Illinois Takes A Second Swipe At Planning A Bicentennial Party

Illinois is getting ready to celebrate a milestone. In 2018, the state turns 200.

Gov. Bruce Rauner Tuesday used his executive authority to create an office and a 51-member commission (members haven't yet been appointed) to coordinate the festivities.

"And we want leaders from all over the state coming up with their ideas and recommendations on how we can best celebrate," he said. "It's going to be a lot of fun, it's going to be a really big deal."

The governor has hired Stuart Layne, an Evanston resident whose resume includes stints as the marketing manager for both Chicago's WBBM-radio and the Boston Celtics.

Former Gov. Pat Quinn appointed a bicentennial commission in 2014, but to the consternation of members and historians the group appears to have never done much, if any, work.