Ann Schneider Continues Leadership at IDOT;  John Holton Appointed Aging Director

CHICAGO - October 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced two top appointments to his executive cabinet. Today's actions are the latest in a series of appointments Governor Quinn will make as he continues to fulfill his commitment to creating jobs, fostering economic development, and increasing efficiency and accountability in all areas of state government.

Effective immediately, Governor Quinn named Ann Schneider as secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and John Holton as director of the Illinois Department on Aging. The Governor also appointed two acting directors and one interim director: Jim Larkin as acting director of the Department of Agriculture, Andrew Stolfi as acting director of the Illinois Department of Insurance and John Kim as interim director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

"Effective government requires leadership by talented and motivated public servants, and I am pleased to announce these qualified individuals to lead critical state agencies," Governor Quinn said. "These strong directors will serve the people of Illinois well with their skills and commitment to improving state programs and services."

Directors

Ann L. Schneider has served as acting secretary of IDOT since July 2011. Prior to her appointment, Schneider served as IDOT's chief of operations, responsible for managing and overseeing the department's six offices and four divisions. Schneider also spent five years as director and chief financial officer for IDOT's Office of Finance and Administration. Before joining IDOT, Schneider was the chief fiscal officer for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and in the Governor's Office of Management and Budget. Schneider has a bachelor's degree from Augustana College and a master's degree in public administration from Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois-Springfield).

John Holton will apply his expertise in community and human development to Illinois' unprecedented increase in its older adult population. Holton served from 2007 through 2010 as associate director of the Division of Mental Health at the Illinois Department of Human Services. Previously, he served as site director for the Harvard University School of Public Health's Project on Human Development in Chicago's Neighborhoods, and is a member of the American Public Health Association. Holton's experience addressing domestic violence and other issues impacting older adults and their families will strengthen the department's efforts to help older adults live with comfort and dignity. He holds a Ph.D. in human development from Pennsylvania State University, as well as a master's in urban education from the University of Hartford and a B.A. from Howard University.

Governor Quinn Makes Executive Appointments

 

Fills Terms at Gaming Board, Racing Board, Pollution Control Board, Tollway and More

CHICAGO - October 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today made a number of appointments to the state's more than 320 boards and commissions. In addition to university boards, the Governor's actions include filling positions on the state Gaming Board, the Illinois Racing Board, the Pollution Control Board, the Toll Highway Authority and several more.

"I'm pleased to announce a set of talented, qualified individuals who will bring new skills and new energy to our boards and commissions," Governor Quinn said. "After inheriting a backlog of more than 1,000 vacant and expired terms from the previous administration, we continue to make progress in appointing dedicated public servants while continuing to pursue opportunities for boards and commissions reform."

Of Illinois' more than 320 boards and commissions, 23 are compensated: six of which are full-time, paid positions while the remaining 14 are part-time or per diem. The remaining more than 290 boards are unpaid, volunteer boards. Board salaries are set by Illinois statute. Governor Quinn is currently conducting a top-to-bottom review of Illinois' boards and commissions to seek out ways to increase efficiency and save costs. While protecting essential boards in place that are greatly needed, potential future actions may include reducing board size and/or salary, and merging or eliminating some boards.

Today Governor Quinn made appointments to the state's Gaming Board who bring extensive backgrounds and expertise in oversight, regulation, law enforcement and finance to further strengthen the board's ability to keep Illinois' gaming industry scandal-free. Aaron Jaffe, who has chaired the board since 2005, was reappointed to head the board. Under Jaffe's leadership, the board has increased openness and transparency in the gaming industry, notably revoking the 10th casino gaming license in order to rebid the license through a fair and open process. Jaffe has consistently led efforts to hold entities that violate gaming regulations accountable.

Also appointed to the Illinois Gaming Board was Zaldwaynaka Scott, who was Illinois' first executive inspector general. Scott, who holds degrees from Indiana University and UIUC, also served as a criminal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago before joining the private sector as a licensed attorney. Maribeth Vander Weele is a certified Illinois inspector general with a strong financial and oversight background that includes service on the audit committee for Chicago Public Schools and experience in investigative services to the public and private sectors. Also appointed to the Gaming Board was Lee Gould, an attorney with more than 30 years of experience as an auditor and accountant. Gould specializes in forensic accounting investigations, locating unreported or hidden assets and identifying misappropriations. Mike Holewinski, who received degrees from both John Marshall Law School and the University of Illinois at Chicago, is a former Illinois State Representative and now serves as the president of Ace Industries.

Additionally, Governor Quinn made appointments to the state's Racing Board, whose members represent a set of diverse perspectives that will improve the board's ability to effectively oversee horse racing in Illinois. Their combined legal expertise, rural economic development and law enforcement experience will help strengthen the board's oversight. Benjamin Reyes graduated from UIUC, is currently the president of DSR Group, Inc. and has public and private sector experience with construction and program management. William Berry, an attorney who resides in downstate Collinsville, is a former board member of Southwestern Illinois Tourism Bureau and graduate of Millikin University and Washington University Law School.

Governor Quinn also appointed Kathy Byrne, an attorney who owns race horses based out of state. She is a graduate of Saint Mary's College of Notre Dame and the Loyola University School of Law. Patricia Beauvais is a horse breeder who has served on the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Foundation. She also holds an Illinois Horse Racing License. Roger Whalen of Chicago is a retired Chicago Police Department captain, where he was commanding officer of the citywide gambling unit and supervisor in the organized crime division. For the past 35 years, he has also been in charge of off-duty police officers and security for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Governor Quinn announced five new appointments to the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. The new members will bring the important legal, construction and financial expertise that is essential for the Tollway's continued and anticipated growth. Mark Peterson, president of Bridgeview Bank, a former member of the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board and director of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, handled transportation matters for former Governor Jim Edgar. Jim Sweeney is president and business manager of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, the state's largest trade union. His technical expertise in construction projects landed him on the Tollway's Strategic Advisory Team in 2010 to assist with its comprehensive capital plan.

