FROM DAN: Thank you for the suggestions and feedback on the SoS operations. I especially want to thank the employees that are coming forward with the great ideas on how to make the office Customer Friendly. I know the present administration is not responding to your input, but know that when I am SoS I will value your suggestions; I know that you are on the front line and want the support and tools to do a good job.

 Help is on the way!!

FROM DAN: I want to explain to the readers that the reason you will find “xxxx” at times in place of one’s name or town is because I know that the Jesse White administration is monitoring this site. In order to protect those that are stepping forward, I do not want to jeopardize their job or have repercussions when needing service from the office.

 TO TOM AND DAVE: I would be careful if I were you….using state computers on state time to monitor our political website is not acceptable use of government resources ….remember, the FBI is watching!!

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Following is feed back from Illinois citizens on their experiences and suggestions for the Office of Illinois Secretary of State. To submit your own comments, click here.

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Bill from Westmont

A good part of the SOS job is to confront the rampant corruption in government. What this state needs is a constitutional amendment authorizing a recall petition. WE, the people, could have recalled Gov. Ryan after he lied about his Screw Illinois scam, saving the state the grief that he caused. Naturally the Democrats took full advantage of the scandal giving us the present outrage. With a recall amendment WE, the people, could have ended this mess too. Two governors in a row recalled and indicted would send a very positive message to the next one. It worked in California; it can work here.

I urge you to work for the passage of a recall amendment to enable the voters or this state to take a stand against corruption.

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John from Bensenville

I went into the XXX motor vehicle office the other day to renew a license plate. My wife was out of town so it was my first time. I had read the instructions on the application in particular the line "proof of liability insurance is required to renew" so I brought my insurance card. I waited in line and noticed that the clerk did not ask the people in front of me for anything. When it was my turn I put my insurance card down first and it was promptly pushed back. There is a two foot by three foot sign hanging on the wall ten feet from the clerk stating proof of insurance is required. So I asked why he is not asking for insurance ID. "That rule is not enforced." "Why not?" "Half the cars in the state would be off the road." "That's fine with me (in a very loud voice) I have had three cars totaled by uninsured drivers (It was all their fault and one of them went back to Mexico to avoid court. All three had no drivers license either.) And I think I just found out why. Do you ever listen to Don Wade & Roma on WLS radio in the morning? I will be calling them about how Jesse White does not enforce a law that, if he had, would have saved me 20,000 dollars plus insurance rates." I have not called yet because I am so mad and wanted to think about this. What does Dan Rutherford have to say about this and why is it not a campaign issue of monumental proportions??????????????

Dan could easily get on the radio program and I suggest he do so. I would appreciate a reply ASAP.

 FROM DAN: I will put focus on the mandatory insurance need. When I am Secretary of State my staff will enforce the law!!

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Neil from Belleville

Something needs to be done about mandatory seat belt wearing laws. They need to be repealed. If I choose not to wear a seat belt, who am I hurting? Wasn't this country built on individual rights as long as they don't affect the public good? When you get elected I would hope you would work to have this bad law wiped off the books.

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James from xxx

I have just finished reviewing the SOS comments and shake my head in disdain.

What I would like to advise you of might be old news... but here goes.

A few years ago a very good friend of mine was one of the managers at the XXX facility in XXX (20+ years with the SOS under Edgar, Ryan and White).

Although he was a Republican, Jesse held him in high regard. However, as Jesse's regime took hold it became very evident loads of unqualified folks were being hired. A great deal of these new workers were unable to pass the rudimentary qualification exam for hire to the SOS Office.

Apparently the way around the test failure was to hire these folks as temporary workers. My friend could teach them the job but not how to read. 

Finally all of this was too much for my friend and he left the SOS's employ.

Naturally this is relayed to you in the third person but if this practice is still in place, I think it deserves a look see. 

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Peggy from xxx

 I would like for you to see the email that I just sent to Jesse White's Office today. 9/16/06, Today I accompanied my mother to the Driver's License Station in XXX, IL. I called on Friday for hours. I was told to take a driver's test she would need to be there prior to 11am. She arrived at 10am, checked in was told to take a seat for her turn. She had already passed the eye exam and filled out all of the paper work prior to coming to XXX and had verification in form of a card with her signature. At 11:15am she was called and told that they were too busy to do her test because they have to close at noon. I asked why she was not told when she checked in that they may not have the time to do it on this date. I was told that they had system problems and just couldn't get to everyone and they were "short handed". I am very unhappy with the way this was handled. When she checked in they knew that they had several other drives to do and how many staff were working. This is incredibly inconsiderate, and very unprofessional.

 To further the frustration of my mother's experience with your offices, she went to do this driver's test on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at XXX, when she walked in the door of that facility a lady behind the counter stated, "Oh No, another older person with a cane, I hate to see that." Needless to say this did not put my mother at ease or have any confidence in the tester that she would be in the least bit unbiased in her scoring! This is not acceptable. I hope to hear from you office. Thank you.

 FROM DAN: I understand you have not heard from Jesse yet….I am sorry you and your mother were treated this way. Help is on the way!

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Rutherford Commits To Not Hire His Own Family

Jesse White Hiring Improprieties MUST End

 

(Chicago, IL) – Secretary of State Nominee Dan Rutherford makes it very clear where he stands with regards to nepotism in the office, differing dramatically with current Secretary of State Jesse White. Rutherford publicly announced his policy that will be instituted upon taking office:

• “I will NOT hire my family to work for the Office of the Secretary of State.  Period.”

• “I will NOT permit my senior staff to hire their family members on no-bid contracts.”

• “I will NOT permit an employee or no bid contractor of the Secretary of State to write my biography.”

Click Here to read the full statement!

 

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"Jesse White Policy Reversal Highlights More Improprieties"

“I am happy to hear that Jesse White will no longer be accepting contributions from his Secretary of State employees.  This has been my position all along.   I do not accept contributions from my Senate employees now.  I have said throughout this campaign that employees whose salary increases and evaluations are determined by the Secretary should not be allowed to contribute personally through gifts or through political donations to one’s campaign.  I think it’s fundamentally wrong.” 

 

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Jason from Batavia

 

Dan,

I was traveling with a friend of mine a few weeks ago. We stopped at a gas station where a woman hit my friend’s truck and took off. He called the police to report the hit and run. Even though we had the license plate number of the car, the police officer couldn't find out who owned the automobile. She told us the plate was to new. Apparently the SoS office is so backed up they haven't entered new plates into the system. We followed up on this 2 weeks later and they still didn't know who the hit and run driver was. I wonder what other crimes aren't being solved due to back log in the SoS office.

