|
The
post became open after Jesse White announced he would not seek a
seventh term in office.
Three candidates are vying for the position, including
Republican Dan Brady, who has served 22 years in the Illinois
House, Democrat Alexi Giannoulias, who served as Illinois
treasurer, and Libertarian and former pro wrestler Jon Stewart.
If elected, Brady says his focus would be to utilize technology
to increase access to DMV services and shorten lines at DMV
facilities. Brady told The Center Square he would open more
locations, including at community colleges and libraries.
“As
secretary of state, you are the state librarian of approximately
5,000 libraries across the state of Illinois. Think of those
facilities to have kiosk machines to be able to do renewal
stickers,” Brady said.
Brady also said his experience with the agency’s budget will
serve him well.
“Being part of the oversight of the budgetary process for the
secretary of state’s office and the over $474 million dollar
budget the secretary of state’s office has, gives me a unique
experience with the operations of the office to be the next
secretary of state,” Brady said.
Brady also pledged to prioritize driver’s education for young
Illinoisans looking to get their driver’s licenses for the first
time.
Giannoulias, who served as Illinois treasurer from 2007 to 2011
before a failed bid to win a Senate seat, did not respond to
requests for an interview.
Stewart, who unsuccessfully ran for the Libertarian nomination
for governor in 2018, also did not respond to requests for an
interview.
White, who replaced former Illinois Gov. George Ryan, had
endorsed Cook County Clerk Anna Valenica, but she was defeated
in the primary.
The general election is Nov. 8.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
|
|