Governor Quinn also appointed Mayor David Gonzalez of Chicago Heights who will serve as a strong voice for the south suburbs, an area expected to experience significant growth. Gonzales also owns his own accounting firm. Attorney Jeffrey Redick has served on the DuPage County Board since 2006, where he is chairman of the environmental committee and vice-chairman of the development committee. Terrence D'Arcy is a former chairman of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and the current president of D'Arcy Buick and GMC in Joliet.

Governor Quinn also named William Morris to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. Morris, a former mayor of Waukegan who was appointed by Governor Quinn to the Toll Highway Authority, will replace Chuck Scholz, the former mayor of Quincy.

In addition, Governor Quinn named Tom Holbrook to head the Pollution Control Board (PCB). Holbrook previously served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives since 1995, where he represented the state's 113th District and focused on environmental and regulatory issues. As chairman of the House Environment & Energy Committee and vice chair of the Registration and Regulation Committee, Holbrook was heavily involved in crafting most of Illinois' environmental legislation for the past decade.

Governor Quinn also named Deanna Glosser to the board. Glosser has a doctorate in urban and regional planning from UIUC and is currently a natural resources planning specialist at Purdue University.

In addition, Governor Quinn appointed Tanner Girard of Chicago as the Executive Director of the Pollution Control Board. He has served on the Pollution Control Board since 1992, filling in as acting chairman in 2005, where he played a key role in shaping environmental rules and regulations in Illinois. Girard received a bachelor's degree in biology from Principia College, a master's degree in biological sciences from the University of Central Florida and a Ph.D. in science education from Florida State University.

As a result of Governor Quinn's unprecedented efforts to make the executive appointment process more accessible and transparent, citizens who are interested in serving on boards and commissions can now apply online. The Governor also signed legislation this summer to reform the appointment process and supports many of the reforms recommended in September by Auditor General William Holland.

For more information on all of the state's boards and commissions, please visit Appointments.Illinois.gov.

Full List of Appointments

Civil Service Commission:

Susan Krey of Des Plaines has been a trustee for Maine Township since 2007 and worked as a real estate broker for 22 years. She holds a degree from Northeastern Illinois University and is a member of the Illinois Library Association.

Chris Kolker of Fairview Heights has served as chairman of the Illinois Civil Service Commission since 2004. He is a private practice attorney and graduated magna cum laude from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where he served as Law Journal editor.

Garrett Fitzgerald of Chicago is the executive director of the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce.

Education Labor Relations Board:

Michael Prueter of Lisle has served on the IELRB since 2000. He holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. in business administration from Columbia State University.

Employment Security Board of Review:

William McClusky of Harrisburg is a former Saline County Clerk and Recorder. He previously served as president of the Progressive Mine Workers of America Union and is a Veteran of the United States Navy.

William Nolan of Chicago has served on the ESBR since 1998 and spent more than 40 years as a police officer for the City of Chicago. He is also an active member of the Chicago Metropolitan Easter Seal Society.

Executive Ethics Commission:

Gil Soffer of Chicago was appointed to the Executive Ethics Commission by Governor Quinn in 2009. He is a former associate deputy attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice and previously worked in the Chicago U.S. Attorney's Office. He holds a degree from Brown University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

 

Illinois Gaming Board:

Judge Aaron Jaffe of Evanston has served as chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board since 2005. Under Jaffe's leadership, the board has increased openness and transparency in the gaming industry, most notably revoking the 10th casino gaming license in order to rebid the license through a fair and open process. Jaffe has consistently led efforts to hold entities that violate gaming regulations accountable. He sat on the Circuit Court of Cook County for 30 years and served 14 years in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Maribeth Vander Weele of Chicago is the owner and founder of the Vander Weele Group, which provides investigative, security and integrity program services to the public and private sectors. She is also a certified Illinois inspector general with a strong financial and oversight background that includes service on the audit committee for Chicago Public Schools.

Lee Gould of Chicago has more than 30 years of experience as an accountant, auditor and tax preparer. Gould specializes in forensic accounting investigations, locating unreported or hidden assets and identifying misappropriations. Gould holds a degree in accounting from UIUC and a J.D. from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

Michael Holewinski of Chicago is the president of Ace Industries and is a former Illinois state representative. He sits on the board of directors for the Illinois Manufacturer's Association and previously chaired the Chicago Mayor's Task Force on Youth Crime Prevention. He holds a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School.

Z (Zaldwaynaka) Scott of Chicago was Illinois' first executive inspector general and previously worked as a criminal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago. She is currently a partner at Kaye Scholer and a commissioner for the Chicago Housing Authority.

International Port District Board:

Dean Maragos has served on the Illinois International Port District Board since 2007. He was previously the assistant director for the City of Chicago Department of Revenue and served in the Legal Division of the Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. He holds a J.D. from the Northern Illinois University College of Law.

Victor Crivello has 30 years of experience in air, water and land regulatory compliance and management for government and private industry. He holds a master's in Public Administration from Roosevelt University and was a Captain in the United States Army reserves.

Labor Relations Board:

Paul Besson of Chicago previously worked for more than 20 years at General Electric Company, rising to the position of global vice-president of human resources. He also served as senior vice president and chief administrative officer at American Commercial Lines. He holds an M.B.A from Cornell University and a J.D. from the Northwestern University School of Law.

James Brennwald of Chicago has been a labor lawyer for 24 years, and represented both management and union clients before the ILRB and the NLRB in numerous collective bargaining negotiations and labor arbitrations. He was formerly an attorney for the city of Chicago and was the city's chief labor negotiator.