 

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Kay from Anchor

 

I'm so glad you will be running for Secretary of State.  I'm hoping you can get some changes made.

 

My daughter XXX turned 16 on Saturday, July 1.  She took the required Drivers’ Education class through XXX School in XXX. She drove her required 25 hours (she actually had over 50 hours of driving time). I work at the XXX post office on Saturday mornings so I called the XXX Driver License Facility and asked the lady that answered the phone what their hours were for Saturday. She was very rude, said "Depends on what you want." I told her my daughters was turning 16 and was coming there for her drivers' test. The lady at the facility told me that if I didn't have my daughter at their facility by 8 a.m., she would fail her. She told me it was the busiest day of the year. XXX's permit had the wrong birth date and I told the lady on the phone, she told me that if XXX did not tell them when she came in the door, they would fail her.

 

It's funny; I never was able to find out their hours.  I was told to take my daughter to another facility.

 

I had been hearing that the lady with long blonde hair that works as an examiner at the XXX Facility, usually failed the XXX students. I found out that the XXX drivers’ education instructor requires the students to take the driving test through the Driver License facility--to give them experience. I'm hearing that the XXX school students aren't required to take the driving part of the test.

 

My husband coached my son’s baseball team and had practice scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday morning.  He told me that he could take XXX to XXX for her driver test and be back to XXX with my son by 10. It didn't happen.

 

My husband took XXX to XXX on Saturday, July 1 and was at the door at 7:45 am. XXX said she was the second person in the door and was waited on immediately at 8 a.m. by a gentleman. He corrected her permit birth date, did all the required paper work and told her to take a seat for the driving part. XXX sat for 2 hours waiting because the examiners waited on everyone else in the facility before they would take her out to drive. XXX said there were numerous XXX school students that came in an hour after her and they got there license and were back out the door.

 

XXX did get her license that day. My husband was late to practice. XXX told me how shocked she was how this lady examiner talked to customers. She said she was rude to an older gentleman who was hard of hearing; and also to a gentleman who could not speak English and had his son interpret for him.

 

It is so convenient to have the driver facility in XXX but I feel these examiners should have respect for people and not discriminate against kids outside their area school.

 

I've heard that some people have reported problems to the Springfield office, but nothing has been done.

 

We are so happy that you will try to make a difference.

 

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Frank from Normal

 

 

Thanks for the update. I am not pleased in the way the Secretary of State’s Office has been run during Mr. White's tenure.  I'm especially dismayed at the flagrant violations of motorists failure to obey traffic and speed signs. This has gotten out of hand and motorists continued run through stop signs and traffic lights putting themselves and the public in danger. The interstate is worse, motorists pass me going above 90 miles an hour and I rarely see the State Police on the interstates.

 

This matter needs urgent attention by Illinois lawmakers. If tickets were written for the above violations, Illinois would be in the black fiscally.

 

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Joe from XXX

 

Keep after this problem, after 22 years in the schools I know how hard it is to eliminate this type of abuse. I was singled out to NOT get a bonus for 15 years in the same building but another person did get it because of his support of the crap that was going on by the people in charge. The schools waste way too much money playing favorites and rewarding people who have not earned the credit they are given, and they do most things for personal reasons anyway. I cannot do that and will support you any way that I can in your efforts.  Thanks.

 

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Randy from Crystal Lake

 

Thanks, love the emails.

 

I had a real bad experience at the XXX, IL DMV last week, attempting to take my daughter for her license. Bottom line is that they were 'real busy', so they decided to close early. YES, you read correctly. I got pissed. I asked for a complaint form. Fat A** manager tried to intimidate me, I shouted at him to move it, scared him, embarrassed him (really funny though), then his people started to smack talk.

 

What do you suggest I do?

FROM DAN: First I would write Jesse White. Second, I ask your continued support because once I am SoS I will personally see that this type of attitude is not tolerated!!

  

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Elmer from Woodstock

 

There are only three things that can prevent anyone from success.

Integrity.....Respect....Trust.....

Books could and probably have been written about each one of these core values. The common denominator is this:

Each one of these must be EARNED EVERYDAY!

 

Here's the best part.

 

Only you and you alone can lose any one of them!
Once lost, however, it can take a lifetime to rebuild them.

You have my vote in November. My children and wife's as well. Keep your agenda focused on the positives and do not slip into a cesspool of ill timed rumors, conjectures and unsubstantiated information that is portrayed as facts. By allowing yourself to embrace the 3 core values above, your chances of being an excellent SOS are good. Going into the muddy waters is all too often a trap, that can compromise your Earned Respect, Trust and Integrity. Playing the political game in the best interest of garnering votes gets you nowhere, in the long run. Playing the game of politics that is based on what is in the best interest of all of the people of Illinois is what will allow you to stand out above the crowd.

Always remember, it is you and you alone that must lay that head on the pillow every night and ask yourself did I EARN Trust, Respect and Integrity today? Then when you rise in the morning, ask yourself, "Just what type of person will I be today?"
One that..Makes it happen!
Or One that...Watches it happen!
Or One that....Wonders what the heck just happened!
DAN-Your actions really do speak louder than words.

All the best to you and yours during this incredible roller coaster time frame. Always stay true to your internal compass as it will always point true. If you follow a roadmap, be careful as it can develop potholes, get washed away and of course you could get stuck in Illinois traffic! (ha,ha)
 

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Mark from XXX

  

We got a letter from the SoS stating the state can not process vanity and personalized plates on line due to technical and administrative issues.

 

Also we got a letter in with our paychecks saying there is now a phone number and website to report problems with the SoS. It’s a good idea, to bad it was your idea.

 

We need a change at the top, Dan. You have to win.

 

Also patronage jobs in Chicago

Jeanine Stroger

Cook county Sheriff daughter (Shean) Spelling is off

Jamala Ali Mahamad Ali daughter

 

Why isn't anybody talking about Jessie White patronage jobs?

 

The Governor isn't the only one.

 

Have a nice day.

  

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Jerry from Bolingbrook

 

 

The other day I drove my neighbor to the XXX Secretary of State facility. I also needed a form, so we went together.  We arrived early and waited in line outside for the doors to open. Everyone was talking, smiling and sharing newspapers, etc.

 

The door opened and we were rather gruffly instructed as to where to go and what to do.  It was very reminiscent of the first day at boot camp. Having finished my business, I turned to leave and heard the saddest sound that you could hear at a government office. The people in line were mooing like cattle as they were being sent through the system.  Gone were the smiles I saw outside. Absent was the friendly atmosphere of persons who met at the door.

