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* My Crain’s Chicago Business column…
When the shock finally wore off after learning that Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka had died, I started wondering what she’d want to happen next.
Who would she want to replace her? How would she want this transition handled? How would she want to be remembered?
I figured she’d probably want Rep. Tom Cross, R-Oswego, to take her place. Topinka helped persuade Cross to run for state treasurer.
And that’s when it hit me. I’m not sure why I was so dense. Blame it on the grief.
Go read the rest before commenting, please. Thanks.
* My syndicated newspaper column…
Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka had a stroke the morning of Dec. 9, but that’s not what killed her. In fact, by that afternoon, she announced she was going to walk to the restroom. Her chief of staff Nancy Kimme told her not to try because she was paralyzed on her left side. In mocking defiance, Topinka started kicking her no longer paralyzed leg.
By early evening, medical staff told Topinka that she’d be out of the hospital in a few days and would then need three weeks of rehabilitation. The indestructible Topinka appeared to have won again, just like she did after she fell and broke her hip and badly injured her back after giving a speech in 2012. The accident slowed her down, but it never stopped her, never silenced her, never broke her spirit, never stopped her from running for re-election.
What finally felled Topinka was completely unexpected. Hours after her speedy recovery, Topinka fell asleep. A massive blood clot somehow withstood her blood-thinning medication and got around a clot trap installed beneath her rib cage and entered her lung.
The end came quickly.
In a matter of seconds, we lost not only one of our state’s strongest voices for financial prudence, its most consistently successful female statewide elected official, its most pro-union, pro-gay rights Republican, but also its most human politician.
My brother Doug met Topinka when he was with me at an event. Doug posted this on his Facebook page the day she died: “She was the first statewide elected official I ever met that I thought ‘Hey, she’s just a regular person like the rest of us.’”
Judy only talked down to dunderheads. Everyone else was treated like an old friend, and she just had that way about her that you knew she meant it.
I once had lunch with Judy in her west suburban state Senate district. She took me to a local Bohemian place and I barely got to talk to her. She knew, by name, just about everyone at that restaurant. People literally lined up to shake her hand and chat with her the entire time we were there. She’d hug them, ask about their children, their aunts, their cousins, mostly by name. She never lost that smile, even while she was eating.
She often told stories about when she served in the Illinois House of Representatives during the height of the Equal Rights Amendment debate. Ultraconservative women, she’d humorously recall, would often grab her arm, fall to their knees and pray for her.
What did you do? I asked.
“I let them pray!” the ERA supporter hooted. She thanked them for their prayers and continued on her merry way.
Topinka was elected to the Illinois Senate in 1984, after first building a House constituent services program unlike almost anywhere else. Her phone number was always public, and she would get calls at her home at all hours, once from a constituent during the middle of the night with a cat up a tree. She served not only her own constituents, but also those who lived in the neighboring district represented by former Democratic Senate President Phil Rock, who was often too busy with the affairs of state to handle mundane constituent requests.
Born to immigrant parents, Topinka graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She went on to write a column called “Let’s Talk” for the Berwyn-Cicero Life newspaper. Former state Rep. Jack Kubik, who once represented half of Judy’s Senate district, said it was the most-read column in his family’s newspaper. It was all about political stuff that nobody else was writing about. The two of us were a natural fit.
I first encountered Judy not long after I was hired as Hannah Information’s Statehouse columnist in 1990. She was fascinated by the company’s “new wave” technology and my “alternative” form of journalism. Her Senate office quickly became my second home.
Few would talk to me back then because I wasn’t anybody. We were both “nobody what nobody sent” and we reveled in it. Topinka was elected to her first House term over the opposition of the local party bosses. I started writing about Statehouse politics for a little technology startup.
Judy helped teach me how to be successful in this crazy business. She also taught me to treat strangers and acquaintances like old friends, because one day they could be.
I loved that woman.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 9:26 am
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A heartfelt read. Thank you for not only sharing but for all you do. God speed Judy…
Comment by LINK Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 9:30 am
=== Doug posted this on his Facebook page the day she died: “She was the first statewide elected official I ever met that I thought ‘Hey, she’s just a regular person like the rest of us.’” ===
Politicians are all regular people. Most get big heads from the power and priviledge of elected. Judy was different and never forgot that she was a regular person.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 9:43 am
An excellent suggestion, Rich, and one worthy of Judy’s legacy. Sound logic as well concerning the near-impossibility of another Hodge incident by a state official.