Michael Coli of Chicago has served on the LRB since 2006. Prior to his appointment, he was president of Teamsters Local #727 for 20 years, and was involved in all aspects of contact negotiations, labor changes and grievance proceedings.

Illinois Liquor Control Commission:

Bill Morris of Grayslake was appointed to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority by Governor Quinn in 2009. He was formerly mayor of the city of Waukegan, where he also served as city liquor commissioner and Illinois state senator, representing the 31st District. He earned a master's degree in public administration from Webster University.

Mid-America Intermodal Authority Port District Board:

Charles Hood of Frederick retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after 45 years as lockmaster at the LaGrange Lock and Dam.

Henry Brownback of Ashland is a founding director of the Port District Board and been vice president of Southwestern Illinois College since 1974.

 

Mining Board:

 

David Webb of Raymond has served on the Mining Board since 2003. He has worked and been a manager in the coal mining industry for more than 30 years in nine different mines. He holds a degree in mining engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla.

Don Stewart of Gillespie has served on the Mining Board since 2005. He has worked in the coal mining industry for 31 years and previously served on the Illinois Miners Examining Board from 2003-2006. He has also been the local president of the United Mine Workers in Gillespie since 1999.

Fred Frederking of Coulterville previously served on the Mining Board from 2007 to 2009 and retired after 32 years in the Illinois coal industry. He has also been a member of the Randolph County Farm Bureau for more than 53 years.

George Teegarden of Harrisburg has been a member of the Mining Board since 2003 and is a dozer operator in Equality, Illinois. He is a certified surface mine supervisor and has more than 40 years of experience in the coal industry.

Jerry Cross of Marissa has been a member of the Mining Board since 2003 and has worked in the coal industry for more than 30 years. He was a representative for the United Mine Workers in Benton, Illinois for more than 20 years.

Tim Kirkpatrick of Johnston City was appointed to the Mining Board by Governor Quinn in 2010. He has 35 years of experience in the coal industry and is a certified mine examiner, mine manager and E.M.T.

 

Pollution Control Board 

 

Deanna Glosser is the president of Environment Planning Solutions in Riverton and a natural resources planning specialist at Purdue University. She previously spent 13 years as a manager for the Illinois Department of National Resources. She holds an anthropology degree from Illinois State University and a Ph.D in environmental planning from UIUC's Department of Urban Regional Planning.

 

Tom Johnson of Urbana has served on the Pollution Control Board since 2001. He was a special assistant in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General and a special prosecutor in the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State.  He previously served on the Champaign County Board from 1994-1998. He holds a J.D. from Northern Illinois University.

Tom Holbrook of Belleville represented the 113th District in the Illinois House of Representatives since 1995, where he served as chair of the Environment and Energy Committee and was heavily involved in crafting most of Illinois' environmental legislation for the past decade. Holbrook worked in the private sector for more than 15 years, and helped develop state of the art instrumentation that is used for monitoring emissions and quality control.

 

Prisoner Review Board 

 

Charles Bowers of Edwards has served on the Prisoner Review board since 2006. He is a former officer in the Peoria police department where he earned a polygraph examination license. He is a Veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, where he served from 1966 to 1972.

Edith Crigler of Chicago is the president of the Chicago Jobs Council's Board of Directors and sits on the City Wide Restorative Justice committee. She holds a master's degree in Administration and Social Policy from the University of Chicago and teaches in the criminal justice department at Chicago State University. She was appointed by Governor Quinn to the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission in 2010.

Eric Althoff of Effingham has served on the Prisoner Review Board since 2004. He spent more than 20 years as the Effingham County coroner and a volunteer firefighter. He holds an associate's degree in law enforcement from Lake Land College.

Property Tax Appeal Board:

Jim Bilotta of Lockport has served on the Will County Board since 2002. He has also served on the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission and the Zoning Board for the village of Bellwood. He is a certified residential appraiser and operates his own appraisal business.

Illinois Racing Board 

 

Benjamin Reyes of Chicago is president of DSR Group, where he oversees over $100 million in retail in residential development projects. He is a former executive director of the Public Building Commission of Chicago and chief operating officer for the Chicago Public Schools.

William Berry of Collinsville is an attorney and former board member for the Southwestern Illinois Tourism Bureau. He holds a J.D. from the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis and has been admitted to the bar for the United States Supreme Court.

Kathy Byrne of Chicago is an attorney and racehorse owner. She is a graduate of Saint Mary's College of Notre Dame and the Loyola University School of Law.

Patricia Beauvais of Des Plaines is a former horse breeder and prior to her appointment, served on the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Foundation. She also holds an Illinois Horse Racing License. She served as an alderman for the city of Des Plaines from 1993-2007.

Roger Whalen of Chicago retired as a captain in the Chicago Police Department following 40 years of service, where he was commanding officer of the citywide gambling unit and supervisor in the organized crime division. For the past 35 years, he has also been in charge of off-duty police officers and security for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

 

Illinois State Police Merit Board:

A. George Pradel has served as the mayor of Naperville since 1995. Prior to his election, he spent 29 years as an officer with the Naperville Police Department, achieving the rank of lieutenant. He previously sat on the board for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority:

Carl Towns of Rockford has served on the board of for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority since 2002. He spent more than 38 years in human resource management at Ingersoll Mining Machine Co. and Chrysler in Belvidere and is a member of numerous Rockford-area community organizations.

David Gonzalez of Chicago Heights is a named partner of Gonzalez and Associates Accounting. He previously served as the superintendent and chief financial officer for the Chicago Heights Park District and as police and fire commissioner for the city of Chicago Heights.

