* This may be interesting…
Past and present government officials will join together today to announce a new statewide initiative aimed at promoting and improving Illinois’ public education system.
Former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, former Commerce Secretary William M. Daley, former Gov. Jim Edgar, Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle and Joyce Foundation President Ellen Alberding will make the announcement during a Chicago press conference and through interviews with statewide media.
The group will announce the launch of Advance Illinois, “an independent, objective voice to promote a public education system in Illinois that prepares all students to be ready for work, college and democratic citizenship,” according to a press release.
Let’s see… Hastert led the unsuccessful push for a capital bill. Edgar just helped kill the constitutional convention referendum and campaigned hard against Dawn Clark Netsch’s education funding idea in 1994, which led to the failure of his “me too” plan a year later. William Daley has touted himself as a potential gubernatorial candidate, but has been busy lately with Obama transition duties. The Joyce Foundation funds most of the “goo-goo” activities here, which naturally irks some legislators. And Miguel del Valle, while still greatly repsected in the General Assembly, has not been around much.
But, I’m sure they’ll succeed beyond their wildest dreams.
*** UPDATE *** The group’s new website is up and running. From the “Policy Solutions” page…
A quality education improves the odds of success for all young people and anchors a state’s civic and economic well-being.
The executive director, Robin M. Steans, appears to be related to Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago).
[ *** End of Update *** ]
* Speaking of potential statewide candidates, this is not all that surprising…
DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom is hinting at a possible run for statewide office in two years.
“I’m interested in doing what I can to turn things around (in Springfield), and I’m not exactly sure what that may be at this point,” he said. “It may be to continue doing exactly what I’m doing right now, it may to be very involved in the selection of the next slate and it may be to potentially be a candidate. Time will tell on those issues.” […]
Schillerstrom has hinted at running for attorney general and governor in the past, but he wouldn’t single out a specific office he might seek in two years
Thoughts?