Jo Daviess County Sheriff Retires After Three Decades in Law Enforcement
Last week it was a privilege to see Jo Daviess County Sheriff Kevin Turner at my IPASS event in Elizabeth. It was not lost on me that his appearance at my event was one of his last as sheriff. After 14 years as the Jo Davies County Sheriff, Turner retired last week on December 13.
Turner’s career in law enforcement dates back nearly three decades. He began his career in Galena with the police department 28 years ago, and then in 2002, he moved to the sheriff’s department, where he rose through the ranks and held many positions, including deputy, canine handler, and various positions of leadership. He was elected sheriff in 2010.
A lot of changes have taken place during his tenure, and he can be credited with helping to develop a vital critical response team that enhanced collaboration and resource-sharing among area law enforcement agencies for training and investigations. That team was incredibly successful eventually expanded to include nearby Carroll and Stephenson Counties.
All any of us can hope for as elected officials is that we leave our area better than the way we found it, and Sheriff Turner’s positive impact on his community is evident. The results of his leadership benefit the safety of every individual who calls Jo Daviess County home.
I consider Sheriff Turner a valued friend, and his departure leaves enormous shoes to fill. Best wishes to Sheriff Turner!
Senator Chesney Prepares for 104th General Assembly
It’s been a few weeks since the legislature adjourned following the 2024 Fall Veto Session. Since the start of this short break, I have been busy around the district speaking with local groups, holding events, meeting with constituents, and attending various events to better understand the challenges and concerns affecting the communities in the 45th District.
While this scheduled break provides an opportunity to be home in the district, it’s also the time when I start the drafting process for bills I plan to file for the new General Assembly, which is set to begin on Inauguration Day, January 8, 2025.
Prior to Inauguration Day, legislators will be in Springfield from January 4-7 for a “lame duck session.” In years when they occur, lame duck sessions are held after the election and fall veto session, but before newly elected officials are sworn in. It’s widely seen as a time when outgoing legislators may be more likely to vote in favor of controversial legislation without fear of political repercussions.
The most recent lame duck session took place in in January of 2023 and saw the passage of a weapons ban and an expansion of abortion services. In 2021, lame duck session led to the passage of the controversial (UN)SAFE-T Act and back in 2011 it led to the passage of a 67% increase in the income tax.
Chesney Working on Comprehensive 2025 Outreach Program
During these last weeks of the year, my staff and I are working hard to create a 2025 constituent outreach and events program that offers something for everyone.
Popular events, including IPASS on Demand, the Pet Adoption Fair, and Community Connection Town Hall Meetings will continue to be a primary element of my events outreach program.
As the calendar comes together for 2025, events will be promoted in future newsletters and listed on the “Events” page of my website.
Chesney Finishes 2024 with Two Successful Outreach Events
I hosted two more successful events over the last few days and want to thank everyone who came out. On Saturday I partnered with Friends Forever Humane Society for my annual Pet Adoption Fair in Freeport. The Society offered half-price cat adoptions during the event, and there were also several adorable dogs available for adoption. It was nice to see interest by many people in providing a forever home to a new pet.
Then, on Monday, I held my last IPASS on Demand event of the year. A mobile team from the Illinois Tollway joined me in Kirkland and provided service to over 200 constituents who switched out their plastic IPASS transponder for the new sticker technology. These IPASS events have been incredibly popular, so look for additional dates in early 2025.
Madigan Trial Enters Third Month
The corruption trial against former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has entered its third month at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago. Over the last eight weeks, federal prosecutors have called several key witnesses to build their case that the political leader engaged in racketeering and bribery conspiracy. Witnesses have included local, state, and federal elected officials, alongside family members and business leaders.
Most recently, the highly anticipated witness, former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis, wrapped up his testimony after 21 hours on the stand over the course of six days. While serving as Chairman of the City of Chicago’s Zoning Committee, Solis secretly recorded multiple conversations with Madigan, in which he sought to recruit business for Madigan’s law firm.
Madigan was indicted in March 2022 on 23 counts of racketeering, bribery, and official misconduct. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a years-long bribery scheme with the state’s largest utility, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd). He served in the Illinois House from 1971 to 2021, holding the role of Speaker for all but two years.
As you may recall, I was one of the original petitioners for an internal investigation into political wrongdoing by the former Speaker. Additionally, Senate Republicans have introduced several key pieces of legislation calling for sweeping ethics reforms to prevent future abuses of power. The Madigan trial is expected to continue into the new year.
