47 Comments - Buckeyes2024 - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 2:05 pm: For Senate Dems, Erik Motyll is excellent! Erik is super nice, hardworking, and dependable. Sen. Fine is lucky to have Erik! - So Let Me Get This Straight - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 2:43 pm: For Senate Dems - Nick Giannini, District Manager for Senator Suzy Glowiak. Nick is a superstar managing District Operations for Senator Glowiak. He is always friendly, polite, and works to help all constituents. He is dependable and is not afraid to go out of his way to help and try to get things done. Senate Republicans - Maureen Juhas - District Director Senator Seth Lewis. Maureen is the Best of the Best!! Maureen truly cares and goes above and beyond to help constituents solve their problems and get the help they need. She scowers the depths of the State, County, Township, Municipality and non-profits to find the resources people need, whether it be housing, food, medical, etc. to make their lives better. She truly cares!! Senator Lewis and DuPage county is lucky to have her!! - WK - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 2:43 pm: For Senate Republicans, Courtney Ausmus is great. Senator Chapin Rose is all over the place, physically and spiritually, and Courtney does an amazing job keeping tabs on him, whatever he is doing, and serving as a friendly hostess to the folks who come to visit him at the Capitol. - peerreviewer - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 2:57 pm: SDems: Deni Wilson. As a staffer in another department, I enjoy getting a Sen. Morrison bill because I know working with Deni will be a breeze. She is responsive, knowledgeable about the legislative process and players, and geniunely kind. She truly understands what her busy member needs to be successful. - Doris Turner - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 3:21 pm: My legislative assistant, Thera Bond, is the absolute best ever!!! She is much more than a LA; she is a goodwill ambassador, a liaison to the community, and the person who always cuts through the red tape and any roadblocks to get the answer and problem solve for our constituents. She goes above and beyond with a smile never complaining; just doing! I can honestly say - I could not be an effective legislator without her!!! - FreeCake - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 4:27 pm: Senate Republicans: Maureen Juhas with Senator Lewis. Maureen takes the time to listen and genuinely understands constituents’ needs, going above and beyond to help them get the assistance they need. - JSI - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 5:12 pm: SDems: Echo the sentiments of Senator Doris Turner. Thera Bond is not only an asset to the Senator but the greater community. It’s always a pleasure to work with her. SGOP: Senator Fowler is constantly on the go working hard for the people of downstate. His District Director Dana Hooven is ever present ensuring his initatives are completed with excellence and constituent relations are successfully satisfied. She is a consistent face in the community and a great asset to the people of Southern Illinois in one of the most vast districts in the state. I’m not sure how anyone can keep up with the busyiness and impact of Dale, but Dana makes it look like a breeze! (And may she have a speedy recovery on her upcoming surgery.) - The Duke of DuPage - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 6:32 pm: Senate Republicans District Office Manager: Ande Corbin with Leader John Curran’s office. She is a calming presence that keeps everything on track. The most pleasant person I’ve dealt with in State government. Senate Democrats District Office Manager: Nick Giannini, currently with Senator Suzy Glowiak-Hilton’s office, previously with Senator Tom Cullerton’s office. An all-around knowledgeable guy that understands issues from all angles, and he does practically everything in that office. - MrBeast - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 7:00 pm: Best Senate Democratic Legislative Assistant: Sebastian for Senator Karina Villa is respectful, knowledgeable and gets the job done especially with a busy member who is in multiple caucuses. Senator Villa could not pass the important bills she does without him! One vote for Sebastian for the Golden Horseshoe! Senate Republicans: Maureen from Senator Seth Lewis’s office is great to work with! She is responsive, knowledgeable and does a great job representing Senator Lewis and helping their constituents. - BernieSanders101 - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 7:06 pm: Senate democrats district office: Kate Peterson, currently with State Senator Karina Villa! Kate goes above and beyond to assist constituents with her background of social work really coming through. - Rob - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 7:58 pm: Senate Dem - Sebastian Wong is an outstanding staffer whose dedication to his work shines through in everything he does. His unwavering commitment to assisting others — whether it’s addressing constituent concerns or navigating legislative matters — is truly inspiring. He consistently goes above and beyond, setting a remarkable example of professionalism and compassion. - Sen. John Kennedy’s #1 Fan - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 8:16 pm: For Senate Dems, Sebastian Wong has gone above and beyond in his role. Always ready to help where he can and takes initiative. - Rob - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 8:30 pm: Senate Dem - Sebastian Wong is an outstanding staffer whose dedication to his work shines through in