 

As I made my way to the exit I heard from over my left shoulder, "I just TOLD you ... how can you not understand?" The person being rudely addressed was a woman of retirement age with a confused look on her face that turned to anger.

 

I know that you are service oriented. However, until the attitude of "us versus them" with SoS personnel being "us" and the rest of Illinois citizens being "them" no pronouncements of better service will mean anything. These people display an ingrained disdain for the public. These people are covered by civil service laws that make it impossible to get rid of or discipline them.

 

I wish there was some "laying on of hands" that could cure the attitude that we are nothing more than an imposition on an otherwise pleasant day. 

 

Although my wife and I will be voting for you and sincerely hope you kick some JW a** at the polls, I cannot help but wonder how you believe you can overcome such ingrained attitudes. You've got our votes regardless.

 

I recognize that the general public can be a royal pain ... that is one reason I can never work in retail. But at least I do not seek or accept a position that places me in such contact where I can grow abusive, or worse, ambivalent. To became like some of these SoS employees would be a disservice to those who need help, and to myself for placing myself in such a position.

 

NOTE: Not all SoS employees were nasty, but the ratio was easily more than 50%.

 

Thanks for letting me vent. If you think of it, and have nothing better to do, perhaps you could briefly comment.  If not, I understand completely. Campaigns can take up a bit of your time.

 

FROM DAN: Know that I know there are a number of SoS employees that want to and are doing a very good job. I takes a few bad apples to give a bad reputation. I will work to correct this!!

  

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Robin from Plainfield

 

I was at the XXX DMV facility this morning (Aug. 16) at 8 am. While I was not surprised there was a line out the door, I was surprised with two people working with ONLY ONE LINE! One person was coordinating driver’s services while the other handled only titles questions

 

The problem was NO ONE needed title services.  So, the one person has 50 people or more in line while the other DID NOTHING and helped NO ONE!

 

I asked the twenty people around me if they saw this as ridiculous as I did and they all agreed. So, naturally, I asked them if they would consider voting for Dan Rutherford who would have better managerial skills!

 

I had three people ask me who Dan Rutherford was and I explained that he was running against the person in charge of the lines and pointed to Jesse Whites name over the desk!

 

You may want to have someone take a picture of the line at XXX at 8:15 next Wednesday morning.

 

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Marcy from El Paso

 

Interesting broadcast! As usual, you came off sounding quite well. You really do have an excellent speaking voice and you are able to fluently express your views and issues eloquently. (Ooooooh! I sound like a suck-up!)

 

Mr. White is not as audibly pleasing as yourself but he did manage to answer the questions without too much hesitation. (As far as his answers went). He has several points in his favor, not the least of which was his overwhelming victory at the polls during the last election. He is able to point back to the way things were when he took office and take credit for having moved the office from a "terrible place" to where it is today. (Not to mention the fact that he took over an office horribly marred by Republican intervention). His goal of being the best S.O.S. in Illinois and needing more time to complete his "mission" may sound attractive and acceptable to many voters--especially senior citizens and people of color.

 

What may be an Achilles' heel is not just the Cecil Turner affair, which I feel is truly an example of bad judgment on his part,(And smacks of the same standards utilized by Gov. Ryan AND  Gov. Blaaagghh), but the cryptic illusion to the fact that there is an on-going investigation which may result in several more firings and possible indictments. He won't talk about these individuals ostensibly so as not to damage further investigations. But the whole thing ties him into the same garbage that is being unearthed against Gov. Blaaagghh and taints his image as someone working independently for the people of Illinois. Not being privy to the real affairs of state, I have to wonder at the timing of these investigations. He seems to be maximizing the ferreting out of these "bad apples" as proof that he "won't tolerate corruption", when indeed he fostered it in the first place by hiring these individuals. In addition, it sounds more like he's cleaning up his act at a time when he first started to realize that he had a "Worthy Opponent".

 

I realize negative campaigning is not good. ("I just wouldn't allow myself to do that" states Mr. White.) But he needs to answer for his hiring practices as much as Gov. Blaaagghh.

 

Again I say, I doubt he will ever debate you directly. You might ask him one too many questions he won't want to touch with a ten foot pole. On the other hand, a ten foot pole would be just the right height to hang him.(Out to dry, that is!)    

 

Always happy to air my opinions!! 

 

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Tim from XXX

 

Just wanted to let you know about my experience today at the DMV office on the west side of XXX. This may be some information you can use for your campaign to unseat Jessie White.

 

I walked into the DMV and became confused immediately. I was trying to transfer the title on my car to my son. I got in a line that I thought was the line to change titles but found out after about ten minutes that this line was only for stickers.

 

I then went to the back of another line. This line was for people who wanted to get/renew a driver’s license as well as get a number to change their title. This took about 15 minutes. Once I received my number, I was told to take a seat until my number was called. I waited for another 10 minutes before my number was called. Once the DMV employee completed my paperwork, they indicated that I had to go to the back of the sticker only line (the line I was in originally). I waited another 10 minutes and finally completed all the necessary steps to complete the transaction. What a mess!!!!

 

If someone asked my opinion, I would suggest the following:

 

1) When you walk into the DMV, there should be three lines clearly designated as STICKER ONLY, TITLE CHANGE, or DRIVERS LICENSE.

 

2) If you are changing your title, somehow the DMV should be able to provide you your sticker/new license plate at the same time or at least not required that you go to the back of the STICKER ONLY line.

 

3) While I was not treated poorly this time, many of the state employees have a bad attitude. I think they know there is no competition and they have a job for life unless they really mess up.

 

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Kevin from Aurora

 

Senator (soon to be Secretary of State) Rutherford:

 

First of all, let me tell you how much I appreciate the constructive approach you are taking with your campaign.  In today's environment of no-holds-barred politics, it is refreshing to see concrete discussion about what you would do if elected.

 

Second, let me add an anecdote to your list. One of our cars is up for license renewal as of 7/31. We did not receive a renewal notice. My wife visited the SOS branch to get this taken care of. While it seemed to be taken care of in a relatively effective manner, two comments that came up intrigued me:

 

1. The SOS employee noted, "Yes there's something wrong with how your information is recorded; we don't even seem to have you registered correctly at all."

 

2. Upon calling Springfield for assistance, the employee expressed relief when she got through in only a short period of time, commenting "thankfully I got through quickly, sometimes they route us into the same queue as customers and we have to wait forever to get through."

 

Re: comment 1 above, I am thankful we did not get pulled over in the last year with the registration information not correct in the system -- I'm wondering if we would have had a major issue with the police not finding the car registered. Additionally, I am curious how many others have not received renewals and been subject to late fees and penalties.