James Banks of Chicago is an attorney concentrating in zoning and land use, and has served on the Toll Highway Authority since 1993, where he is chairman of the audit committee. He holds a J.D. from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

James Sweeney of Chicago was appointed to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority's strategic advisory team in 2010, where he assisted with the agency's comprehensive capital plan. He is vice president of the International Union of Operating Engineers and president of Local #150 in Countryside.

Jeffrey Redick of Elmhurst has served on the DuPage County Board since 2006, where he is chairman of the environmental committee and vice-chairman of the development committee. He holds a J.D. from the Drake University School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Eastern Illinois University.

Mark Peterson of Lincolnshire is a former member of the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board and is president of Bridgeview Bank. He is a former director of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority and handled transportation matters for former Governor Jim Edgar He holds a degree from the University of South Florida.

Terrence D'Arcy of Shorewood is a former chairman of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and served as chairman of the Chicago Auto Show in 2007. He is a founder and board member of Joliet Community Bank and president of D'Arcy Buick and GMC in Joliet.

Tom Weisner is the mayor of the city of Aurora and was appointed to the Toll Highway Authority in 2009 by Governor Quinn. He is president of the Metro West Council of Government and founding chairman of the Northwest Water Planning Alliance.

 

Inspectors General:

 

Denise Kane (DCFS) of Chicago has served as inspector general for the Department of Children and Family Services since 2003. She previously worked in the Public Guardian's Office of Cook County, Juvenile Division and was a juvenile court probation officer.  She holds a Ph.D. in social service administration from the University of Chicago.

 

Bradley Hart (HFS) of Hillsboro is the deputy bureau chief of Medicaid fraud and nursing home abuse/neglect in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney-Central District. He graduated cum laude from the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale School of Law.

William Davis (DHS) of Palos Hills has served as inspector general for the Department of Human Services since 2006. He previously spent 25 years in the Illinois State Police, where he rose to the rank of commander.  He is a Veteran of the 173rd Airborne Brigade of the United States Army, where he served in South Vietnam from 1963-1966.

Chicago State University:

Adam Stanley of Chicago is global chief technology officer with AON Corporation and former senior vice-president of business transformation and technology for LaSalle Bank. He holds degrees in finance and international business from Washington University in St. Louis and received his master's in business administration in strategic management and management of electronic commerce at the Wharton School in Philadelphia.

James T. Joyce of Chicago was appointed Chicago Fire Commissioner following 34 years of service to the CFD. He graduated from Chicago State University and holds a master's degree in public administration from Governor's State University. He is a Veteran of the U.S. Army.

Anthony Young of Chicago is a former Cook County Circuit Court judge and represented the 17th District in the Illinois House for seven years. He is Veteran of the United State Air Force and earned a M.B.A. from Golden Gate University and a J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law.

 

Eastern Illinois University:

William Dano III of Oswego has more than 20 years of business experience in sales management for Extreme Networks, Avaya, Fujitsu, Lucent Technologies and AT&T. He holds a degree in business administration from Aurora University.

Joseph Dively of Charleston is the president of First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust and is a former chairman of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. He holds a degree from EIU and is a past president of the university alumni association.

Robert Webb of Mattoon was appointed chairman of the Eastern Illinois University Board of Trustees by Governor Quinn in 2011. He has been a teacher, principal, district superintendent and community college president. He holds a doctorate in education from UIUC.

Rene Hutchinson of Chicago is a member of the Eastern Illinois University Board of Directors. She graduated with a degree in business and management from EIU and has worked at Allstate Insurance Company in Northbrook for almost 30 years.

Roger Kratochvil of Mt. Olive was a teacher and principal at Mt. Olive High School for 34 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in education from EIU and master's degrees in educational administration and secondary education from Sangamon State University (now UIS) and Southern Illinois University, respectively. He was inducted into the EIU Hall of Fame in 1998.

 

Kenneth Goetz of Elmhurst has been an attorney for more than 20 years and has served on the Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Commission for more than 15 years. He holds a J.D. from the Illinois Institute of Technology's Chicago Kent School of Law.

Governor's State University:

Brian Mitchell of Flossmoor is the administrator of the village of Matteson. He was previously a manager for the Cook County Bureau of Human Resources and program director for PSI Services. He holds a master's degree from the Spertus College of Jewish Studies and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Northern Illinois University

Eileen Durkin of Chicago has been president and chief executive officer of Neumann Family Services since 2000. She was previously executive director of the Howard Brown Health Center. She was appointed by Governor Quinn to the Illinois Human Services Commission in 2009 and serves on numerous state and city boards. She holds a M.B.A. from Loyola University in Chicago.

Jack Beaupre of Bourbonnais has served on the board for Governor's State University since 2000. He is a former Illinois House Representative and was a special assistant attorney general from 1977-1987. He was also a nominee to the 1960 Illinois constitutional convention and a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1958 to 1968.

 

Illinois State University:

Rocco Donahue of Tinley Park has over 30 years of experience at Pace, where he rose from an analyst to director of government affairs, and to his current position as deputy executive director for external relations. He holds a master's degree in public administration from Roosevelt University and earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Illinois State University.

Northeastern Illinois University:

Carlos Azcoitia of Chicago is assistant professor of educational leadership at National-Louis University and previously served as an administrator at numerous educational institutions, including as assistant superintendent of the Chicago Public Schools. He is a frequently-published author and holds a doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University.

Barbara Fumo of River Forest is a former middle school teacher and was assistant principal of Hanson Park School for 13 years. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Northeastern University.

Jin Lee of Des Plaines is the director of business planning for the Albany Park Community Center. He sits on the Illinois Secretary of State's Asian Advisory Council and the city of Chicago's Human Relations Council. He holds a degree from UIUC.

