http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-920452.mp3
Macomb, IL – Former Republican State Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka is on the campaign trail. On Wednesday she and State Senator Dan Rutherford made a stop in Macomb as part of a five town tour that also included Canton, Galesburg and other cities.
Topinka and Rutherford say they're making 20 stops across the state in all.
It's part of their "Teaming Up for Taxpayers" consolidation tour. Topinka has joined Rutherford in the quest to merge the office of Treasurer and Comptroller.
Topinka estimates such a move would save $12 million per year dollars in operational, administrative and what she calls "redundancy costs," as in costs incurred when the same tasks are done by both offices.
Topinka understands $12 million a year will not offset the state's entire budget deficit, which exceeds $12 billion.
"It's 12 million saved versus nothing," says Topinka. "You have to pick it off. No matter how you look at it, $12 million is a lot of money."
Topinka, who served as state treasurer for three terms, says she got back into the Illinois political scene after a three year hiatus because she's angry.
"I have to have standing to be able to help people, I have to have standing to be able to fight back," she says. "What is the problem? Overspending. You know, you don't spend money you don't have, especially in an economy that is so slow.
Topinka says every area of the state must continue to cut back on top of lawmakers making tough decisions. She derides certain state budget beneficiaries, including those in K-12 and higher education, for asking for more funding when the state doesn't have any.
"[School administrators] think they're above budgeting because they're academics? Toughen up kids," she says.
To listen to the full interview with Judy Baar Topinka, click "play" on the audio link above.