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* The 2018 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best In-House Lobbyist goes to Adrienne Alexander with AFSCME Council 31…
Adrienne is smart and strategic and has great relationships. She understands politics and policy, from numerous angles. She’s been extremely effective as a lobbyist for years at both the state and city level. I wish I could steal her from AFSCME.
So do I.
Honorable mention goes to the entire team at the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois…
Those guys are tough. They are there for the win. They will have your back. They are your friends. We are fortunate to have them at our Capitol.
* The 2018 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Contract Lobbyist goes to Marc Poulos…
He is never unprepared, and, like Dave Sullivan, has an ability to work with people on both sides of the aisle. He spent four years under a vehemently anti-Labor Rauner administration working with Rs and Ds, and although much of it was defense, he was able navigate some key wins for Labor in a very hostile environment (see the years long fight over prevailing wage rates with Rauners IDOL that ended in a deal with the Rauner administration).
Dude has had quite the year.
Honorable mention goes to Tom Cullen…
Knows everyone and knows the process. Works hard for all his clients.
Tom has remained a good friend and unofficial mentor to many that have worked for him at some point through the years. This is very much appreciated. If you stood by him he will stand by you no matter how much time may have gone by.
That is very true. He could easily win this one every year.
Congrats to all!
…Adding… Today’s winners…
Marc & I got a break from the CFL voting, only to find out we got Golden Horseshoe Awards. Labor Day on @capitolfax! https://t.co/97Fh5hyTtU Thanks to Rich & the very kind commenters! pic.twitter.com/bge2QR61q8
— dri (@DriXander) December 19, 2018
* I’m shutting down the blog tomorrow for the holidays (I have a bunch of stuff I have to do Friday), which means we’re running out of time. Here are today’s categories…
* Best “Do-Gooder” Lobbyist
* Best Legislative Liaison
As always, explain your nominations or they will not count. And do your best to nominate in both categories if you can. Thanks.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 10:40 am
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Let’s go with Tom Nolan who has helped a lot of NFP’s over the years. Set a standard for others in the field and he appears to be transitioning.
Matt Berry at the IL Community College Board does a top notch job helping another one of GovJunk’s victims struggle to recover.
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:01 am
Brad Carlson at DNR.
I honestly cannot say enough good things about him, and his knowledge of the agency.
Comment by Anon Staffer Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:03 am
Dan Frey with the AIDS Foundation has done a wonderful job getting issues through the General Assmembly.
Shawn McGady at HFS was an important part of passing the hospital assessment and is respected on both sides of the aisle.
Comment by Left turn Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:23 am
Do-gooder: Khadine Bennet from ACLU.
Comment by NotMe Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:38 am
Do-Gooder: Khadine Bennet. There’s no better person to have on your team, especially working a tough bill. She leaves no stone unturned and never assumes someone isn’t gettable. Even better, she regularly turns the ungettable into a get.
Liaison: Wendy Miller-Butler at CMS. Super responsive, always honest & follows through. When there’s a problem, even when it’s the responsibility of another agency, she’ll step up and address it in the absence of accountability by others. More like her please!
Comment by NotMe Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:43 am
Best Do-Gooder Lobbyist: Sarah Myerscough-Mueller at IARF. I don’t think she sleeps. She is constantly working and constantly bringing light to complicated issues that affect developmentally disabled community. She always returns phone calls and follows up with you.
Best Legislative Liaison: Jennifer Aring at DHS. I don’t think we’d agree on any political issues, but she’s great at her job. She’s fair, incredibly intelligent, and a hard worker. DHS is probably one of the hardest agencies to work for, and I don’t think anyone else could have handled her position better than the way that she did under the Rauner Admin.
Comment by Bartlett for President Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:44 am
Do-gooder: Polly Poskin, Illinois Coalition for Sexual Assault. Polly is retiring after 36 years at the helm of this organization. During my time around the Statehouse, she has been an often-seen person educating elected officials and staff on the issues surrounding sexual assault. She has been a go-to person in this time of #MeToo. She is sincere, tremendously helpful, and makes a strong case without being overwhelming. She will definitely be missed in her role.
