Over the last 17 years, I have had the honor of working for two of the great public servants of our time: President Bill Clinton and most recently for three years with Vice President Joe Biden.

I watched them transform their experiences and personal tragedies into meaningful public service and change the lives of millions of Americans.

As I looked at the Illinois landscape after travelling with Vice President Biden up and through the last election, I came to believe that one committed voice could make a difference in state government.

I am one of 8 children raised by a single mom, and not only do I understand the pressures and fears that the people of Illinois are feeling every day, but I’ve lived with those fears during the formative years of my youth.

I have been travelling all across this state, and in county after county the stories are the same, which are hard-working people playing by the rules who just want an honest government that listens to them, and at least understands their problems.

The office of State Treasurer is not only tasked with overseeing the investment of state funds, but also through existing programs can, and should, act as a catalyst for economic development across Illinois.

My top four priorities are:

• Find and track the $3 billion in stimulus funds that was deposited in banks in Illinois to determine how banks used the funds to stimulate economic growth, and provide access to capital for small business and consumers;

• Aggressively work with the Comptroller’s office to attack the $5 billion in past due receivables that currently sits on Illinois’ books;

• Enhance the current economic development programs available within the Treasurer’s office to provide more access to capital and develop more systemic, comprehensive alliances between banks and businesses through out the state; and

• Create a “Small Business Task Force” with the sole purpose to act as a conduit for small business to get professional advice and access to capital.

More than any time in recent years it is imperative that we, as public servants, commit ourselves to the work of this great state. To have focus for the job, passion for service, and a clear purpose of bringing a sense of pride back to every corner of Illinois, our “Land of Lincoln”.

Please join in the campaign by sending us an e-mail to join our e-mail list or by donating through the “Donation” button on this page.