* Rest in peace, JBT…

…Adding… From Oswego Willy in comments…

If I couldn’t tell someone about Judy Baar Topinka, and I could only be able to show a video to demonstrate all that made her special, can’t think of a better one;

She spoke from the heart.

She gave credit to others, deflecting her own role.

She talked and praised cooperation.

She reminded us all it’s about accomplishing something.

She talked about doing the right thing.

She used humor.

She was brutally honest about failings.

She laughed. She was a cheerleader. She was reflective.

She was also concise.

Judy Baar Topinka, in less than 4 minutes, gave us everything that made her so special, so unique, so precious.

This video of Judy Baar Topinka crystallized her persona in one special moment.

I was choked up watching it. This was arguably Judy Baar Topinka’s finest hour, and arguably the best enduring image of who Judy Baar Topinka was, and how lucky, how incredibly lucky, we were to have her working to make Illinois better.

I’m going to miss her something awful.