Liaison: Wendy Butler at CMS. This ain’t no backwater agency, it is the agency OF government and Wendy has been the point person over the past four tumultuous years. Every legislator complaining that their constituents were not paid for ___(fill in the blank) during the impasse, called Butler and she has navigated those situations with skill. She is deeply respected on both side of the aisle and handles herself in a mature, professional manner that often times isn’t seen from people who get dropped into these positions. She is a pro, and an asset to any Administration.
Comment by Governor Bond Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:51 am
Liaison: Wendy Miller-Butler is incredible. She’s hard working and smart and pragmatic. Despite working for Rauner and CMS, she doesn’t make enemies. She has strong bipartisan relationships. And, frankly, she’s just good people.
Do-gooder: Dave Lowitzki - he’s THE go-to lobbyist for the do-gooder community. He’s smart, understands the politics, the rules, and is incredible at dispensing strategic advice. He’s guided many new lobbyists and been a gut check for those with experience. For folks who can’t afford a fancy lobbyist, or those that can’t afford to pay, at all, Dave gets the job done.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:00 pm
Best Do-Gooder Lobbyist: Sarah Myerscough-Mueller is great
Best Liaison: Cris Cray. She was a tireless advocate for elections, a true subject matter expert, and always made sure that elections bills properly combined the GA’s policy goals and the practical needs of county clerks and the board
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:02 pm
Best Do-Gooder - Sarah Myerscough-Mueller with IARF. The last few years have been very hard on social services. Sarah approaches her advocacy with a smile and deep seated belief in collaborating and building bridges to advance disability related policy. In a contentious political environment she helped ensure caregivers got a much needed pay increase and worked with groups of bipartisan lawmakers to advance sensible oversight reforms following the Tribune series on community disability services. She’s really elevated IARFs reputation as a high integrity problem solver at the statehouse.
Liaison - Jennifer Arring. DHS liaison is an impossible job…thousands of bills and hundreds of constituencies rarely pulling in the same direction. She managed a large portfolio and kept in touch with key stakeholders
Comment by Waffle Fries Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:07 pm
Liaison: Wendy Bulter at CMS. One of my favorite people to work with. We need more people that can navigate both sides of the aisle, be pleasant about it, and be effective.
Do-gooder: Niya Kelly, from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. She’s super smart, and works hard doing hard work, but does it well. Niya is going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Comment by SaulGoodman Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:11 pm
Best In-House Lobbyist — I agree with Sara Myerscough-Mueller with IARF. IARF just came off one of their best legislative sessions in years, and Sarah was a big part of it. Well respected, knows her stuff, and is always great to work with.
Best Liaison — Andrew Perkins, Governor’s office. From the time he was in-house at DCEO he’s been solid, straightforward, and easy to work with. As the Governor went through multiple staff purges, Perkins moved up and kept his reputation for being an honest broker in a really difficult environment.
Comment by ILPundit Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:26 pm
Liaison: Kevin Donahue at the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. This is a complicated government agency but one that functions, for the most part, efficiently. This is in no small part because of Mr. Donahue’s tenure and hard work (as evidenced by the fact he has survived several administration changes). It is not often that you find a liaison who cares so much about varied and complicated subjects such as procurement, labor, infrastructure, and bonds. Moreover, he is great to work with because he responds quickly and provides in-depth answers to the above-mentioned subjects. He never “hides-the-ball” or plays unnecessary games. He was one of the first liaisons I worked with and has left a lasting impression.
Comment by Barry Zuckerkorn Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:32 pm
Best Liaison: It has to be Brad Carlson at DNR. Good guy and knows his issues. Always willing to work with you, even if you are on the other side. I hate to see him go.
Comment by ISUREDBIRD Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:39 pm
Best “Do-Gooder” Lobbyist: Brian Wojcicki. Cool guy, really smart and good political skill, and great at mentoring young people into effective lobbyists.
Best Legislative Liaison: Nick Florian. Laid back but smart, hard working, humble staffer at public health.
Comment by Governor of Model IL Government Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:47 pm
Best Legislative Liasion: Wendy Butler at CMS. Wendy commands alot of respect and authority with her service in many administrations under both Rep and Dems but is competent, effective, and very humble and gets along with people in a non nonsense matter.