Omar Duque of Chicago has served on the Northeastern University Board of Trustees since 2007 and is the president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

 

Bob Biggins of Wheaton represented the 78th District in the Illinois House for 18 years. He previously served on the board of directors for the Suburban Bank of Elmhurst and worked as a property tax consultant for 20 years. He is a former public school teacher and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Northeastern University.

Western Illinois University:

Donald Griffin of Macomb was a professor and director at the Institute for Regional and Community Studies at WIU from 1971 to 1993. He was a former military instructor for the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He received a Ph.D. in Geography from Clark University.

Lyneir R. Cole of Chicago graduated from WIU with a degree in law enforcement administration and is president of the Western Illinois University Black Alumni Association and a member of the WIU Alumni Council.

William L. Epperly of Chicago has served on the WIU board of trustees since 2004 and was chairman from 2006-2008. He is the owner and president of Stoneage Marketing and the recipient of the WIU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2002.

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LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Iowa component of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced today that Dr. Paul will visit Iowa on Saturday, October 29th.

"The Iowa team is excited to have Ron Paul back to Iowa so soon following his successful two-day visit.  Dr. Paul's desire to visit Iowa and increase the incredible number of voter contacts makes directing his Iowa operation a pleasure," said Drew Ivers, the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign's Iowa Chairman.

Dr. Paul first will address the National Federation of Republican Assemblies (NFRA).  Last November Iowans elected a 60-seat Republican Majority in the House, taking majority control from the Democrats in that 100-member body.  Ron Paul campaigned for six Iowa Republican candidates last fall and also helped Republicans come within two votes of controlling the Iowa Senate.

Next, Dr. Paul will court West Central Iowans as he holds a Carroll Town Hall Meeting in the heart of Iowa's rural agricultural production.
'Black This Out' theme inspires small contributors
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced today that its latest money bomb dubbed "Black This Out" netted more than $2.75 million in small donations.

The money bomb, or online fundraising event, began at midnight on October 19th and concluded today, October 24th, at noon. 

Ron Paul supporters in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and U.S. military installations made a total of 44,527 donations, with 40,494 of these donations unique ones.  The mean or average donation over this period was $61.92 while the median contribution was $25, demonstrating the broad support Dr. Paul gets from everyday concerned citizens.

"This moneybomb's success conveys that Ron Paul's supporters, whether independent or loosely organized, are poised to dig in deep and back him even during this government-imposed economic downtown," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton. 

"This block of voters supporting Dr. Paul is growing and is comprised of generous Americans having no plans to switch to another candidate," said Mr. Benton.
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First ad will begin airing on Rush Limbaugh Program Tuesday, October 25th

Atlanta - Mark Block, Chief of Staff to the Herman Cain presidential campaign, announced today that a national radio ad campaign would begin on Tuesday taking the campaign's message directly to voters.

"The surge in fundraising we have experienced recently has put us into a position to take our message to Republican primary voters across the nation.  Both our national and state strategies are buoyed by this ad campaign," said Block. "Herman Cain recorded a message speaking directly to voters and we believe this will begin to solidify our support in all fifty states."

The ad campaign will launch this Tuesday on the Rush Limbaugh radio program and continue into the following week.  In the ad, Herman Cain promotes a new website to be released on Tuesday to gain supporters and contributions located at www.999MeansJobs.com.

"As the largest radio program in America, Rush Limbaugh reaches the two biggest AM stations in Iowa," said Steve Grubbs, Iowa campaign chairman.  "We believe this will support our renewed efforts to line up precinct captains in 1500 locations across the state and help us raise the critical donations we need to fund our campaign effort."

"This is another example of the synergies we are developing between our national strategy and our state strategies," said Block.  "We are running a fifty-state campaign, with the belief that every Republican voter in every state should have a say in the outcome of our party's nominating process."
Ron Paul Leads GOP Candidates in Iowa Campaign Donations; Evidence of a large and growing base of support
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - According to a recent report from the Des Moines Register, 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul leads among GOP contenders in donations from the state of Iowa so far this year. Paul bests presumed frontrunner Mitt Romney, and places comfortably ahead of the rest of the Republican field.

"This is more clear evidence of Dr. Paul's large and growing base of support in the great state of Iowa," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton. "Iowans who are sick and tired of the status quo message coming from the establishment candidates in this race are attracted to our campaign's message of balanced budgets, limited constitutional government, and individual liberty, and we are working to capitalize on that momentum."

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Paul Campaign Applauds NV Caucus Move to Feb. 4; NH Primacy Assured, NV Importance Affirmed
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul Campaign today applauded the Nevada Central Committee's decision to reschedule the Nevada presidential caucus for February 4. The move protects New Hampshire's traditional "first in the nation" status while ensuring that Nevada voters receive proper attention from all candidates for the GOP nomination.
"We are extremely pleased with this decision, and we thank Nevada GOP Chair Amy Tarkanian and RNC Chairman Reince Priebus for their tireless work," said Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.
"The Paul campaign believes firmly in the primacy of the New Hampshire primary - and in the importance of the Nevada caucus as well. We're very proud that our campaign and our supporters on the Nevada Central Committee took a leadership role in resolving this issue.
"Voters in the Granite State and the Silver State will now have the opportunity to meet and deeply examine the candidates who are asking for their votes," Benton continued. "And that's the way it should be."
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Crowds of More Than 1,200 People Greet Ron Paul in IowaTown hall meetings plus youth event mean direct voter contact exceeds 1,600 on first of two-day tour
ANKENY, Iowa - The first day of 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul's two-day visit to Iowa yielded huge turnouts at public events featuring some of the Hawkeye State's most involved voters and supporters.


More than 175 people attended Dr. Paul's Davenport town hall meeting, and more than 220 people attended his town hall meeting in Burlington, his first visit there. 

