Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, a “Tenacious” and “Dedicated” Public Servant, dies at 70

Judy Baar Topinka a feisty, tenacious, and dedicated public servant died Wednesday morning of complications from a stroke.

Topinka was re-elected State Comptroller in November 2014, and would have started the new term on January 12, 2015.

A veteran politician, during her more than 30 years of public service Topinka served in several political positions including the Illinois Senate, Illinois House of Representatives, as Illinois State comptroller, Illinois state treasurer, former chairwoman of the Illinois Republican Party and a candidate for governor of Illinois in 2006, up against Rod Blagojevich, who won the election. Blagojevich received 49.79%  to Topinka’s, 39.26%.

Sheila Simon, daughter of the late U.S. Senator Paul Simon challenged Topinka for the post of state comptroller in the November 2014 election but Topinka won that election – Topinka 49.56% to Simon’s 45.67%.

In a statement, Illinois Attorney General Madigan said the state has suffered a “great loss. Judy Baar Topinka was a trailblazer, a true public servant and a friend to all. Always jubilant and straight-talking, Judy spoke her mind on every issue. Even during tough political times, Judy always worked across party lines to get things done and brought humor and joy to everything she did. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.”

Saying she was saddened to hear of Topinka’s passing, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said “People throughout Illinois will remember her for her many years of dedication to public service just as much as they will remember her for her larger than life personality. She truly loved the people of this state.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and staff as we mourn the loss of a legend in Illinois government,” said Simon.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in a statement said:

“I was saddened to hear this morning of the passing of Judy Baar Topinka. Judy was truly one of a kind. I admired her feisty, outspoken nature and her passion for good government. She had a track record of standing up for what she believed in, regardless of party lines.

“As the first woman to be elected treasurer in Illinois, she was also a pioneer and an inspiration for other women in public service. My heart goes out to her family and friends throughout the state.”

In the early years, Topinka was a journalist. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism. After graduation from Northwestern, she was a reporter for several suburban Chicago newspapers.

In 2013, Topinka held a Community Media Reception with several ethnic journalists in her downtown Chicago office. I attended that event. She was always her gracious self when meeting people and had such a gregarious attitude about life. She took an individual picture with all in attendance.

A few days later she sent me a letter with the official letterhead of the State of Illinois and a copy of the picture we took together. The letter stated:

“Dear Ms. Bratcher,

Again, I want to thank you for attending our Community Media Reception. If I remember correctly it was a wintery Chicago day and you taking the time to come down here was greatly appreciated.

“I understand the importance of community media. You represent the voice of your respective area, and I’m so glad we were finally able to sit down and discuss ways to strengthen communication between my office and your organization.”

Topinka was the ideal public servant that knew how to interact with people across the spectrum of Illinois. There are so many descriptive adjectives (all good) that could shed light on her genuine outgoing personality – and if meeting her, one you could never forget. She was an Illinois treasure and will truly be missed. I am saddened over her death.

Juanita Bratcher is the Publisher of CopyLine Magazine