everything he does. His unwavering commitment to assisting others — whether addressing constituent concerns or navigating legislative matters — is truly inspiring. He consistently goes above and beyond, setting a remarkable example of professionalism and compassion. - Rob - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 8:32 pm: Senate Dem - Sebastian Wong is an outstanding staffer whose dedication to his work shines through in everything he does. His unwavering commitment to assisting others—whether addressing constituent concerns or navigating legislative matters—is truly inspiring. He consistently goes above and beyond, setting a remarkable example of professionalism and compassion. - Downstate Individual - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 9:12 pm: Senate Democrats LA, Sebastian Wong is a hard worker, loyal employee and a great guy. - Rich - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 9:16 pm: Senate Dem - Sebastian is an outstanding staffer whose dedication to his work shines through in everything he does. His unwavering commitment to assisting others—whether it’s addressing constituent concerns or navigating legislative matters—is truly inspiring. He consistently goes above and beyond, setting a remarkable example of professionalism and compassion. - The Young Gov - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 10:35 pm: Sebastian Wong who works with Senator Villa is tremendous. His values-based motivation comes through. He keeps up with and stands in for a hard charging values-based Senator who carries a big load, with bills and community work. He keeps his cool and is just super nice to people. On top of it all, he has a social work degree, which I’m sure comes in handy everyday. - Cook County Platypus - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 10:49 pm: SDems: Sebastian Wong, a rising star and LA for Senator Villa. He manages a member with too many bills to count and the added pressure of supervising Bernie Sanders the dog. - Out of order in Stratton Building - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 10:58 pm: Senate Dems District Staff: Kate Peterson is a phenomenal Chief of Staff in Senator Karina Villa’s office helping everyone with her social work values. - Bernie S - Thursday, Dec 5, 24 @ 11:56 pm: Sebastian Wong is well known in the senate for his work ethic, commitment to pass legislation to help Illinoians and his love for the best dog in Stratton. His social work values drive his work and he is the best choice for the award! - Karina Villa - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 12:02 am: Without hesitation I nominate my LA, Sebastian Wong. He has a long history of working to improve our state and has been instrumental in helping me pass legislation in the areas of housing, language access, workers rights and mental health. Sebastian is a shining example of the social work field and everyone who comes in contact with him always feels heard and valued. - Upstate Urchin - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 12:02 am: Sebastian Wong is a gem. He’s got a sardonic wit that makes you look forward to checking in and he has the magic of frequently having the answer before you even ask the question. He’s just a real joy to work with. - Central Suzie - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 12:26 am: Senate dem staffer: Sebastian Wong with Villa’s team. He is responsive, well organized and proactive with upcoming issues and/or follow-up. I continue to be impressed each year with how he systematizes his work. Sen Republicans: Sheila Sims with Senator Anderson. Sheila is kind, effective, and doesn’t forget a face. She’s always a pleasure to see and work with. - Panther Pride - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 6:26 am: For SDem: Sen. Villa’s LA Sebastian Wong. Sen. Villa has an ambitious legislative agenda every session and Sebastian always delivers to make sure his member accomplishes her goals. He’s a consummate professional and a delight to work with, knowing when to hold firm and doing so with grace. He’s also heavily active in the Senator’s constituent services ensuring the good people of the 25th receive the assistance they need. It’s not easy when a member relies on you to that extent, but he makes it look effortless because you can tell he genuinely cares. - Anon - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:03 am: Senate Dems - Thera Bond is a true gem. She is always professional, reliable and just an awesome human being. Whenever I see her - she brightens my day. We can count on her to go above and beyond in everything she does. Thera not only has to run around nonstop during session months - since her Senator lives in Springfield she has a dual role of being a COS to Sen. Turner’s other offices. We would all be lost without her! Senate GOP - Sen Fowler provides excellent constituent service - his staff is top notch so I second the nominations for his staff. - Butter Cow - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:11 am: Senate Dems: i cannot say enough positive things about Thera Bond. She is one of the most pleasant individuals on the Capitol Complex. She has a dynamic working relationship with her Senator (who is really awesome) and makes sure that her Senator is always on top of things. Thera work well with staff and advocates. She knows she is the front face of the Capitol’s Senator and she conducts herself accordingly. She is just a fantastic woman and deserves many applauses. - Northern Stargazer - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:11 am: For Senate Pubs I have to say Dana Hoover with Senator Fowler. She