Former Sen. Susan Garrett Takes on New Role

Former state senator Susan Garrett has been named to the board of directors of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR) along with Evanston attorney David Melton.

"Oversight, accountability and transparency should be essential components of Illinois government," said Garrett. "I will be working with ICPR to ensure that these principles are emphasized and embraced."

ICPR President Suzanne Calder said she is thrilled to have Garrett and Melton serve on the board of directors. "They bring decades of valuable experience and a deep commitment to transforming Illinois government and politics."

Garrett was an Illinois state lawmaker for 14 years. She served as a state representative for two terms, beginning in 1997, and was elected to the state Senate in 2002. She retired from public office by not seeking re-election in 2012.

While representing her constituents in Lake and Cook counties, Garrett worked with ICPR on many bills, including the 2003 State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the 2008 Pay-to-Play law and contribution limits in 2009. A consistent advocate for government accountability measures, Garrett also sponsored legislation creating an independent inspector general for the Regional Transportation Authority.

The ICPR is preparing for its June 13 luncheon in Chicago. The topic is "More Money, More Problems?" featuring Justice Joy Cunningham, state Sen. Toi Hutchinson, election law attorney Michael Kaspar, Jerry Morrison of SEIU Local 1 and Paul Ryan of the Campaign Legal Center. Panelists will discuss SuperPACs and campaign finance reform opportunities.

The ICPR is a non-profit, non-partisan public interest organization conducting research and advocating reforms to promote public participation in government, address the role of money in politics and encourage integrity, accountability and transparency in government. It was founded in 1997 by late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon and former Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra.

Submitted by the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform