Edgar encourages students to reconnect with political process
Millikin University welcomed former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar to campus on Sept. 17 for a community-wide conversation on Illinois politics in the modern age.
In addition to an open talk with the local community, Edgar met and spoke with Millikin students during an American Political Behavior course led by Amber Lusvardi, instructor of political science, and Millikin's Political Café led by Dr. Laura Dean, assistant professor of political science.
"I always enjoy meeting with students; I've done a lot of that since I left the governorship 20 years ago," said Edgar. "I think it's important that we encourage young people to be involved in the political process. We're only as good as the people that are in those offices and I'm always encouraged when I see young people that have an interest in politics and government."
As the 38th Governor of Illinois, Jim Edgar inherited what was then the largest deficit in the state's history. He made hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts and found ways to deliver services more efficiently and effectively, reducing the state work force by 2,500 employees.
When asked by a student about offering advice to the current candidates for governor, Edgar said, "Government is not like a business and governor of Illinois is a very powerful office. I believe compromise is the essence of democracy and the essence of our political system, particularly for a state as diverse as Illinois. Compromise means different points of view, different parts of the state, and different philosophies are going to have some input on the final product."
Over 100 people were in attendance for Edgar's presentation on the evening of Sept. 17 which was made possible by the Thomas W. Ewing Lecture Fund. Edgar offered his views on Illinois politics by referring to the three Cs: civility, compromise and compassion.
"We have to remember to help people, and if we do not do that, then we're failing and a lot of people are going to get hurt," said Edgar. "Civility. Compromise. Compassion. We need to keep all three of those words in mind. We need to be more civil in our dealings. We can disagree with people in an agreeable manner."
Earlier in the day, Edgar offered advice to students aspiring to go into politics. "If you want to run for office, get involved," said Edgar. "If you want to run for local government you have to get involved with the local community. Much of where politics is in Illinois is at the county level."
Among the students who met Edgar was Megan Owens, a senior political science major from Mt. Vernon, Ill. Owens said Edgar gave her encouragement that success is possible with hard work and determination.
"If we all rally together and we all cared so deeply to vote we could easily change the system," said Owens. "He's living proof that you don't have to be rich to win elections."
Edgar was elected governor in 1990 and re-elected by the widest plurality any incumbent Illinois governor has received, carrying 101 of the state's 102 counties, including Cook. His announcement that he would not seek a third-term surprised the Illinois media and political insiders who cited poll numbers that indicated he had earned the highest approval rating of any Illinois chief executive and was in a strong position to win again.
Edgar currently lectures to students at colleges and universities throughout the state and serves on several corporate and non-profit boards. He is president emeritus of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.
Thomas W. Ewing Lecture
The Thomas W. Ewing Lectureship was created by Millikin University and Congressman Ewing's colleagues in recognition of his many years of public service. Ewing, a 1957 Millikin graduate, retired in 2001 after serving nine years in the U.S. House of Representatives from the 15th District of Illinois. Ewing served 17 years in the Illinois House of Representatives, where he was assistant Republican leader from 1982-1990 and was named deputy minority leader in 1990.
Previous speakers have included Robert F. Kennedy Jr., environmental advocate; Peter Hoekstra, Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and former Congressmen Jack Buechner (R-Mo.) and William Robert Roy (D-Kansas). The lectures focus on public policy and service, and visiting lecturers are selected based on their prominence in those fields as well as their ability to inspire others to serve.