Most notably, more than 1,200 members of the University of Iowa and general community greeted the Texas Congressman in the Main Lounge of the Memorial Union, located on the university's Iowa City campus.  This occurred even as homecoming weekend provided the public with an array of large events from which to distract from Paul's visit.

"The energy in the room tonight was unreal as more than 1,200 students and supporters filled the hall to hear Ron Paul's message of peace, prosperity, and individual liberty.  Students in Iowa and nationwide know that Dr. Paul is the only candidate running for office who will fix our economy, get our financial house in order, and restore American prosperity," said Edward King, National Youth Coordinator for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign.

The University of Iowa event was organized by Youth for Ron Paul (YFP), an initiative of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign.  Since "Youth for Ron Paul" launched last month, students nationwide have organized 166 chapters and recruited more than 9,800 people. 

Prior to the Davenport and Burlington town hall meetings and before his successful University of Iowa YFP visit, Dr. Paul was interviewed live in-studio with WHO Radio's Jan Mickelson in Des Moines, and in Newton he toured the TPI Composites plant and met with the American Wind Energy Association.

"Something incredible is brewing in Iowa, with Ron Paul treated to warm receptions in just about every venue he visits.  The Iowa team is inspired, thankful and humbled by Iowans' appreciation for the seriousness Dr. Paul gives to Iowa and its first-in-nation status," said Drew Ivers, the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign's Iowa Chairman.

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Changes in election laws have given Iowa college students more options than ever on
how they cast their votes. And it's especially important that college students vote.
"Of all the people in society, young adults have the most to lose if democracy falls off
the rails," said Ben Stone, ACLU of Iowa Executive Director. "They are the ones who, as
older adults, will have to deal with all the problems we create now. It's important that
they make their voices heard."
Are You Registered?
Before you vote, you must make sure you're registered to vote. Go online to the Iowa
Secretary of State's office at www.sos.state.ia.us. There's a handy tool you can use to plug
in your zip code and other info to find out if you're registered. In fact, the entire site has
tons of handy college student voter information.
If you're not registered to vote, the deadline in Iowa to register for the November 8
election is October 28. If you cannot meet this deadline, you can also register on the spot
at your polling place on Election Day. To prevent hassles, bring a valid, current driver's
license or a student ID with photo.
As a college student, you have the option of registering to vote in your hometown or in
your college town. Your decision of where to register will determine which candidates
and what issues will appear on your ballot. You can register in only one location. You
can't register to vote in both your hometown and in your college town.
When it comes to actually voting, you have four options:
1. Absentee Voting
If it's hard for you to get to your polling place; you travel a lot; or you're simply a busy
person who doesn't want stand in line or break away from work or classes, an absentee
vote is a convenient option.
First, you must request that an absentee ballot be sent to you. Go to the Secretary of
State web site (www.sos.state.ia.us) and print out an "absentee ballot request form." Or
call 1-888-SOS-VOTE (1-888-767-8683) to ask for the form.
Once you have the request form in hand, fill it out and mail it to the county auditor's
office in the county in which you are registered.
A few days later, you'll receive the actual absentee ballot in the mail. Fill out the actual
ballot and mail it promptly back to your county auditor's office. Absentee ballots
received after November 8 will not be counted.
2. Absentee Voting "In Person"
Another convenient way to vote before the November 8 election is to cast an absentee
ballot "in person." Simply show up at your local county auditor's office during normal
business hours. For the upcoming election, county auditors' offices will also have
special hours Saturday, October 29 and Saturday, November 5.
No need to do any paperwork in advance (other than make sure you're registered). Just
show up!
3. Satellite Voting
In some counties, to make voting easier, county auditors have set up convenient
"satellite" voting stations, usually on college campuses, schools, libraries, or shopping
centers. Hours vary so check in advance.
Keep your eye on local media or contact your county auditor's office to find out when
and where satellite voting is in your community.
4. Traditional Voting
And, of course, you always have the option of traditional voting--going to the
designated voting place for your neighborhood and casting a vote in a voting machine.
Polls are open November 8 from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. If you're unsure where to
vote, simply Google "polling places" and use the handy tool to find your precinct's
voting place.
If you experience any unfair difficulties or hassles in casting your ballot, it's important
to report it. Please contact the ACLU of Iowa at legal.program@aclu-ia.org or call 515-992-
0150.
-- end --Changes in election laws have given Iowa college students more options than ever on
how they cast their votes. And it's especially important that college students vote.
"Of all the people in society, young adults have the most to lose if democracy falls off
the rails," said Ben Stone, ACLU of Iowa Executive Director. "They are the ones who, as
older adults, will have to deal with all the problems we create now. It's important that
they make their voices heard."
Are You Registered?
Before you vote, you must make sure you're registered to vote. Go online to the Iowa
Secretary of State's office at www.sos.state.ia.us. There's a handy tool you can use to plug
in your zip code and other info to find out if you're registered. In fact, the entire site has
tons of handy college student voter information.
If you're not registered to vote, the deadline in Iowa to register for the November 8
election is October 28. If you cannot meet this deadline, you can also register on the spot
at your polling place on Election Day. To prevent hassles, bring a valid, current driver's
license or a student ID with photo.
As a college student, you have the option of registering to vote in your hometown or in
your college town. Your decision of where to register will determine which candidates
and what issues will appear on your ballot. You can register in only one location. You
can't register to vote in both your hometown and in your college town.
When it comes to actually voting, you have four options:
1. Absentee Voting
If it's hard for you to get to your polling place; you travel a lot; or you're simply a busy
person who doesn't want stand in line or break away from work or classes, an absentee
vote is a convenient option.
First, you must request that an absentee ballot be sent to you. Go to the Secretary of
State web site (www.sos.state.ia.us) and print out an "absentee ballot request form." Or
call 1-888-SOS-VOTE (1-888-767-8683) to ask for the form.
Once you have the request form in hand, fill it out and mail it to the county auditor's
office in the county in which you are registered.
A few days later, you'll receive the actual absentee ballot in the mail. Fill out the actual
ballot and mail it promptly back to your county auditor's office. Absentee ballots
received after November 8 will not be counted.
2. Absentee Voting "In Person"
Another convenient way to vote before the November 8 election is to cast an absentee
ballot "in person." Simply show up at your local county auditor's office during normal
business hours. For the upcoming election, county auditors' offices will also have
special hours Saturday, October 29 and Saturday, November 5.
No need to do any paperwork in advance (other than make sure you're registered). Just
show up!
3. Satellite Voting
In some counties, to make voting easier, county auditors have set up convenient
"satellite" voting stations, usually on college campuses, schools, libraries, or shopping
centers. Hours vary so check in advance.
Keep your eye on local media or contact your county auditor's office to find out when
and where satellite voting is in your community.
4. Traditional Voting
And, of course, you always have the option of traditional voting--going to the
designated voting place for your neighborhood and casting a vote in a voting machine.
Polls are open November 8 from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. If you're unsure where to
vote, simply Google "polling places" and use the handy tool to find your precinct's
voting place.
If you experience any unfair difficulties or hassles in casting your ballot, it's important
to report it. Please contact the ACLU of Iowa at legal.program@aclu-ia.org or call 515-992-
0150.
-- end --