Your suggestion is the exact opposite of the most unworthy and disrespectful thing that could occur: one or two of our elected officials deliberately choosing to force this issue into court and force a fiasco. There is no need for that to occur. Work things out, put the greed for power away for a moment, and do something respectful of her legacy and the people of Illinois.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 9:45 am
“… the power and priviledge of elected office …”
Comment by Norseman Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 9:45 am
Consolidating the offices in her memory is a great idea but the timing is unfortunately not good. Unless they get it on the ballot here in the next month, it will be two years into office for the successor who will likely fight the effort.
I’d like to see the consolidation amendment couple with an expansion of the number of GA members. That would give more opportunities to advance to a statewide office and more eyes to keep tabs on the newly combined office.
Comment by thechampaignlife Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 9:48 am
“Politicians are all regular people. Most get big heads from the power and privilege of elected.”
A former boss of mine called that, when discussing the judiciary, “robe-itis”.
Comment by JoanP Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 9:48 am
== I loved that woman. ==
With good reason, for you and for many of us. Amen to that.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 9:48 am
Merging the two offices is fine by me, and, you’re right Rich, that would be a great tribute to Judy, and be the right thing to do for the state. She was financially prudent, as you say. I hope people understand the difference between that, and the “starve the beast” philosophy espoused by the tea party types.
Comment by PublicServant Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 9:50 am
I agree with the logic of merging the offices, but think you could take it further and just roll both functions under the governor’s office. Secretary of state, too.
I understand the politicians like the multiple fiefdoms, but there’s not much of an argument for efficiency or accountability by splitting all these administrative functions.
Keep it all transparent, and read those auditor general reports evey once in a while if you want to get your learn on.
The limited nature of the comptrollers office makes the sturm und drang of who appoints whom for how long a little silly.
Doesn’t impact your life one way or the other as long as someone can legally sign fhe checks. People didn’t love JBT beause she was a good comptroller.
Rauner would be wise to keep his eye on the FY 15 and FY 16 budgets. Those are going to be a punch in the gut from Day One.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 9:54 am
A great article, and a reminder that life is so precious. It can end literally in an instant. Sometimes some of us take life for granted, feeling like it owes us something. Life owes us nothing. We have to make the best of our lives, but sadly for many, that’s hard to do.
JBT fulfilled her life’s mission with flying colors and is an inspiration to others.
I agree that watching people fall to their knees in prayer–praying against their own interests–is pretty funny, but sad also because it holds back progress.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 9:58 am
I agree that watching people fall to their knees in prayer–praying against their own interests–is pretty funny, but sad also because it holds back progress.
Because no one prays for progress, or because progress isn’t from God?
Really nice posting until you added that. Just insensitive. Glad Judy understood.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:03 am
JBT is gone and ILGOP has nothing remotely similar to her. Look at her successes. Look at the love and affection she generated. Look at the example she set.
Now who among the surviving ILGOP leaders is going to step up and embrace that way of doing things?
ILGOP lost its heart when Judy died. It needs one and someone needs to effectively become what she was or ILGOP will continue to whither away.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:06 am
When can IL constitutional amendments be voted on?
Could it appear on the April 2015 Consolidated Elections ballot or does it need to be an even year ballot issue?
Comment by Bill White Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:06 am
Like both these ideas, but they might be in conflict.
I prefer Cross being appointed to the office, but any plan to merge the two will be hard sailing with Cross and Frerichs in the two key seats.
If the goal is to merge the office into the Treasurer’s office, then the person in it should not be a political figure with future ambitions.
Or perhaps the Constitutional process would take so long that this wouldn’t be a problem.
Comment by walker Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:07 am
Rich, by far - this is your best column you have ever written. Well done and well said…Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Dave Bender Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:07 am
What a wonderful column recalling Judy Baar Topinka. It’s those types of stories that made her as special as she was.
Combining Comptroller and Treasurer by inacting the Topinka Amendment for State Fiscal Consolidation would be a wonderful and appropriate tribute to her.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:13 am
What a great tribute you did for JBT, Rich. Likewise, you’re a genuine person too.
Comment by Anon Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:13 am
Too bad JBT didn’t get the love from the ILGOP that she got from the voters. If they spent a bit more time understanding this maybe the party wouldn’t be in the shape it is today.
