Southern Illinoisans remembered Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka as an outspoken and passionate leader, a role model and committed public servant.
Marion Mayor Bob Butler called the news of Topinkas death a great shock.
I have known and been acquainted with Judy since the first time she ran for office. I always appreciated her political sagacity and doing what is best for the people she represented, Butler said. She was strong-minded, level-headed and as honest as the day was long.
Butler and Topinka shared what became an inside joke.
Whenever we would meet at a dinner or whatever, she would invariably come by and kiss me on the forehead. It was something I looked forward to, he said.
Congressman-elect Mike Bost (R-IL) called Topinka a trail-blazer in a statement released Wednesday.
She was one of the most well-known and well-respected political figures in Illinois and a trailblazer in the state Republican Party. She was respected by both sides of the political aisle because Judy was always outspoken and passionate about issues that were important to her, Bost said. She was also an incredible role model for women seeking political office in our state.
State Representative-elect Terri Bryant, of Murphysboro, said Topinka was very supportive of the Lincoln Excellence in Public Service Series and of Bryants campaign for state office.
The idea of having more women elected to office was close to her heart, Bryant said. She let House Republicans know that under no circumstances was I allowed to lose.
Topinka and Bryant did not always agree on social issues.
Even when you disagreed, Judy made an effort to find common ground, Bryant said. I never met anyone who worked as hard or was as committed to public service.
State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) remembered Topinka as a tireless advocate for the citizens of Illinois.
She was born to be a public servant. She did exactly what she wanted to do until the very end, and that was work for the citizens of Illinois, Luechtefeld said. Comptroller Topinka was a tireless advocate for common sense in government, which is not all that common, any more.
Shannon Woodworth, manager of the Du Quoin State Fair, remembered Topinka as fun, and said she was always having a good time and always making people smile.
Judy was, without question, one of the most fun persons I have ever met. She lit up the room with her smile and always had some funny quip to share. They just rolled out of her, Woodworth said.
Topinka spoke at the ribbon-cutting for the 2014 Du Quoin State Fair; Woodworth said the fair was one of Topinka's favorite spots.
We had a tremendous spot of brutal heat during the fair and Judys ribbon-cutting was during one of those days of brutal heat, Woodworth said. We went for the ribbon-cutting, and there she was. Judy did not get into any hurry and not one time did I hear a complaint about the heat. She was having a good time.
Topinka was known for her ability to pinch pennies in the state budget, but visits to Carbondale proved she used that skill in her personal life, too. She often stopped at Janes Consignment Shop in Carbondale and had been doing so for years.
Jane DeMarco, owner of the shop, said it was usually Topinkas last stop in the area, and her driver would come in to remind her it was time to go.
She always tried to come by and visit. She really was just like another one of the customers and always asked about my daughter, DeMarco said. She was friendly and liked everybody.
Butler added that Topinkas death is a great loss to the state and the people of Illinois.
I think she will be and should be honored in very splendid ways for the contributions she has made over the years, Butler said.
Source: http://thesouthern.com/news/local/southern-illinoisans-remember-judy-baar-topinka/article_18e1cc52-8545-52bb-bed4-00c93a2e3949.html
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