 

Re: comment 2 above, I find it amusing that the SOS employee would complain about being routed to the same queue that customers are because they might have to wait forever.

 

One additional suggestion with regard to your "when I am elected" to do's...in addition to providing email notifications, how about allowing the customer to enter information on-line related to "I did not get a renewal notice" and have the appropriate support provided so one does not need to visit the SOS branch? Maybe even offer a problem resolution path that doesn't force someone to search through FAQ's only to find out you have to visit the SOS branch?

 

One additional notation with regard to your plan.  You comment on Wisconsin being able to offer appointments, why can't we? Be aware that while this is true, WDOT has a poor record related to turnaround in titling. You do not want to be accused of holding WI up as a model when they don't do everything right. One additional thing that you may note from Wisconsin is that they have some small advertising on their website, such as for insurance. If done reasonably, this might be a good avenue for some incremental revenue to help fund a greater level of customer service.

 

Finally, I tried to check the status of my next subject, but couldn't find anything recent. In the past, the SOS has sold driver records to third parties. I don't know if this is still an allowable practice, but it is one that I, as a customer, find distasteful. I think it is arrogant of organizations to take information gathered for one purpose to use it for profit in other purposes completely independent of the original purpose.

 

In today's atmosphere of identify theft and privacy desires, I would think that offering a choice on the customer's part would resonate with the masses. One of the biggest influencers as people look at their customer service satisfaction is whether they had a choice in their selection.

 

Keep up the great work! I look forward to figuring out a way to get more involved with your effort.

 

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Janny from XXX

  

You have my vote. Forgive me for a tardy response, have been running around formulating business plans etc. You have my strong support for your efforts and I will read your white paper this weekend. I understand what you are saying about customer service, even when I was in the position as Account Executive for XXX on the XXX Account, I would help the Administrative Assistants when they had problems with any XXX matters. Consequently, I earned respect from everyone I touched in the XXX account. I do not understand the mentality of just being there to get a paycheck. Don't they understand that if they do not do good for the mother company, the babies will die.

 

I do have a lot of experience in good customer service and run a technology company, if there is anything I can do for you let me know. I would gladly do it for my great Republican Leaders.

 

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xxx from XXX

 

Let me start by telling you that XXX is employed at the XXX

Drivers Facility, which is why I am sending this e-mail.

 

Our facility has a serious customer service problem. Unfortunately, the problem is the wife our XXX(and State Employee). (Dan opted to remove this portion of the note because it would lead to the Jesse White people monitoring this site to possibly identify the person contacting Dan and then they would have retribution….)When she was done with her call, she went back to finish up with her customer. She is always leaving customers standing for personal calls. Also, she will talk down to XXX in front of customers when the manager is gone because she is upset with the fact that XXX is over her when the manager is gone because of seniority. This woman feels that since she is Older than XXX that she is in charge of her when the manager is gone. Any complaint about this woman causes problems for XXX, this woman gets so nasty that XXX has gone home in tears several times. Now, Springfield and the XXX Manager are afraid to upset this woman. I am not sure if it is because of her husband or because she gets so nasty with the manager, employees and customers. When this happens, she will sit in the back and

not wait on customers.

 

Also, for the last few months, XXX has had to send an employee to XXX to cover an absence. Since this office is afraid of this woman, who they could assign up there temporarily (as per their union contract) since she lives the closest, and not have to pay mileage, each employee is going at least once a week, which with the price of gas is costing the State a lot of money. At the current time the State owes XXX $250.00 for 2 months of driving to XXX (1-2 days a week).

 

Without anyone knowing my connection to the XXX Facility, I have had customers in my office that actually complain about her service and attitude.

 

Of course, we are campaigning for you, not because of this, but because we think you are the best man for the Job.

 

Sorry for all the complaining, but XXX has tried to clear all of this up with the current administration, and gotten no where.

 

FROM DAN: Illegal activity should be reported to the FBI. Know that I hear what you are saying and will be of help when I am SoS.

 

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Jill from XXX

 

I can't begin to tell you my own personal frustrations with the Drivers’ Services Facilities.  When my husband's parents passed away 7 months apart and we were trying to deal with everything in a very short period of time, this was our greatest issue. It took my husband 4 trips to the

facility in XXX,IL to try to get the titles of their vehicles switched over into our names. It took us over 4 months to get this accomplished. I feel there is absolutely no excuse for this in our modern world of technology today.  I personally would appreciate any help you can provide to expedite these types of issues. Thank you for letting me know. 

 

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 Brian from XXX

 

Just a note in response to one of your mailings to your constituent base that was just received re. the Sec. of State offices and efficiency issues. Notice that some of us do read your materials, might have something with my tie to Illinois State, but there are definite issues with the office. I intend to read your full white paper later today as well as subsequent versions as they are made available to me.

 

My own experience is lengthy as I am an antique car collector from XXX, IL and in the local office, as well as other offices routinely. A few things I noticed that seemed to be of concern:

 

1. Did you know that if you previously applied for and received a "personalized plate" - meaning you could pick a word or phrase and then add a number at the end (on a regular car) that if the request was honored, it was free at no charge. What I found out is that when renewal

time comes there now is an added fee for having had the plate previously free because now that option is considered a "vanity plate" and requires a higher fee. Is it fair, if having received a plate name and number, to later be charged for it at renewal because you did not pay for it then, but people do now? Seems like locally, if you compare it to zoning, you would be grandfathered in and as long as you did not break the ownership, or the plate registration, you did not have to pay the fee.

 

2. Interesting that if you receive a deal on a car purchase, used one between private parties, and actually pay less than market value - it could be an issue. The Secretary of State’s office, when you declare what you

paid for the car, will check market value and if you got the better of the bargain, they will assess you for the tax implication between what you paid and what they think the car is worth in the market when you go to title it or license it - even after you have done so.

 

3. Interesting how when you also have a plate for many years, say a personalized regular car plate and you then transfer it on the same car to now an antique status (because of age), it requires a slightly different order to the plate letters and numbers - again, now a higher fee, different plate classification, and of course, another fee because of wanting the plate to read close to what you had. Instead of a word and then a number, it has to be a number and then the word on an antique - same ones, new fees, and the same machines setting the plate blank up.

 

These are just a couple of many interesting changes, besides the escalation in fees across the board, the change in taxes etc... The only thing that seems to be a "deal" there is if you buy a vehicle from a relative ($15 flat tax), if you buy a trailer (no tax on that type of purchase yet), and if you license an antique car (multi-year plate at a reduced rate).

