* Not unexpected, but I do hate to see him go…
November 5, 2021 - Following 10 terms of service to the people of the 15th District, State Representative John C. D’Amico announced he will retire from his seat effective today.
D’Amico has chaired the House Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committee while working closely with Secretary of State Jesse White, D’Amico passed legislation that created the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program for teens. The program increased the minimum number of practice driving hours to receive a GDL, and allows parents/guardians to view a minor’s driving record online. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the graduated driver’s license program has reduced teen driving deaths by 74%.
D’Amico also led a reform on distracted driving legislation that included restricting the use of cell phones by teens while driving, then a ban on the use of cell phones by drivers in all school and construction zones, the statewide ban on texting while driving, and ultimately the ban of handheld cellphones while driving.
To combat drunk driving, D’Amico sponsored legislation that requires repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenders to use Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (BAIID), and closed loopholes that made it easy for offenders to get out of DUI charges on technicalities. As a result of this work Rep. D’Amico was awarded Legislator of the Year from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in 2015.
Under D’Amico’s leadership, Illinois became a model state for transportation safety legislation providing the framework for many other local and state governments.
D’Amico remains committed to the great people of the 15th district and the State of Illinois and is ready to serve should the opportunity arise, “I have not ruled out running for office in the future,” D’Amico said. However, for now is looking forward to spending time with his wife and their three grown children. “I would be remiss if I did not thank my family for their love and support throughout my political career,” D’Amico said.
“It has been an honor and privilege to represent the people of the 15th District. None of my legislative efforts would have been possible without the vote of confidence from all the supporters sending me to Springfield,” D’Amico said. “I want to thank all of my colleagues who have helped create safer roadways for all Illinoisans.”
D’Amico is now the political director for the plumber’s union, but I don’t think he believed he could do either job totally effectively while he was doing both. Best of luck!
*** UPDATE *** Weighted vote…