Comment by The Elephant in the Room Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:49 pm
Best Legislative Liaison: Jennifer Arring the DHS liaison. It isn’t easy being a state department liaison, it is especially hard being a state department liaison where so much went sideways under a a super unpopular governor. Yet she was the person you could trust.
Best “Do-Gooder” Lobbyist: Kyle Hillman with the social workers. The guy somehow has time to be relentless on social media while also defending social services and foster kids in the dome. He had a pretty good year this year, see quietly passing a free tuition bill for foster kids - not exactly what you would think would pass under this Governor who cut services for these kids just a few years back.
Comment by Petition Objector #1 Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 1:30 pm
Legislative Liaison: John Webb at DFPR. Heard he may be retiring. He was with the Treasurer’s office going back to Topinka and moved over to DFPR with the Rauner administration. He worked nonstop in a thankless agency with far from glamorous subject matter and still got results.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 2:16 pm
Do Gooder - Rebecca Osland at Illinois Stewardship Alliance, she got the hemp bill through this year and has passed a bunch of bills to help farmers and others in Illinois recently. The Food Freedom Act, Double Up on SNAP benefits and a whole host of other important legislation that does good for the citizens of Illinois.
Best Liaison - Laura Sinclair with Ag. She knows her stuff and is easy to work with and never seems to let her personal views get in the way with her work.
Comment by frisbee Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 2:18 pm
Given the state’s decades in the making financial crisis, can we have an award for “Financial Mis-manager of the Year”?
Comment by Public Citizen Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 2:20 pm
Polly Poskins hands down. Always has time to say hello and ask about the family even when the sky seems to constantly be falling for funding for things she cares about.
Mike Lane (that alone will annoy him) at IDOC. On his 4th administration yet still never feels the ax. He knows the ins and out of DOC and the state house and he usually does it rocking a Jimmy DeLeo tie.
Comment by The Real Captain Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 3:14 pm
Best Do-Gooder Lobbyist is definitely Polly Poskins. She has truly changed the world for the better through her good work with sexual assault victims. She will be missed at the Capitol for a long while.
Comment by Way South of I-80 Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 3:24 pm
Under Do Gooder, Ireta Gasner at the Ounce of Prevention Fund. She has made the best of an extremely challenging situation and kept the Ounce in a lot of good graces when it could have easily gone the other way (and indeed it did for Oswego Willy).
Comment by DER Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 3:24 pm
Best do-gooder is Polly Poskin. She started with an organization that practically had no money, and has grown them into a very important, state wide advocacy network. She will retire at the end of the year, and it will be sad not seeing her around the rail. Her quiet demeanor should not fool anyone, as she has a wealth of knowledge and is great at forging relationships that come in very handy when she needs them.
Best liaison hands-down house to go to Jennifer Aring. Jennifer was always great to work with as a Senate Republican staffer , and that continued in gee capacity as the DHS liaison. It is difficult at times for staff to make that jump, and still maintain their relationships, but she managed to do so with ease and grace.
Comment by Fantasma Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 4:07 pm
Best Liaison-Hands down John Webb at IDFPR. IDFPR is a beast of an agency. John is one of the few professionals that still arrive before the sun comes up and works into the late hours of the night. John and his team have been extremely successful at IDFPR. they have negotiated extremely difficult issues with various industry groups, labor and almost every stakeholder group in the state. This veto session, John and his team sustained one of the only bills called for an override. Often overlooked, John’s leadership at IDFPR is nothing short of miraculous. Always a professional and world class guy. He may be retiring this year after 30+ years from being a House Approprs Director, Director of legislative affairs for 3 state Treasurers and his current position. He has mentored so many great liaisons that have gone on to achieve great things. Its no secret I worked for John, but there has been no boss I respected or looked up to more.