 

What I can say, is that your average town folk, especially here in Central Illinois, given wage studies and real wages earned, along with the percent of State Aid to families reported, the fees for plates and transactions is just another burden on an already bad situation. Here in our town, it does not take much to notice the lack of phone numbers when people call in or place an ad - can't afford the start up or the monthly bill, the lines at the lone remaining pay phones, the flurry of activity with cheese distributions etc..., and the lack of skills and personal training to be able to take on new employment.

 

I personally think the local office is doing the best they can - vastly understaffed as my guess is that other offices are also. Seems like there ought to be a separate line for sticker purchases, maybe one for title changes etc... as is often done in larger offices (see XXX and XXX offices). I understand the realities of running an office, especially one with out which you have budgetary control, and I applaud your efforts at suggesting reform.

 

I am looking forward to reading your work later today and also subsequent ideas. Thanks for your time.

 

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Rutherford Accepts White's opportunity to debate

Jesse White is now "unavailable"

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THIS JUST IN: Jesse White is now "unavailable" for the City Club of Chicago debate with Senator Dan Rutherford. The date was set in May. It was declined August 4!!!

 

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Denies from xxx

 

I have never voted Republican, and I had previously vowed that I never would.  BUT, I will be voting for you this fall with the hopes that you clean up the Illinois S.O.S office in a way that has not been seen in the G.O.P.

Please don't let me down.

 

FROM DAN: Denise...I really appreciate the note...please give me that chance and I will not let you down!!

 

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Springfield Journal Register

Bernard Schoenburg

"We are clearly seeing a pattern of impropriety coming to light," Rutherford said in the statement. "The people of Illinois saw Jesse White's predecessor convicted for improprieties akin to what White is doing today."

Click Here to read the full column

 

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Phillip from Springfield

Seriously, try calling the Secretary of State’s number in the phone book and see if you ever actually talk to a person.

I called from Springfield, IL and the system hung up on me 4 times, each with an extended wait. After about 60 minutes of my time I called someone who works at the big office in Springfield. She gave me an internal number. After talking to 3 or 4 other people and spending another 30 minutes on the phone, I got my question answered.

The question was whether either my client driver's license, or the citation issued by a state trooper could be found in their system, copied, and faxed to me or them. 

The answer was no, which really offered closure, and was great to finally learn.

Also, walking into the building during my one visit was a frightening experience as the guards looked at me with piercing eyes as if to see a bomb in my shirt pocket, perhaps hidden by my tie.

It appeared, from my perception, that the government employees there at that time were very bored and lackadaisical. I am sure they were processing some paperwork or another, but as I walked down the hallway looking in through their doors from the outside they were really putting me to sleep.

I think I've had my say.

Thank you for the forum affording me the opportunity to express my experience and opinion.

 

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Jim from Pontiac

Can the information needed to renew your license be on a bar code on your license card? Then, the person at the license office can use a grocery store type hand held scanner and, bleep, it's done.

 

FROM DAN: I like the idea and will look into as SoS…makes sense to me!

 

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Glenn from Jacksonville

Will you bring the State up to speed on the CDL program, by allowing CDL licensed drivers who move here to IL to transfer their CDL without having to start completely from scratch? I gave up my Class A CDL because I was told I would have to take every test over again starting with the written test for an automobile, then CDL and then a road test. Is this how you will continue to conduct business?

 

FROM DAN: Let me be fair; I will look into the background and reason the change was made. I will work with all to be sure it is smooth and reasonable for the applicant and the process. I do not want to make it a bureaucratic mess for the hard working men and women that are trying to make a living with a CDL!!

 

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Larry from Springfield


In the Journal-Register it talked about a panel being formed by Jesse White of individuals that will be used to develop safer driving for teens. Included in the panel is XX. She was included because XXX County has had 15 vehicle related deaths in 15 months. That is the problem that Senator Rutherford should address. INSTEAD OF HAVING A PANEL MEMBER THAT HAS BEEN SO UNSUCCESSFUL AT PREVENTING TEEN DEATHS (like XX).. WOULDN'T IT MAKE MORE SENSE TO HAVE PANEL MEMBERS THAT REPRESENT AREAS WITH ZERO DEATHS. THEN YOU GET GOOD IDEAS. INSTEAD OF SUGGESTIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE HAD NO SUCCESS IN THAT AREA. I have a rather dumb example. If I was to form a panel to prevent obesity, I would want slim people on the panel and not people that are obese. I hope you understand the point I am trying to make. I think that Senator Rutherford could possibly turn this panel idea around to his benefit.

 

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Springfield Journal Register

Doug Finke

Statehouse Insider

"Wow, talk about an enthusiastic response. But, then, what would you expect from White's office? Yes, it turns out the writer sent the message from a computer in the secretary of state's office. Presumably, the writer is a White employee."

To read the full story

 

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Shane from XXX

 

Kaleb,

 

I'm becoming a "fan" of your uncle. The little time we had together was impressionable. When Dan came and spoke at Hawthorn Woods Country Club he seemed aware of the challenges our State has right now. What was impressionable to me was he didn't just talk at a high level, he drilled down into topics that are very real.

 

* Dan spoke about the need to advance technology. This is an industry that I am very familiar with. My company is headquartered in XXX, IL. We ship approximately 28 million dollars a day in all forms of technology. The State of Illinois will either start to embrace technology or be left behind. It was refreshing to hear Dan's views.

 

* I agree with Dan that Jessie White has done a fine job. All good things come to an end and even though Jesse White has done a fine job the people of this State deserve better. "FINE" will not work. The future is only bright if we (as a state) allocate monies correctly. Example, I'm paid to find bottle necks in technology and then make

recommendations to fix them. Our roadways are no different. Motorized vehicles are nothing more than packets of information trying to find their way from point "A" to point "B". Take Route 95 for example. The State is trying to create business justification to allocate millions of dollars to widen and extend this road from Peoria to Macomb. Please challenge Dan to check the throughput of this road and ask if there are any bottle necks. These efforts may not be the best use of our state’s monies. Meanwhile we have people in suburbs around Chicago that sit in their vehicles for an hour trying to get 10 miles to their place of work. We need someone who can make change. Change in the form of a steered...educated decision. The future Secretary of State can not be complacent.

 

* Shortly after Dan's visit, I was tasked with a (not so simple) trip to the Drivers Facility in XXX. My purpose was to simply change my address as I had built a new house in XXX. I stood for over 3 hours waiting. I watched with my own eyes the poorest run business I had ever seen. There was a sea of confused people everywhere. In business you simply cannot treat your customers poorly and survive as a company. In this example, we the people of this state are the customer and the Secretary of State is the employer offering a product or service. As a customer of this state I should be able to log into a secure website with proper security checks and balances in place and change my address.

