Topinka memorial service announced
Friday, Dec 12, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a press release…
A public Memorial Service honoring longtime state leader Judy Baar Topinka will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17 at the Local 150, 6200 Joliet Rd., Countryside.
Fellow state leaders, colleagues and family will share stories and celebrate the life of Comptroller Topinka, who was the first woman in Illinois history to be elected to two Constitutional Offices and the first state Treasurer to be elected to three consecutive terms. Between her time in the General Assembly and in statewide office, Topinka served Illinois for more than three decades.
SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014:
WHAT: TOPINKA MEMORIAL SERVICE
WHEN: 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Local 150 - 6200 Joliet Rd., Countryside
* I stopped by JBT’s annual staff holiday party in Springfield last night. As you might imagine, her people are devastated. I felt so bad for them, but they tried like heck to smile through their tears because they knew their boss would’ve wanted it that way.
Judy’s only son Joe also attended and continued his mom’s tradition of visiting with every person at every table in the room.
I’ve defended Gov. Pat Quinn’s unfettered right to appoint Topinka’s replacement, at least until January 12th. Beyond that, the lawyers are gonna have to figure it out. But I sure hope he takes Topinka’s staff into account when he makes his decision. Many of them volunteered for their employer’s campaign. They worked their tails off, decisively won the election and now they’re staring at the abyss.
* Meanwhile…
The clock is ticking as state leaders face a dilemma in how to replace Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka in her current and future terms. […]
Comptroller’s office spokesman Brad Hahn says the office is still processing checks to schools and state agencies that the Riverside Republican approved before her death. But he says operations can continue only for “several” days. A new comptroller must be named to approve future payments.
As I told subscribers today, I was told last night that an appointment could be held off until after Wednesday’s memorial service. There’s no need to rush here.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Dec 12, 14 @ 9:35 am:
It’s only fitting that JBT’s memorial will be held at a union site, since she had strong union support.
A Republican memorial at a union site. That speaks loudly as to what kind of person and politician JBT was, since she was supported and admired by many across the political spectrum.
As far as her staff, I can’t imagine the sadness and shock of their loss. I wish them the best and hope they can find strength and comfort in their time of loss.
- Wordslinger - Friday, Dec 12, 14 @ 9:59 am:
Memorial service at a union hall. Puts a smile on your face to the end.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Dec 12, 14 @ 10:05 am:
How appropriate that the service be held at 150. Says it all.
My heart goes out to her Crew.
It’s rare to find a Principle who was so loved by their Crew, and the Principle, she loved them back and then some.
Judy Baar Topinka made it always about everyone and that included making it about how special her Crew was to her.
Bless you all.
- Jon Lester - Friday, Dec 12, 14 @ 10:22 am:
A great place for Judy they loved her. However is Sweeney going to allow Rauner in the building?
- Gabe - Friday, Dec 12, 14 @ 10:56 am:
Great way for different people to celebrate the things they have in common.
- Watcher - Friday, Dec 12, 14 @ 11:01 am:
Judy knows how to bring people together even in death…I see the creative hand of one of her good friends here keeping her legacy alive…Who’s one of Judy’s old friends who is both a Rauner supporter and a 150 advocate…and an old buddy of Scott Walker’s?….former Senator Dave Sullivan. Judy must be dancing a polka with her big smile right now! Great place t celebrate her life & bring people together!
- A guy... - Friday, Dec 12, 14 @ 11:57 am:
She picked a place where you can wear a Carhart! God Bless her! I’ll be the guy in a suit.
- Not it - Friday, Dec 12, 14 @ 12:55 pm:
Rich, are you re-scheduling your City Club lunch next week I take it?
- Stones - Friday, Dec 12, 14 @ 1:13 pm:
Just curious but approximately how many employees currently work in the Comptroller’s office? Devastating news on a number of levels especially during the holidays.