Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

This just in… Auditor General to retire

Posted in:

Illinois
YouTube
Updated Posts

* Auditor General Bill Holland just sent a letter to the four legislative leaders announcing that he will retire at the end of this year. The letter is here…

It has always been my intent to leave my position while I still enjoy my work. After nearly twenty three years, I think that time has come.

Holland has been an excellent auditor general. I just cannot say enough good things about his tenure. Bill is honest, trustworthy and clean and he professionalized the operation when he took over.

Good luck, Bill.

…Adding… The full letter…

Dear Leaders:

I have been honored to be Illinois’ Auditor General since August 1, 1992. My work here has been challenging and rewarding, both professionally and personally. Your confidence in me and respect for the Office has allowed us to fulfill a constitutional duty and provide an essential public service that, I am confident, has been valuable to the General Assembly and the citizens of Illinois.

It has always been my intent to leave my position while I still enjoy the work. After nearly twenty-three years, I think that time has come. I will be retiring from my position as Auditor General effective December 31, 2015.

I hope this timeframe is sufficient to provide an effective transition to a new Auditor General. Please be assured that I and my staff will be available to assist in that regards. Until that time, I will continue to perform my duties in the manner you have come to expect.

I cannot thank each of you enough for the support you have provided the Office of the Auditor General over the years. Your support has been the foundation for all the successes the Office has enjoyed and, undoubtedly, will enjoy many years into the future.

Yours truly,

WILLIAM G. HOLLAND
Auditor General

* And from the press room…

Auditor General Holland will hold a press conference today (6-17) at 1:00 p.m. in briefing room 010. He will be here to announce his retirement.

…Adding Still More… The press conference will be here. From Leader Radogno…

“Despite coming from a partisan background, Bill Holland’s tenure as Auditor General has proven his loyalties lie with the people of Illinois. He’s a class act and true gentleman. The taxpayers of Illinois have been well served. “

* Gov. Rauner…

“Auditor General William Holland is a true statesman having served the people of Illinois as Auditor General for more than 20 years with the utmost integrity, honor and respect. His appointment to a third term was unprecedented and well-deserved, and it underscores his professionalism and ability to do the job fairly and exceptionally well. The State of Illinois is better because of his service, and I thank him for all the work he has done on behalf of the citizens of Illinois.”

* House GOP Leader Durkin…

“Bill Holland has done a fantastic job as Auditor General. I personally will miss him when he retires at the end of the year. He is highly respected by members of both parties for being professional and fair. The citizens of Illinois are better off because of Bill Holland’s ability to root out waste and mismanagement in government.”

* Senate President Cullerton…

“Bill Holland has dedicated his life’s work to improving public policy outcomes and government services for the people of the state of Illinois. His knowledge, expertise and eye for excellence have been invaluable to all of those who have had the pleasure of working and serving with him. His contributions will not be forgotten. I wish Bill the best of luck in future endeavors.”

* Speaker Madigan…

“Bill Holland has made many important contributions to work of state government during his tenure as Auditor General. He has handled every challenge with skill and professionalism. He maintained the highest standards during several very dark periods in this state’s history. Illinois is a better place because of him.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:27 am

Comments

Huge loss.

Well respected, an adult in government.

I wish nothing but the best for Mr. Holland.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:31 am
He will be missed.

Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:32 am
He will be sorely missed.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:34 am
One of the last of the old-timers who’s respected on both sides of the aisle.

Comment by Joe Schmoe Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:35 am
best wishes to Bill. he’s had a lot on his plate over the years.

Comment by I hate Tottenscum Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:37 am
It is like watching the Titanic’s navigator shove off in the last lifeboat, isn’t it?

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:43 am
Big loss for state. Splendid retirement to him - has earned it for sure.

Comment by alas Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:44 am
Most admired, honest, obviously ethical person in Springfield.

Hope he wasn’t implying that the time has come when he could no longer enjoy his work.

Best wishes in retirement.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:47 am
He transitioned nicely from a very partisan Democrat Chief of Staff to a very professional Auditor General. He was a huge asset to the state.

Comment by 1776 Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:50 am
Adding … darn, the last adult is leaving the room.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:51 am
Bummer. But I wish him very, very well.

2 hopes; one, that he has a long, fruitful and enjoyable retirement. Two, that he does the audit at COD before he leaves.

Hope the next (okay a third hope!) follows his lead.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 10:55 am
Who decides his replacement (Rauner or the four leaders)?

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 11:02 am
I echo 1776’s comments.

Bill enjoy your retirement.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 11:03 am
A significant loss. Besides Judy Baar Topinka, I’m not sure who else ever garnered as much bipartisan praise.

Comment by Blago's Luxurious Grey Mane Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 11:09 am
Noooooooooooooooooo

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 11:16 am
Nuts.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 11:32 am
==Who decides his replacement (Rauner or the four leaders)? ==

The Auditor General is appointed for a 10 year term by a joint resolution of the House and Senate. It requires a 3/5ths vote in each chamber. The most recent one (HJR 84, 97th GA) was unanimous in both chambers.

Comment by Agricola Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 11:32 am
one of the real good guys in state government. He played it straight. I don;t know of a single person who would say a cross word about Bill.

He will be missed.

Comment by Todd Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 11:40 am
One of the very few people in government that when he filed his report to the people, it was the real deal. The last man trusted walking out the door. Uh oh, and damn. Best to you Mr Holland. Your everyday work is your opus.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 11:53 am
===Despite coming from a partisan background, Bill Holland’s tenure as Auditor General has proven his loyalties lie with the people of Illinois.===
This is obviously a big loss to Illinois. Unless he decides to run for office. He could probably run in either primary.

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 12:00 pm
Lot of good work out of that office for a long time.

The Talkng Point blabberers would be well-served by reading some of it.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 12:14 pm
A man I am lucky to consider a mentor and friend. One of the best. Congrats on a job well done and retirement well deserved.

Comment by Irish Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 12:31 pm
He is one of the last of the old “Phil Rock” team left in Illinois government. I can’t help notice as more and more of them left, Illinois got crazier and crazier!

Comment by Springfieldish Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 2:19 pm
First time I met Bill was long ago sharing a cab from Meigs to JRTC. He was uncommonly friendly and pleasant. He had just gone public with audit findings that eviscerated our agency. We deserved it. From then to now, I will always think highly of him and his professionalism.

Comment by Nick Danger Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 2:23 pm
RNUG said what I was thinking.

Thank you, Bill, for all your good work on our behalf. What huge shoes you leave to fill.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jun 17, 15 @ 8:05 pm