will shine. DiCenso is a true powerhouse and has the track record to prove it. She’s an incredible mentor and will tell you like it is. Illinois truly would not be the same without her.
Comment by Downstate Tuesday, Dec 19, 23 @ 8:53 am