Cain Strikes Gold in Western Republican Leadership Conference Straw Poll

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain's message continues to resonate with voters, showing his staying power with a decisive win of 31 percent of the votes in the Western Republican Leadership Conference straw poll in Las Vegas Friday.  Cain's straw poll victory followed the four-day Western Republican Leadership Conference, and confirmed Cain's Tuesday success at one of the liveliest debates of the race.

"I thank the Western Republican Leadership Conference for their support and vote of confidence.  There are many unique challenges facing Western states including housing prices, struggling local economies, unemployment and the environment.  As president, I look forward to addressing these challenges with real solutions?not Washington promises," said Cain.

The Western Republican Leadership Conference straw poll win follows Cain's successful wins of major straw polls in Florida, Kansas City, Minnesota, and Illinois.

The Western Republican Leadership Conference straw poll, conducted by Citizen Outreach, polled 552 attendees at the Western Republic Leadership Conference over a period of three days on the GOP presidential contenders. Citizen Outreach's David Mansdoerfer, who oversaw the straw poll, stated. "The results at the top aren't surprising. Herman Cain has spent a lot of time in Nevada and it shows. You can see people reacting to his message about the economy and job creation."

Cain's View on Abortion Policy

"Yesterday in an interview with Piers Morgan on CNN, I was asked questions about abortion policy and the role of the President.

I understood the thrust of the question to ask whether that I, as president, would simply "order" people to not seek an abortion.

My answer was focused on the role of the President. The President has no constitutional authority to order any such action by anyone.  That was the point I was trying to convey.

As to my political policy view on abortion, I am 100% pro-life.  End of story.

I will appoint judges who understand the original intent of the Constitution.  Judges who are committed to the rule of law know that the Constitution contains no right to take the life of unborn children.

I will oppose government funding of abortion.  I will veto any legislation that contains funds for Planned Parenthood.  I will do everything that a President can do, consistent with his constitutional role, to advance the culture of life."

--- Herman Cain

Herman Cain Launches Opportunity Zone Plan, Clarifies "9-9-9 Plan" Details

As part of his bold vision for the American economy, Presidential candidate Herman Cain unveiled his Opportunity Zone Plan, designed to create an environment in designated communities that allows production to drive the economy, not spending; which encourages risk-taking to drive growth, speaking Friday outside of Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Michigan.

"Opportunity Zones are fundamentally different from other attempts by some public policy makers in the 1990s," said Cain, "as we are trying to energize local small business and indigenous start-ups to participate in these Opportunity Zones."

Addressing recent questions about the "9-9-9 Plan", Cain said, "We carved out a substantial amount from the aggregate "9-9-9 Plan" tax base, enough to exempt those in poverty, and we will work with Congress to best apply these in a way to break the "poverty trap" and replace it with positive incentives that encourage people to work and take risks in this economy."

Mr. Cain's Opportunity Zone Plan has three key principles; First, empower Americans to achieve economic dreams; Second, incentivize Americans to work, invest, and take responsibility for their behavior; and Third, promote widespread equality of economic opportunity."

Mr. Cain explained: "Opportunity Zones in conjunction with the '9-9-9 Plan' will turn the whole country into one giant Opportunity Zone. Some of the most attractive features will be zero capital gains tax, immediate expensing of business equipment, and no payroll taxes are "factory installed" in the '999 Plan' for the whole country to benefit."

Opportunity Zones will allow employers in Zones to make deductions for payroll (as opposed to income) and allow deductions for those living and working in the Zone.  The Zones will provide relief and reward those already struggling in the Zone and likely to lead to economic renewal.

"I will never support equality of results, but I will raise a little Cain and fight for equal opportunity, economic growth, and jobs. And in doing so, we will empower the engine of American Exceptionalism," said Mr. Cain.

Mr. Cain's Opportunity Zones Advisory Committee Co-Chairs, Jerry Gonzalez, J.D.; Niger Innis and Roger Campos, J.D. are well respected national business leaders and legal experts.

Herman Cain Campaign Announces Leading Iowa Republican

The Herman Cain presidential campaign announced Wednesday that former Republican Party of Iowa Chairman, Steve Grubbs, will join the campaign as the Iowa State Chairman.

