“We are not here for politics, we are here to solve problems.” – Governor Jim Edgar

On Tuesday, June 7th ICPR hosted the “Illinois: Vision for the Future” luncheon at the Standard Club in Chicago. The event featured remarks from Congresswoman Robin Kelly and former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. They both spoke honestly and openly about their visions for the future of Illinois.

First, Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie introduced Congresswoman Kelly, noting her vibrant career in state and local politics in addition to the work she has done at the Federal level.

In her remarks, the Congresswoman focused on issues facing the 2nd District. She noted the diversity of her District, saying its reach “extends far beyond the CTA to communities as rural as any you’ll find downstate.”

Following a particularly violent weekend in Chicago, Kelly addressed gun violence, saying “the bloodshed on our streets is nothing short of a slow motion massacre.” She went on to point out her frustration with many of her peers on this issue, saying, “my colleagues just stand up, sit down, and do nothing,” Kelly noted that creating resources for victims of violence and poverty is a critical step, noting, “nothing stops a bullet like opportunity.”

The audience asked Kelly questions on a range of issues, including campaign finance reform. The Congresswoman explained that the possibility of campaign finance reform depends largely on the composition of Congress following the elections, but emphasized the importance of changing the way the system currently operates.” Good people don’t run, good people don’t win, and its hard for good people to stay in office because they don’t want to focus on fundraising all the time,” she said.

Former State Senator and ICPR Board Member John Millner introduced former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. Senator Millner noted that during Edgar’s time in office, the Governor “navigated a tense political climate with grace, encouraging bipartisan collaboration and compromises that moved the state forward.”

Governor Edgar began his remarks by recalling the words of former State Senate leader W. Russell Arrington, his political mentor. Edgar noted that Arrington often said of his work in Springfield, “we are not here for politics, we are here to solve problems.”

Edgar urged current legislators to act with civility, seek compromise, and exhibit compassion for the people harmed by the budget impasse. He noted that during his tenure, he was able to compromise, even when he disagreed fundamentally with others. “At the end of the session, when things got very tense, we both tried to watch our rhetoric,” Edgar said.

These points came up again when Edgar was questioned further about the current budget impasse. Edgar observed, “this is the worst shape this state has been in for 50 years.” He went on to criticize attempts at creating temporary budgets, stating that “they don’t solve a lot of the problems…and the hole is just going to get deeper.”

The event will air on CAN TV Channel 19 on Sunday, June 12th at 5:30pm and Monday, June 13th at 12:30pm. You can also click here to watch the event anytime online.

ICPR would like to thank Congresswoman Kelly, Governor Edgar, Leader Currie, Senator Millner, the Standard Club, and all the attendees for making this event a success. You can read further coverage of this event in articles byThe Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, Progress Illinois, Politico, &Reboot Illinois.

Be sure to check out the social media coverage of this event on Storify!

View the whole event wrap-up online