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Former State Rep. On the Job as Transportation Secretary
For thirty years, Gary Hannig has been driving on I-55 between his home in Litchfield and the State Capitol in Springfield, where he was a state representative. Now Hannig is in charge of the state's roadways as secretary of transportation.

He's starting his second week on the job, having been appointed by new Gov Pat Quinn. Hannig replaces Milt Sees, who was appointed by former Gov Rod Blagojevich. Hannig says the change represents a new beginning in a state where trust among the people in government has been in short supply. But Hannig says he feels Sees himself did an "outstanding" job as secretary.

Hannig, who says Quinn contacted him about the secretary's job the last week of February, says the new governor wanted his help in putting together a major road-and-building program, the likes of which has not become reality in more than a decade.

Hannig says the decision to move IDOT's traffic safety division -- and more than a hundred jobs -- from Springfield to Harrisburg, in far Southern Illinois, will go under review. The decision by the Blagojevich administration was unpopular in Springfield .

Hannig, who has said he would like his wife, Betsy, to succeed him in the Legislature, has been a member of the House Democratic leadership and has been the chief budget negotiator in the House.

(Illinois Radio Network)
03 08 09 by Newsroom
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