Quinn Names Longtime Aide To Replace Topinka
Illinois Budget Director Jerry Stermer looks on before Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn delivers the State Budget Address on March 26. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has named his budget chief as a short-term replacement for late Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.
Jerry Stermer has been director of the governor's budget office since 2012.
He was the Chicago Democrat's chief of staff during Quinn's first term and the longtime director of advocacy group Voices for Illinois Children.
Incoming Gov. Bruce Rauner had called on Quinn to name Topinka's longtime chief of staff as her replacement.
Stermer will serve until Rauner takes office on Jan. 12, when the new governor will announce a full four-year replacement.
There have been conflicting ideas about how to fill Topinka's terms.
Quinn has called lawmakers back to Springfield to consider a 2016 special election so voters could have a say in the process.
“Appointing a temporary placeholder and keeping Judy Baar Topinka’s staff in place is an appropriate decision and will ensure continuity of services for the people of Illinois – for that I thank the governor," said Gov.-Elect Bruce Rauner. "I know Jerry Stermer will be well served by Nancy Kimme and the team in the comptroller’s office.”