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* The Olympia Fields Democrat will have served 6 terms by January of 2019. He was active in the behind the scenes efforts to convince Democrats to vote for the tax hike and attract Republican votes to the bill. He’s probably best known for his transportation work, particularly on mass transit.
He’s a smart man who puts in the work and he’s gonna be missed.
* Press release…
State Representative Al Riley announces that he will not seek re-election in 2018, thus ending six terms representing the 38th District in Springfield. Riley came to the House in January 2007. One of his main goals was to focus on the development of the south suburban region. Riley also attempted to highlight regional inequities in the distribution of resources throughout Chicagoland.
“Residents of the Southland have always had some of the longest times to work of anyone in the Chicago metropolitan area.”, Riley says. “Similarly, reaching entertainment venues, schools or other places has always been difficult.” Because of that, Riley has always been a champion of transportation equity. As Chairman of the House Mass Transit Committee, Riley presided over numerous hearings, and developed policies and legislation to address many of those issues.
Riley co-sponsored the bills which created public-private partnerships for the South Suburban Airport and Illiana Expressway. He also was the sponsor of legislation, which abolished “Section 41” of the Metropolitan Transit Act of 1945. The abolition of Section 41 negated the CTA’s ability to throw out a claimant’s injury lawsuit if a minor detail was missing from the claim.
Riley and his other Southland colleagues worked collaboratively to develop the I-294/I-57 interchange and bridge projects. He also started the process, almost ten years ago, to secure new Highliner cars on the Metra Electric line that had bathroom facilities; the last commuter rail line to have such facilities. Recently, he was the chief sponsor of a bill creating a process for the sale of the Thompson Center and a bill creating a framework for procurement reform, which was recently signed into law
During his tenure, Riley has served on numerous committees; chairing Cities and Villages, Mass Transit and State Government Administration. “I guess one could look at the committees I chaired, and get an idea of my philosophical bent”, Riley says. Riley also served two terms as Assistant Majority Leader in the Illinois House. “I really enjoyed my tenure in House leadership”. “It gave me a larger platform from which to discuss, create policies, and help my colleagues in a more official position”, Riley says. Riley’s intention is to serve out his current term in the House, which ends January, 2019.
“Many of the things I set out to accomplish in 2007, I have done so”, says Riley. “If a few did not fully come to fruition, I am proud that I raised the issue and in many cases, got laws on the books”. “My plan is to continue that kind of advocacy once my legislative career ends”, Riley says.
…Adding… The updated retirement list…
Another day, another name added to the list of legislators choosing to leave the Illinois General Assembly pic.twitter.com/JhkBfxDZmq
— IL Working Together (@IllinoisWorking) September 26, 2017
…Adding More… Sen. Michael Hastings…
Representative Al Riley has been a leader for our communities and a strong voice representing the Southland in Springfield. Rep. Riley helped to usher in a great expansion in the south suburban region, leading to economic and social growth.
He was a great battle buddy to have in Springfield, however Rep. Riley will still be engaged in fighting for families across the Southland. I wish him all the best and look forward to working with him in other capacities.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 1:15 pm
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Comment by Come on Man! Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 1:19 pm
Sad to lose probably the greatest racing fan in the House. NASCAR, Formula One, Indycar. You name it. He could provide intelligent commentary.
That alone will be missed.
Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 1:20 pm
Que Open Letters
Comment by DownstateKid Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 1:28 pm
Because of the fun way the maps are drawn, Riley was my rep. He never knocked on my door and I never saw him as an advocate for my part of Tinley Township. The fact that his Press release mentions the failed Illiana Expressway project, tells you a lot about his accomplishments in his tenure.
Comment by Iggy Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 1:29 pm
Perhaps, but if you read Al’s bio, he was a Psy Ops guy in the army (Psychological operations). Is this some sort of jedi mind trick?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 1:39 pm
Iggy - Riley lived closer to his neighboring district (2 blocks) then he did to you. I highly doubt he could identify Ridgeland Ave on a map, let alone any land to its west.
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 1:42 pm
Riley was a class act. Very smart legislator with a big view.
Comment by Eagle Eye Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 1:43 pm
Incredibly well rounded man - urban planer, archer, veteran, race car driver/fan. The man had/has stories. And he’ll make sure he tells you them!
But he will definitely be missed. Smart, effective legislator. We’re losing way too many of the smart, effective legislators.
Comment by JoeMaddon Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 1:50 pm
Kwame Raoul must not be up for reelection in 2018?
Comment by Real Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 1:56 pm
Rare analytical skills in the House. Often brought a demand for evidence and data to an issue, which he could critique with a statistician’s skill.
Also a patriot — Airborne. Making another jump Al?
Comment by walker Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 2:11 pm
People usually find out how great AL Riley is because upon meeting him he will tell you. I have determined that this is very likely a sign of great insecurity. I wish him well.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 2:24 pm
Anyone know what patronage gig the lobbyists have lined up to reward his service in the legislator? Insurance? Construction? Oh, wait….isn’t there some state job he can take for a year than will increase his public pension by tens of thousands per year after short service?
Comment by Arizona Bob Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 5:09 pm
@joemaddon
=But he will definitely be missed. Smart, effective legislator. We’re losing way too many of the smart, effective legislators.=
You mean the “smart, effective legislators” who’ve made Illinois the most fiscally irresponsible, corrupt and incompetently run state government in the US? Perhaps the problem is that Riley and the Madigans are “too smart by half”….
Comment by Arizona Bob Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 5:15 pm
Respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Rep. Riley is a serious legislator. Some legislators are show-boaters and headline chasers, while others steadily work hard on behalf of their districts. Riley is in that latter category.
Comment by anon2 Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 6:51 pm
some big boots to fill
Comment by jumper Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 7:41 pm
Still missing Althoff’s retirement intention.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 26, 17 @ 7:47 pm
Rep. Riley,
Thank you for your service that centered around the bigger picture of imfastructure and understanding that saving Illinois too is a big picture move and your leadership behind the scenes there is something I appreciate during these times of destruction.
All the best to you. Sincerely.
Oswego Willy
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 27, 17 @ 8:08 am