 

I'm sure this is not the exact response you were expecting, however I felt compelled to share a couple of my views.  Also, I offer to you, my support of your uncle. The hidden message in my dialog above is about TIME. Our TIME is the most critical thing we have on this earth. Spending our time wisely is the most important decision we make everyday we are alive. In every example above this State is wasting peoples’ time.

 

My family owns farms and lumber yards in IL. Would Dan be ok with me sharing his diary page with my friends and family? I really think they will all relate to Dan and his message. My roots reside downstate, however my livelihood is in the Chicago land area.  I guess you could say I'm fortunate to understand the dynamics Dan is faced with as we are a very unique state.

 

Best of luck with your campaign endeavors.

 

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Bob from XXX

 

I am working part time at the Local Walgreens Photo Lab. Their computer Sign-on is: no1w8ts (no one waits).  At Jesse's SOS office it is --   everyone waits. That must not be your motto. We had to pick up my license plate sticker today. We all waited.

 

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Janel from XXX

 

I consider myself a moderate Democrat, but I wanted to let you know that I think your use of the Internet and email in order to campaign is really revolutionary. When elections roll around I get so sick of political ads and mud-slinging statements that do nothing to really address issues that are of concern to people in the community. I have really learned about you and your platform through your emails. Thank you for picking an issue that affects people's daily lives! 

 

I was recently trying to update my license after I relocated to XXX County, and the person at the DMV was so rude that I almost left the building in tears. The following week, my husband spent THREE hours of his workday at the same DMV registering his car and updating his driver's license. I am very interested in your ideas about improving the driving facilities. Thank you for taking a look at a real issue and making real suggestions. As I mentioned earlier, I tend to find myself on the left side of issues, but you really have my attention and I will keep an eye on your campaign. 

 

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George from XXX

 

I totally agree with your third paragraph.  I, for one, had an experience when I reapplied for my chauffeur license P to drive a bus. The attitude in those offices would never, never hold up in a private sector business.

 

I have yet to see where there was any savings when they closed down some drivers’ license facilities. Let us stop making excuses and serve the public as I know I did for 20 years in government.

 

We should not criticize; we should work out a plan that would benefit all citizens of the State of Illinois. 

 

Keep up the good work, Dan.

 

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Dave from Forsyth

 

After you win the job you might start with changing their

attitude. They act like they are doing you a favor just to talk to you, but I guess that’s typical with any governmental employee.

 

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Andy from XXX

 

Your service plan has lots of very good ideas to help create a more efficient service delivery system, which will surely improve customer satisfaction. Good job!

 

I really like your ideas to incorporate the use of technology to schedule appointments, receive email reminders, and allowing customers to enter their own data. Finally we have someone in state government ready to move a state agency into the 21st century! WOW!

 

The only item missing from your list is the goal of "improving the attitude of the employees who work in the facilities."

 

Each year when my wife and I go to the facility in XXX to renew our license plate registration, we not only have to wait in long lines, but also, have to interact with individuals who treat you as if they were doing you a favor. Never in all the 26 years of going to renew my

license plate registration have I encountered a representative who offered a pleasant greeting or gave a smile. My wife thinks she might have detected a smile or received a warm greeting once or possibly twice over the same period. On one occasion when I had to take a written test to renew my license, I was made to feel like a total idiot because I had three questions wrong.

 

So while I applaud your efforts to make improvements which create more efficiency, the greatest challenge you face is getting employees who work in drivers’ license facilities to understand the importance of customer satisfaction and exhibiting the kind of behavior and attitude which fosters customer satisfaction.

 

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David from XXX

 

I have never heard any Public Official speak of "service" as you just have.

 

I, also, have a very finely tuned sense of customer service having spent over 10 years in the Restaurant and Food Service industries and, now, another 17 years in the Insurance industry (the first 10 of which were in Claims).

 

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Joe from Washington

 

Thanks for all your hard work in public service. I know for a fact it's not easy! I simply do not have the time to read all the comments you've received, so I hope I'm not duplicating too many of them.

   

I think you've done an excellent job of identifying problems and coming up with solutions. Your observation of the waiting lines, etc., at the SoS office is so true. Actually, it reminds me of the military...hurry up and wait. No veteran likes to recall that.

   

The biggest single issue you've identified is to bring the SoS up to this century by the use of today's technology, specifically the Internet. You made that point very clear. Every now and then I get a notice from the SoS to reply by mail with my auto insurance data. Money has to be spent to send out the notice and then money has to be spent to return it. Duh, why not use email?

   

I have three vehicles, a passenger car, a pickup, and an RV. As you know, the pickup and the RV have specific expiration dates, while the plate expiration date for the car is the anniversary date of when it was purchased. So, the auto renewals are scattered throughout the year, which sort of equalizes the flow of renewals. However, the pickup renewals are all at the same time, causing massive lines, frustrated citizens and overworked, harried SoS employees.

RV plates are due Jan 1. That's nice....it's the coldest time of year with the worst weather conditions. (I wonder just how well that sticker works, getting applied to very cold metal?) Many RV's are in storage...that makes for convenience, right? You can't just wait for better weather because the RV in the drive isn't being used..... ordinances require ALL vehicles, whether being used on the street or not to have current registration...in some cases, it could be towed/impounded and cited.

   

How about the "snowbirds" (lucky ones that don't wish to partake in our wonderful Illinois winters) that are nowhere near Illinois when the registration becomes due? Do they risk a citation? Do they have to return? Do they have to have a relative/friend/neighbor, whatever, renew the plate and then have to mail it to them? This is convenient, right Dan?

   

Suggestion: just make all plate renewals like cars. Even out the rushes, take the pressure off everyone. Simple, huh? (I'm just a simple sort of person, I guess.)

 

Keep up the good work and the good fight.

 

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Brett from XXX

 

Dan here is my recent hassle I had with the XXX, Illinois Drivers license office last Friday. After leaving work to drive to XXX to get in there before 5 p.m., I arrived at 10 minutes till. I filled out the paperwork on my new BMW to have a new firefighter plate and vehicle transfer done only to be told that he would have to make a copy and now the office is closed so we couldn't complete the transaction. I took time out to go after work Friday because I work Saturdays and all the rude man could say is you'll have to come back. He could have taken the next few minutes and finished my paperwork. I completed the transaction at the XXX facility with no problem except for the extra trip. XXX has had people trouble for all the years that I worked in the XXX area.