Comment by Rob Dixon Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 4:07 pm
Best Do-Gooder Lobbyist - Mike Ziri at Equality Illinois. Under his leadership in Springfield, Equality Illinois has been able to consistently pull together broad coalitions for legislation that in any other state would be too controversial. Every bill Equality Illinois has gotten through since he has taken over the legislative helm there has received bipartisan support and many pieces of legislation have put Illinois as the first or second state in the country to adopt such legislation. Furthermore, under his leadership, Equality Illinois has been a leader in building coalitions. The Inclusive Curriculum bill had nearly 40 groups behind it ranging from museums to labor to parent groups. He also has moved Equality Illinois to join forces more consistently with other groups in partnership on their work, particularly in the reproductive rights and immigrant rights communities. He is a class act and has put Equality Illinois on the map in new ways
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 4:17 pm
Best Legislative Liaison: I agree with all the nominations for Jennifer, but I really want to add J.B. Meier at DHS, too. He is very reliable and the nicest guy. He’s always on top of it, and will work to get you an answer as soon as possible. I don’t know how he does it!
Best do-gooder: Polly Poskin. She’s relentless! I’m going to be sad to see her go!
Comment by You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 4:27 pm
Do-Gooder- Mike Ziri has done an outstanding job for Equality Illinois. It would be easy for him to rely on the progressive caucus only, but he builds bipartisan coalitions, and his inclusive approach has worked very successful for Equality. He is also a great guy and one of the hardest workers in Springfield.
Comment by Matt Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 4:34 pm
Two nominations for best do-Gooder lobbyist: Polly Posikin and Sam Tuttle. Polly is retiring and Sam is moving to a non-lobbying position and both will be greatly missed under the dome. Polly has been a tireless advocate for victims of sexual violence, many times explaining issues that are extremely sensitive and painful. She is always respectful and listens to concerns & opposition and then creates an even better legislative result. Early in my career, I was told to build a professional relationship with Polly and to learn from her. Wise advice that I’m glad I followed. Sam is also a tireless advocate for her causes, especially victims of human trafficking. She’s knowledgeable and well spoken and always looks to make sure the legislation she seeks is drafted correctly. Sam also takes the time to mentor “do-Gooder” lobbyists who are just starting out. She has swayed my opinion on a number of issues and on other issues we agree to disagree but we always have mutual respect and interesting discussions. Polly retiring and Sam moving away from lobbying are huge losses to The Illinois legislative process. I wish them both the best as they move forward.
Legislative Liaison: Angela Ryan, now at Bd of Elections, previously at SOS. If she doesn’t have the answer, she will get it for you. Angela is awesome
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 5:34 pm
Best liason: I agree with all the nominations for Jennifer in but I also want to nominee JB Meier at DHS. He’s a hard worker and the nicest guy. He’s always on top of it and gets back to you quickly. I don’t know how he does i
I want to echo all the nominations for Polly Poskins for the do-gooder lobbyist. She’s resilient and we’re all gonna miss her!
Comment by Insert clever nickname here Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 6:02 pm
For best liaison: Jennifer Aring at DHS. For many of the reasons posted above and more. Any liaison at DHS should be allowed to apply for sainthood. That is an incredibly large and complex agency dealing with issues literally from cradle to grave. The Statehouse is it’s own animal. Anyone who can be that bridge between the two, navigating both chambers and both parties, plus the 2nd floor and still walk the halls with a smile and a quick hello is top notch in my book. Well deserved.
Best do-gooder: Polly Poskins at ICASA. I’ve worked with her for over a decade. She is the most authentically dedicated advocate to her organization’s cause. While she may have had increased visibility in recent years, I can attest that she has been quietly and tenaciously working on behalf of sexual assault survivors for a very long time. Her dedication deserves to be honored.
Comment by What about... Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 6:11 pm
I want to add my support for Angela Ryan as best leg liaison. Even when I had stupid questions or couldn’t remember something she’d told me 10 times before, she was always patient, kind, thorough, and timely. If she didn’t have an answer in a day or two, she would check in just to let us know she was still working on the issue. A true professional and I would really like to make up reasons to call B of Elections to get to work with her more again.
Comment by Me Me Me Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 7:59 pm
I’d like the following to be considered for the Golden Horseshoe Nominations:
Leg Liaison: Andrew Perkins (Governor’s Office). Andrew is a true professional who has demonstrated class and tact despite Gov. Rauner’s best efforts to divide our great state. Andrew has maintained relationships with everyone in the Capitol, all the while setting a great example for newcomers to follow in the future. I can’t imagine how difficult it was working for this Governor and doing his job while still being professional and willing to reach out to both sides.