works hard, always in a good mood and will return your call promptly. For Senate Dems I nominate a newbie Zach Lee with Senator Collins, he has hit the ground running since he’s joined staff in March. Very knowledgeable on his senator’s legislation and works circles around many under the dome. - FirstTimer - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:18 am: Senate Dems - Thera Bond from Senator Turner’s office. Thera is one of the kindest people I’ve met and goes above and beyond to help Senator Turner and her constituents. She’s organized, a great communicator, and you can tell she truly cares about her job and the people she interacts with. - EugeneandGreg - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:30 am: For Senate Dems, LA Emily Ozier from Senator Joyce’s office is amazing! Super experienced and on top of things, always happy to answer questions from the newbie LAs. - Bailey Wilkinson - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:32 am: Legislative Assistant Sebastian Wong is committed to his job. He is educated and values his community. He brings a positive energy to the work place. He is patient and makes sure everything is set up for success at the end of the day. Sebastian Wong is a person that everyone should take notes from. - suomynona - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:35 am: SDEMS - Thera Bond is incredibly hardworking and kind. As a fellow staffer, it is great to work with someone who is so friendly and reliable. I wish I were even half as good as she is at responding to calls and emails. Thera is truly an unparalleled professional. - Buckingham - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:43 am: SDems - Thera Bond. I wasn’t going to make a nomination, but had to second the nomination for Thera Bond when I saw it. You would be hard pressed to find another legislative assistant under the dome who is as kind and respectful to everyone they encounter. She’s an excellent choice. - ILSIP4LIFE - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:52 am: SDEM- Thera Bond is a great assistant who is always going above and beyond to feel appreciated and heard. - Water Cooper - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:54 am: For SDems, LA Emily Ozier is really great and helpful! Goes above and beyond her job description. - PeoriaLover - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:55 am: SDEM - Chelsea Stecz makes the budget process so smooth and is so great to work with! She is dedicated to making new employees feel welcome and a part of the team. - Princeton - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 9:58 am: SDEMS- Thera Bond. The dedication to her member and the community she serves does not go unnoticed. - Peoria Lover - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 10:05 am: Chelsea Stecz makes the budget process smooth. She always works to make sure the new hires feel welcome and appreciated. - MetroEastGuy - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 10:05 am: Thera Bond is the kindest staffer I have had the privilege of working with. She is dedicated to making the workplace a safe space and is always there to listen. - SashaFierce - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 10:07 am: I’d like to nominate Sebastian-senate dem staff for Sen. Villa. Outside of his incredible work ethic he’s a kind and thoughtful person, and having to break up fights outside of committee shouldn’t be in his job description but when duty called he jumped right in! Great work Sebastian. Swag. - Illinois Resident - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 10:08 am: SDEM - Chelsea Stecz is very helpful and resourceful during the budget process. She also makes new employees feel welcome and a part of the team. - Ponceña - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 10:10 am: Senate Dems: Sebastian Wong is a wonderful legislative assistant who does great work whether in the capitol or in the 25th district. - IllinoisPerson - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 10:11 am: SDEM- Thera Bond is an amazing assistant and an even better person. She never fails to make her colleagues feel welcome and is always professional and organized. - The Stairs in the Stratton Building - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 10:14 am: Sen Dems: Sebastian Wong is a superb legislative assistant who works in a great collabortive manner with members, staffers, and everyone who travels to Springfield! - Stratton Building Club - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 10:19 am: Senate Dems: Legislative Assistant Sebastian Wong, is one of hardest workers I have ever meet. He bring a different light to work atmosphere, and bring learing opporuntities for others. Sebastian is committed to his district and to legislation. - Blue Waters - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 10:27 am: SDEMS- Thera Bond is the best LA I have had the pleasure of working with over the past couple of years. She has always been kind and respectful and truly cares about the community she serves. SGOP- Sen. Stoller’s LA Denise Brown. - Policy Wizard - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 10:33 am: Senate Dems Legislative Assistant - Sebastian Wong, because he is helpful, goes above and beyond the call of duty, assists new LA’s, and represents Sen. Villa and her district with dignity. - Behind the scenes - Friday, Dec 6, 24 @ 10:41 am: Thera Bond with Senator Turner is phenomenal and central to the success that office has. She’s everything you want in an office director/legislative assistant. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.