Comment by pundent Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:17 am
Agreed that the offices should be merged (the auditor general serves as enough of a watchdog to address Madigan’s legit concerns.) And while we’re at it, eliminate the LG’s office too. If there is a vacancy in the Governor’s Office, the line of succession can go AG, Sec. of State, Treasurer, Speaker, Senate Prez. Succession should pass first to a member of the same party as the departing Guv in that order.
Comment by FRG Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:22 am
The 2 separate offices were set up for a reason. If all politicians were as trustworthy as JBT, it would be safe to have only one office. But she was the exception. You get the wrong person in the one combined office and the state could more easily be Dixoned.
Comment by DuPage Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:26 am
I think what could/should happen is the authorization of a special election in 2016 for the remainder of the term and a subsequent constitutional amendment that would merge the offices. That puts the office as a whole front-and-center and gives the voters essentially a year-and-a-half to figure out if the office should be kept.
Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:27 am
Great article, Rich. Thanks for telling us all about your experiences with JBT. I don’t know what will happen, but your idea about consolidation is a great one. Sadly, not all the great ideas get taken seriously by those in power.
Comment by Big Joe Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:32 am
The most wondrous Christmas thought of the season is to try and come up with the most appropriate and superlative way to celebrate the memory and accomplishments of this remarkable woman who conducted herself in such an unremarkable and humble way. I will miss her deeply too. She sucked the anger and tension out of any room she ever entered. Few have ever been able to do that! Love you Judy!
Comment by A guy... Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:49 am
For Judy’s goal and legacy to be honored, I fear both officeholders would need to be members of the same party. But this is Judy we’re talking about, maybe a miracle is possible.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 10:56 am
Thank you Rich for those well-written tributes. Judy was one of a kind. I am afraid that it would be very difficult in these times to ever elect someone with her attributes. And that is a shame. We need people to tell it like it is and not feed us bull—- or carefully crafted statements that mean nothing.
Comment by Nearly Normal Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 11:14 am
I recall the ERA debate in Illinois back in the day. There were a number of women (and comedian Dick Gregory) who held an extended hunger strike in the rotunda of the Capitol Building. That was big stuff and a very interesting time to involved in government on the state level in Illinois.
Comment by Stones Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 11:27 am
Rich - that was a touching tribute (both last week’s write-up and your column). I heard the news on the way to drop my kids off at school and I had to fight back tears as I took my little guy into preschool. It was just so surreal.
Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 11:42 am
Re: merging the offices, I’m all for it. I’ve thought that since 8th grade civics, when nobody — not the other kids, not the teacher — could think of a reason why we had two offices.
Comment by Levi Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 11:43 am
I think many of the people calling for the consolidation of these two offices may likely be some of the strongest opponents of consolidating school districts, township road districts and multiple other local districts.
Comment by Bourbonrich Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 11:53 am
What a great tribute to an outstanding public servant and a genuinely nice person.
Well done, Rich!
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 12:00 pm
I am a long time reader, but have never posted before. Loved Rich’s tribute to JBT (made me cry) but HATED his suggestion for consolidating the offices.
Have to agree 100% with DuPage: the first principle of financial control is separation of duties. The three offices exist to insure that there are checks and balances: that deposits are correctly made (and not put into personal accounts) and that checks are correctly drawn. And that those doing the auditors are not the people making the transactions.
The alternative to checks and balances is Dixon. And we know what happened there. If a place is in financial trouble, the last place you want to save money is by consolidating financial functions.
Love you Rich, but you are wrong about this.
Comment by Defendtheenlightenment Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 12:08 pm
Rich, beautiful words about JBT and even point for the elimination of the office. Considering Illinois is one of the few states with such redundancy, a point that was mentioned during the 2014 campaign.
Comment by Downstate Libertarian Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 2:00 pm
Rich, your loved is evidenced by your moving tribute. The late, great Judy Baar Topinka is smiling down on you. Believe that!
Comment by Black Ivy Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 3:59 pm
Rich, I love almost everything you write. However, this has possibly been the best thing I’ve ever seen from you.
Illinois has truly lost someone special, and I’m glad we have you to make sure everyone knows it.
Comment by QCLib Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 4:29 pm
===You get the wrong person in the one combined office and the state could more easily be Dixoned.===
LOL
No way.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 15, 14 @ 5:23 pm