Jesse White may be popular, but change is needed.

Decatur Herald Review

Editorial Board

November 3, 2006

There is little doubt that Secretary of State Jesse White is one of the state’s most popular politicians. The Democrat, who is seeking a third term in office, holds a nice lead in the polls over his opponent, Republican Sen. Dan Rutherford. But Rutherford is the better choice for this office.

White can list many accomplishments during his time in office. Those include allowing online applications for various services, tougher requirements for teen drivers and limiting the abuse of handicapped parking placards. But White also has allowed the office to become a haven for family members. While the secretary has done nothing illegal, the actions are not admirable. White’s daughter, Glenna, was hired in the office during the Ryan administration at a salary of $39,000 a year. She now makes $112,000 a year. There are several other White relatives on the payroll, although he contends they are all qualified for their jobs. White also allowed the wives of two of his top aides to get contracts with the office, and a top aide to White was recently convicted in connection with a ghost payrolling scheme. White claims he has done nothing wrong.

Rutherford, of Chenoa, says he would use his business expertise to streamline the services offered by the office. He also claims that more services need to be offered online. Mostly, however, Rutherford says the hiring practices in the Secretary of State’s Office are what need to be changed.

He’s right. Holding a state office should not mean jobs for family members and contracts for the relatives of top aides. Rutherford would bring a needed new focus to the Secretary of State’s Office.