 

The XXX facility is more friendly and efficient. There is a lot of difference in Sen. Watson's area from Sen. Demuzio’s area. And the Governor wanted to close the XXX facility and leave the XXX facility open a few years ago. Don't figure!

 

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Tom from Hoopeston

1st, get rid of the forms that the state wastes money on mailing out for renewals of license plates and drivers license, and go to a post card telling the customers that it is time for renewal. It will save thousand of dollars because when you carry that form with you to the driver’s service office they just shred it and print out a new one from the computer.

2nd, get every one of the employees LEADS certified so that they can run a person coming into our state to get a drivers license, to verify that the person applying for a drivers license in our state has a valid license in another state before one could be issued. 

3rd, I think it would be very beneficial to the state of Illinois and taxpayers a like if we had the public apply for their FOID cards at the Drivers Services. A digital picture could be taken and applied to the FOID cards and it would be a more secure application if a person had to apply in front of someone instead of it being done by mail and poor photos being sent into the ISP section. 

If you have any questions Dan call me. I would be very happy to sit down and talk with you about some of these things.

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Rick from Chicago

Are you willing to take a position on illegal immigration? What will you do to make sure illegal aliens never get driver's licenses? Are you willing to take a stand?

FROM DAN: As Secretary of State, I will not support the move for illegal aliens to have Illinois Driver’s Licenses.

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Denise from XXX

Fix the DMV website! I recently purchased a vehicle from a private owner in Michigan, and having never purchased a vehicle before, I only had a vague idea of what needed to be done. Not only is the website completely unhelpful, but it wasted my time and confused me about the fees and taxes associated with purchasing the vehicle. I should not have to load very large PDF files full of unnecessary information just to figure out which DMV facilities will deal with a title, and then load an even larger PDF file full of even more unnecessary information just to attempt to figure out how much more it will cost me. It wouldn't have been such a terrible process had I not had to go to the local DMV and apparently irritate the people working there with my apparently stupid questions. I ended up making 3 trips, which was a waste of time and money not just for me, but for Illinois, too.

I have a myriad of complaints about the service at the DMV, but I can't help but think that the grumpiness at the DMV probably has something to do with the general ignorance of the public when it comes to the operations of the DMV.

Why can't every DMV handle all major operations? Why can't the website be streamlined and simplified in such a way that there is a clear description of fees and procedures?

I can't help but think that if the website were very clear and accessible, a lot of the waiting and griping that happens at the DMV would be eliminated.

Thanks! 

FROM DAN: Technology is not this Administration’s strong suit. I will have it fixed.

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Robert from Fairbury

I presume electronic processing of fees is more cost effective than manual processing, yet there is a surcharge for me to phone and punch in the information, or to use credit card, or to use direct debit.  I'll continue writing a check as long as it is cheapest for me.

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Sharon from XXX

I received an email today from your office and decided to check out your website. After spending about an hour renewing my drivers license the other day, I totally agree with you that the system needs some revision! Other people were there longer than I was. I'm from XXX, IL and I really think a branch should open here. When I started going to XXX 13 some years ago, there were less people living in XXX, XXX and surrounding areas. I've tried to go to XXX, but I find the personnel are friendlier in XXX. What really tears me up is when a person has waited over an hour, and then has to leave because of quitting time for the office. I am interested in knowing when you'll be in my area. I would like to hear all your ideas. I would also like to drive my car in parades representing you. I have a lime green VW bug convertible and it matches your t-shirts!

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Patricia from XXX

 

I am exceedingly glad you are running for the office of Secretary of State!  You will have both my vote and my husband’s because you have a good reputation and record as our State Senator and we know we can trust you will keep your word to correct the current problems with our DMV! The service here in our area is deplorable. The employees at these facilities are impatient, totally indifferent if you have a problem, and, as far as I am concerned, do not care about the people they serve at all!  Both XXX and XXX have some very rude male employees!   Recently, problems with an abstract of my husband’s driving record held up my husband's job application for 3 weeks and nearly cost him the job he was applying for with a local company here in XXX.  My husband is a truck driver of 30 plus years with a clean driving record.  In August of 2005 he took the written and driving test to be able to drive our Church Bus. This endorsement was added to his driving record. However, early this spring, when XXX obtained a copy of the abstract for my husband's driver's license, one of the numbers in the abstract that pertained to this bus driving endorsement appeared under the "Accident or Ticket Number" column in the abstract. This made XXX think my husband was lying on his application about his driving record and had gotten a ticket while driving the church bus last August 2005, instead of the actual fact that he added an endorsement to his license to actually drive the bus on that date! I went to our local DMV to try and straighten this out and was told that this is just the way the state records these things and that the #1 in the "Accident or Ticket Number" column meant that he had just gotten "1" endorsement in August 2005 to drive the Church bus and then they assured me that he had a clean driving record. When I tried again to explain that the people at XXX were not Secretary of State employees and therefore when they read the abstract it looked like it was a ticket and they did not understand that he had a clean driving record, I got told that they were sorry they could not help me, that that was just the way the state recorded things on the abstract. To this day, I do not know if that was the truth, or if there really is a mistake on the abstract and that #1 should not be in the "Accident or ticket number" column after all. Thankfully, the people at XXX were finally able, after 3 weeks of this holding the application up, to obtain satisfactory answers through the main office in xxx to finally satisfy them that the #1 was not a ticket number through whatever channels they work through in a situation like this.  We were very fortunate that XXX chose to try and find its own answers to this problem as most truck driving companies will automatically throw out an application that has a situation like this occur without giving the applicant a chance to prove he's not lying, because most trucking companies always assume the driver is lying when an unreported ticket appears on their record!  As citizens of this state, my husband and I find it very disturbing that when problems like this occur we are just told that this is the way the state does it and other than hiring a lawyer at prices we can't afford and try fighting this in the courts, we have no recourse but to suffer the consequences of the State of Illinois' mistakes!  Make no mistake Senator Rutherford, my husband and I very much want to see you elected and Jesse White replaced!!!!

 

FROM DAN: I am sorry you went through so much. Know that I appreciate your support!

 

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 Debbi from Peoria

 

I appreciate that you are looking at and strategically planning to improve the efficiency of the State of Illinois Drivers License Facilities.

 

Coincidentally, several professional colleagues of mine and I were discussing the current growing inefficiencies of these facilities quite recently. Just in case you are interested, issues we cited that are notable include: non-acceptance of payment cards to pay for services (i.e. both PIN-based and signature-based Debit cards); and the use of cell phones by persons completing a driver's test (we've witnessed this activity and it should be prohibited - these persons could be calling someone else for the answers to the test).