"We tried a community organizer as president, maybe it's time we put a CEO in the White House," said Grubbs. "I've had the good fortune to work with Bob Dole, Steve Forbes and Tommy Thompson and I can honestly say that I've never quite seen the groundswell of excitement that I'm seeing for Herman Cain."

"Having Steve Grubbs join our team demonstrates the commitment the Cain campaign has for its state-by-state strategy. We believe in our national strategy, but we know that we will need a strong ground based organization to do well in Iowa," said Mark Block, chief of staff for the Cain campaign. "Steve Grubbs has been a part of the Dole Presidential campaigns in '88 and '96 as well as the Forbes campaign in 2000. These presidential bids were well organized campaigns and that's our goal for the caucuses."

Steve Grubbs is considered one of the leading Republican strategists in Iowa. He has worked on four presidential campaigns and more than 100 state and local campaigns in the state. He served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa in '97-98 and served six years in the Iowa House of Representatives prior to that.

"I've looked at the Cain campaign organization and while there's a lot of work to do, it has the ingredients to win. Herman Cain has deep support in Iowa and that makes the job of finding precinct leaders easier," said Grubbs. "Mitt Romney has five years behind his organization in Iowa and that makes him the frontrunner, but the momentum of the Cain campaign is only getting stronger and the enthusiasm for Herman's vision to turn our country around is only getting louder."

Two new ads capture momentum following 'Plan to Restore America' rollout
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced today the release of two new broadcast campaign ads that capitalize on the aggressive posture Dr. Paul displayed during his Las Vegas, Nevada "Plan to Restore America" launch.

The 30-second spot "Plan" clearly explains Paul's balanced budget plan to voters, and the 60-second spot "Consistent" compares his distinguished record of advocating conservative principles with the records of his establishment opponents Herman Cain, Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. 

"Plan" and "Consistent" are part of a two week, multi-million dollar blitz in the key early states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada.  The campaign will also run radio versions of these spots, and complement the broadcast push with substantial voter outreach on the same topics.

"The absolutely positive reception of Ron Paul's 'Plan to Restore America' means we're obligated to meet an even higher standard of outreach and discussion," said Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton, a "Plan to Restore America" co-author.

"No other Republican candidate's economic plan matches that of Dr. Paul's, so in turn we thought it only right to follow with a worthy campaign advertising effort," said Mr. Benton.

To view "Plan" click here.  To view "Consistent" click here.
###

Recent polling from two independent public opinion firms report Herman Cain as the clear frontrunner in the Iowa Republican Presidential Caucus.  Cain leads 30% to Mitt Romney's 22% according to Public Policy Polling and Cain leads 26.4% to Romney's 18.1% in the InsiderAdvantage/Majority Opinion Research survey.

Cain leads Romney two to one (38-19) among the 42% who say they are firmly committed to their first choice candidate according to Public Policy Polling.  "Herman Cain not only has the lead in Iowa, he also has far more committed supporters than Mitt Romney," said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling.

"These poll results come from the hard work and dedication of many, many volunteers and supporters in 'The Hawkeye State.'  I am grateful for their efforts and look forward to sharing my vision and plans with more Iowans this Saturday at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition - 11th Annual Fall Dinner/Presidential Forum," said Mr. Cain.

A detailed breakdown of the above mentioned polling can be found at:

Public Policy Polling:
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_IA_1011925.pdf

InsiderAdvantage/Majority Outreach Research:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/docs/2011/InsiderAdvantage_Iowa_1017.pdf

LAS VEGAS, NV, Oct. 19, 2011

Presidential candidate Herman Cain's "9-9-9 Plan" continued to drive debate discussion at CNN's October 18th Western Republican Presidential Debate hosted by CNN moderator Anderson Cooper. Responding to questions about his economic plan from fellow candidates, Cain explained, "We simply remove the hidden taxes that are in goods and services with our plan and replace it with a single rate, nine percent," he said. "I invite every family to do your own calculations with that arithmetic."

Cain continued, "(the 9-9-9 Plan) is a jobs plan, it is revenue neutral, it does not raise taxes on those that are making the least.  Let's throw out the 10 million word mess and put in our plan which will liberate the American workers and liberate American businesses."

Responding to questions from CNN's Anderson Cooper after the debate, Cain clarified information about the size of his campaign staff:  "Let me correct a few misperceptions.  We already have staff in New Hampshire, Iowa, South Carolina, Florida and several other states. We are hiring people now.  We're hiring people for our corporate office, in all of the states, we're ramping up. There are plenty of good people out there and we're adding them rapidly. "

During the debate, several candidates supported Cain's initiative in proposing a new tax code.  Fellow candidate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said, "Herman Cain deserves a lot of credit for proposing a very big idea on tax reform."

Cain used the broad themes of the debate to discuss several other elements of his platform.  On health care, Cain said, "Obamacare is a disaster."  Cain explained that he would start by re-examining House Resolution 3400, "Instead of government being imposed on the system, it passes market-driven, patient-centered reform to allow association health plans and insurance products to be sold across state lines.  It allows the patient and the doctors to make the decisions, not a bureaucrat."

Responding to a question about US border security, Cain stressed "I don't apologize at all for wanting to protect the American citizens and protect our agents on the border." Cain explained his three-pronged plan:  First, protect the physical border with fencing, technology and manpower; Second, promote the existing path to citizenship by cleaning up the bureaucracy in Washington DC; and Third, embrace the immigration laws on the books and empower the states to do what the federal government is not doing as far as enforcing those laws."

Cain reiterated, however, that strong national security starts with fundamental economic reform:  "We must first start with significantly boosting this economy which is on life support...If we have this economy growing people will be able to take care of their families." Cain contrasted himself to other candidates who have spent time in Washington or on Wall Street, saying, "My experience is Main Street."

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