-Nona
Comment by Nona Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 9:14 pm
I think Mark Walsh from ICHV deserves the nod this year. He continues to fight the good fight against gun violence. Not only in the halls of the Capitol, but he shows up on the street as well. Mark has taken his time learning the tricks of a minion and put it to good use. A real do-gooder.
Comment by Southsider Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 9:32 pm
Best do gooder is Mike Ziri. He always has a smile on his face as he diligently works hard for Equality Illinois. He is exceptionally good at his job.
Wendy Butler is outstanding at CMS. She does s great job.
Comment by Fan Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 10:07 pm
Do-gooder Lobbyist: Kathleen Sances at G-PAC. Her heart is in it 1,000%. She worked to get Republicans on board with common sense gun reforms and took a ton of heat for G-PAC endorsing those Republicans in the election cycle. And, even when several of those endorsed Republicans lost in November’s blue tsunami G-PAC still won with solid votes for their cause expected from the newly elected Democratic legislators-to-be.
She runs a tight shop, is prolific on social media and traditional media and is helping to lead a cause that ultimately will save lives.
Comment by Anono Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 10:51 pm
Do Gooder: Marc Ayers with Humane Society of Illinois. He’s been all over the state this year passing city ordinances against puppy mills while also being on top of everything in Springfield. Dude seems to care.
Comment by Colossus Thursday, Dec 20, 18 @ 7:20 am
Gwen Peebles from Comptroller’s office. Working for a boss that has a lot of legislative experience and expectations is probably a tough task. She’s up to it and handles the pressures with grace. Mendoza scored victories on all of her major priorities and Gwen gets a lot of credit for that. Plus she always goes out of her way to field calls from legislators and their staffs when someone is having a problem with state payments. Top notch and successful!
Comment by WizardofOz Thursday, Dec 20, 18 @ 9:41 am
Forgot Do Gooder: I second everything that’s been said about Polly Poskin. Amazing and tireless advocate who always puts her people and their priorities first. She deserves this award for a lifetime of advocacy and effectiveness.
Comment by WizardofOz Thursday, Dec 20, 18 @ 10:05 am
Do-Gooder: I think you have to go with Polly Poskin after everything she has done to support victims over the years. With her retirement approaching, we can look at a large body of work and it speaks for itself. The resources that exist now simply would not without her tireless advocacy. She deserves this recognition this year for an incredible career.
Liaison: I think you go with Gwen Peebles at the Comptroller’s office. After becoming legislative director after only a short time with the office, Gwen managed to pass, and get signed, a difficult legislative agenda last session by working with legislators, staff and other statehouse types from every perspective with her tremendous understanding of the process and an incredible eye for detail. Even apart from that, being the leg. director at the Comptroller’s office is difficult given the fiscal realities of the state. Gwen handles the multitude of inquiries they receive with kindness, professionalism and efficiency. She is an asset in the Comptroller’s shop and a resource for those working with the state in any capacity. She deserves the award.
Comment by TheLorax Thursday, Dec 20, 18 @ 10:22 am
Liaison: Frank Speek- Frank was always such a helpful resource at IDOT. Very easy to work with and always ready to help. If he didn’t have the answer, he knew the person that did. Frank is definitely an up and coming star. Keep an eye on him.
Do Gooder: Sean McDermott- Sean is full of institutional knowledge that you don’t just find overnight. He has always been a strong voice for public health legislation. The capitol would be a better place if we had more people around like this guy.
Comment by Wave That Flag Thursday, Dec 20, 18 @ 10:27 am
Best Legislative Liaison - I will add a third vote for John Webb at IDFPR. I’ve worked with many liaisons over my 20 years at the state. He takes the cake. As Robert Dixon says, he works tirelessly, always makes sure he knows what he is talking about by working closely with agency staff, and through that interaction makes sure that agency staff is on top of their game. He has mentored many liaisons working for him making sure that his people are as on top of their game as much as he is. Truly leads by example and gets things done for his agency. Warmest regards to him in his well earned retirement.
Comment by Shevek Thursday, Dec 20, 18 @ 4:01 pm