http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-938012.mp3
Springfield, IL – Tributes are pouring in for State Representative Rich Myers (R-Colchester), who died Wednesday night from prostate cancer.
State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) delivered a eulogy from the Senate floor on Thursday morning.
"Rich and I worked together on many, many issues. It was not uncommon for him to carry bills of mine over in the House and I carried bills for him here in the Senate. We even did joint press releases, which is kind of unusual because Rich was a Republican, I'm a Democrat.
"But that didn't matter because we both worked very hard for our constituents and many of the issues that we worked on are not partisan issues. We were able to set politics aside and come together, trying to do good things for our constituents."
Sullivan also called Myers "a good man, very dedicated to his family" and asked for a moment of silence on the Senate floor, which was observed at the end of his speech.
A black shroud has been placed over Myers' desk and chair on the House floor.
Western Illinois University President Al Goldfarb issued a written statement:
"Rich Myers was a loyal Western Illinois University alumnus and was a tireless advocate for higher education in the state of Illinois. His efforts on behalf of Western and for many west-central Illinois agencies and organizations were always greatly appreciated. We offer our condolences and thoughts to the Myers family."
House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) issued a written statement:
"Rep. Myers was an outstanding legislator and a friend. He always kept his family, his district and our state as his top priorities and represented them exceptionally well. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during their time of grief."
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady issued a written statement:
"I am saddened at the loss of Representative Rich Myers, and I want to extend my condolences to his family, staff and to all of the voters of his district. Fighting his battle with cancer to the very end, Rich won re-election to a ninth term last month. He was a valued member of the General Assembly, using his expertise as a farmer and a businessman to serve on the House Appropriations-Higher Education, Agriculture and Conservation, State Government Administration, and Elections and Campaign Reform committees. He will be missed."
In a written statement, Democratic Governor Pat Quinn said:
"Today I share in the sadness of many as we learned of the passing of Representative Rich Myers. Rich was a good man who served the people of Illinois for many years with a servant's heart. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rich fought a courageous battle against cancer with his wife Chris and his daughter Alison at his side every step of the way. They are in my prayers, and I offer my condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Services for Myers
A Memorial Service will be held Sunday at 2:00pm at the University Union Grand Ballroom at Western Illinois University with burial to follow at Mt Auburn Cemetery in Colchester.
Friends may view at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester on Friday, December 3, from 9:00am to 9:00pm and on Saturday, December 4, from 8:00am to 11:00am. The family will receive friends from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Saturday at the Scotland Trinity Presbyterian Church, 14950 North 900th Road in Macomb.
Memorials can be made to Scotland Trinity Presbyterian Church, McDonough District Hospital, and the Representative Rich Myers Agricultural Scholarship at Western Illinois University.
Services are being handled by Jones Mortuary and Dodsworth Piper Wallen Funeral Homes.
Choosing a New State Representative
It could take up to a month before Myers' successor is chosen.
The local Representative Committee (Republican County Chairmen in the district) have three business days to declare that a vacancy exists and must notify the Clerk of the House, the State Board of Elections, and the Secretary of State.
The Representative Committee must then appoint a replacement within 30 days.
Appointments must be in writing and must be signed by members of the Committee. The appointment must be filed with the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of State.
Thanks to Illinois Public Radio for the audio