(The Center Square) – Illinois political leaders are mourning the passing of former Gov. Jim Edgar.
Edgar died Sunday at the age of 79. He served as Illinois governor from 1991 to 1999, and before that as Illinois Secretary of State from 1981 to 1991.
The Edgar Fellows Program at the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs said as the 38th governor, Edgar inherited the largest budget deficit in state history at that time.
“He made hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts. He found ways to deliver services more efficiently and effectively, reducing the state workforce by 2,500 employees. He eliminated a backlog of $1 billion of unpaid health care bills,” the IGPA said. “He provided income tax relief and left an unprecedented $1.5 billion in the treasury for his successor.”
IGPA hosts the Edgar Fellows Program, which focuses on developing leadership and facilitating bipartisan and cross-regional cooperation. Board members of the Edgar Fellows Program include current and former elected officials, including Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, state Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, and U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield.
“Governor Edgar was a voice of reason, a champion of civility, and an unwavering advocate for collaboration. In today’s era of division and political turmoil, his example of steady leadership and his voice of wisdom will be profoundly missed,” Budzinski said in a statement. “My thoughts are with his wonderful family, especially Brenda, Brad and Elizabeth, along with our entire state as we mourn his passing and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he and the first lady are saddened to hear of Edgar’s passing, saying he was a model public servant, a devoted father and husband and an honest and honorable man.
“I was lucky enough to consider him a friend and mentor and have found myself drawing from his words of wisdom on countless occasions,” Pritzker, a Democrat, said of Edgar, a Republican. “His commitment to reaching across the aisle in service of the people of Illinois undeniably made our state better.”
Pritzker said now more than ever, “we should channel that spirit and resolve to live as Governor Edgar did: with honesty, integrity, and an enduring respect for all.”
The governor said he will direct flags across Illinois to half-staff.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias credited Edgar as an advisor.
“Jim spoke frequently about the importance of the ‘Three C’s’: Civility, Compromise and Compassion – words that resonate more than ever today,” Giannoulias said. “Together, he believed they served as the foundation of a healthy democracy, knowing that as Americans, we work best when we collaborate and work out our differences, show compassion toward those who need help, and treat one another with respect and dignity.”
Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said she mourns Edgar’s passing.
““Throughout his distinguished career, he worked tirelessly to build bridges across party lines, strengthen Illinois’ fiscal foundation, and put the needs of our citizens ahead of politics,” McCombie said. “His steady leadership and principled example earned respect from Republicans and Democrats alike.”
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State Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, acknowledged Edgar’s work as governor being an inspiration for his political career.
“As one of our greatest governors, he increased adoptions of foster children by 500 percent, reformed welfare, and heightened sentences for murderers and sex offenders,” McClure said. “I first met him when I was a young man while my mother was serving as his director of personnel at the Secretary of State’s Office. Governor Edgar is one of the people that inspired me to enter into public service. He worked tirelessly to encourage the next generation of leaders and was always available to speak with the high school students taking part in my Youth Advisory Council. I was honored to be an Edgar Fellow. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Brenda Edgar and the entire Edgar family.”