 

FROM DAN: I appreciate the insight. I will look into the concern about cell phone use while testing, it makes no sense to me and I will prohibit their use by individuals taking drivers test. Thank you for the support.

 

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Jeanette from XXX

 

It is about time someone cleans up the drivers’ license division. I cringe every time I have to go there. They are just plain rude. Please start with the XXX Office. Employ people who care. It's not like they are not making a good wage and benefits. As an administrator of the best nursing home in the area I know what good customer service is.  Good luck in your campaign. Dishonesty is what got this division in trouble, but that can be changed and you are the one to do it.

 

If I can help I will.

 

P.S.  I know, put me in charge of that office and I will clean it up for you.

 

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Mark from Naperville

 

Good God!

 

SOS Jesse White has the audacity to criticize your wanting to modernize our Driver's Services Facility by comparing the WI and CA technological improvements in theirs as people in doctor's offices losing their place in line to someone coming in off the street and walking right in ahead of them. You would think hearing him talk about it that it should be causing some violently serious national mayhem and chaos. Gee, how come I've never heard about any of this on my news channel!? No wonder he hasn't wanted to meet with you and discuss his record!

 

You the man, Dan!

 

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Ramiro from XXX

 

Ironically, I just got back from the DMV, XXX Facility, I spent 3 hours waiting, I had a corporate check for $630.00, I wanted to take extra, just in case there would be late charges, fortunately the total bill came to $544.00, meaning that I would receive change of $76.00.

 

UNFORTUNATELY they aren't allowed to give change back. I must now request a check for $544.00 from corporate, have it brought down to our office in XXX, and go to the XXX DMV to get the stickers that we need to get our vehicles back on the road. Oh, and I was going to use my Mastercard debit card, but they only take Discover. I only have my debit card and our corporate credit card is VISA.

 

Voting for Improvements!

 

FROM DAN: Ramiro, help is on the way!

 

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Rex from XXX

 

I just experienced the poor customer service of our Secretary of State's office today. They had locked the doors five minutes early and were not helpful to an elderly lady who showed up late because of the city bus. I helped her get in the exit door and made it a point to get her waited on for a sticker - a process that took about 1 minute!

 

FROM DAN: Rex, first of all you are a good person for assisting a lady. When I hear stories about the lack of customer service attitude from the Secretary of States Office I know it is time for a change. I appreciate your support!

 

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Mike from Saybrook

 

Currently at our household we are never sure whether the vehicle license application will come in the mail or not.  Some do and some don't. In May our pickup truck and trailer came in the mail. Just the other night my wife noticed that our Blazer sticker was out of date, and she had to run and get one the next day.

 

The last time this happened we were told that we should be able to remember that we have to do it every year. Well duh, but why do some show up and others don't?

 

I can see where the reduction in paper and postage use would have some savings, but it should be handled in a consistent way every time.

 

FROM DAN: Please take a look at: License Sticker Renewal Notice not getting Delivered is Unacceptable.

 

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Shrylene from XXX 

 

I applaud your efforts to bring reform and better customer service to the Secretary of State Office Driver's License facility. I personally would like to bring to your attention rude and unfriendly customer service I experienced at the XXX, IL facility. The personnel there are extremely dry, uncordial, and are stuck in the mundane world of routine and horrible customer service.

 

I witnessed customers being cut off, answers to questions delivered with no enthusiasm, and my worst pet peeve, not greeted with general pleasantries (good morning/good afternoon - how may I help you or what can we do for you today) when their number was finally called. If staff is on break, there is no rush to assist customers regardless of the lines. 

 

My overall experience with the XXX, IL Secretary of State's office and staff has been unpleasant and basically horrible. I'm glad I am only forced to go there once a year.

 

Thanks for listening and for your efforts to bring friendlier people and shorter lines to the Secretary of State's offices throughout the state of Illinois, particularly, XXX, IL.

 

FROM DAN: Being a Vice President of a major service company in America, I know that if the front line worker does not treat the customer well, one will not be in business long. Government is different in that the consumer has no choice but to go to the Illinois Secretary of State….you cannot go to Indiana to get you Illinois drivers license. Know that I am aware of what you are speaking. I do believe the employees on the front line want to do a good job, but they are not given the tools or the encouragement from the Secretary of State himself. I will be a hands on Secretary and I will be in those facilities working with the front line, complimenting those employees that do a good job and ‘encouraging’ those that need a bit of encouragement. As my ‘Service Commitment’ say, I will visit every one of the 130 driver services facilities personally my first year in office and set the standard for good customer service!

 

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Dave from Rock Falls

 

I was unaware of the Turner story until your email. His indictment was certainly not covered in area papers. It's interesting he is a Democratic officer, too. You should publicize it more.

 

See Cecil Turner Indicted on the Home Page

 

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Bob from Chicago

 

Last time that I checked, the Secretary of State’s Office in IL employed more people than Massachusetts for less than 1/2 the people. I believe our Secretary of State’s Office employs more than any other Sec. of State office. Small wonder everything but the paycheck is going up. As far as you waiting tables, I'm happy for you. Here’s an idea, cut the Secretary of State’s payroll in half and cut all of my fees from your office in half.

 

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Armando from XXX

 

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the long lines at the Sec. of State's Drivers License offices. I recently renewed my license here in XXX, IL and I too witnessed the terrible long lines and the frustration on both the people waiting and the staff. I know a number of people in the office where I went to renew my license and they were inundated with work. One of those employees, who's name I won't mention, told me of one employee who had a bad personality and they had to deal with her all day. I also witnessed her having to move to three different stations because there were not enough employees there that morning. The lines were long and the faces of the poor people told the whole story of a bad system that is in place at this office. I tell you that if you run on just this issue, " no more lines", you'll get the people voting for you. I certainly will do whatever I can to make sure you get the vote of the people that I know. Thanks again.

 

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Christine from Savanna

 

Thank you for forwarding the information. It has always puzzled me as to why, when we are paying the service fee, we are treated in less than a customer oriented manner.

 

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Kevin from Kenilworth

 

Here's my suggestion for how the office of the Secretary of State

could improve:

 

Allow small business corporate filings (e.g., annual reports,

trademark renewals) to be made over the web instead of with manual

paperwork. While providing better service, that could also eliminate

whole departments of people who print, mail, collect, sort, stamp,

clip, unclip and file this routine paperwork.

 

FROM DAN: I agree 100%.

 

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Leola from Palatine

 

I would like to suggest that offices that issue drivers’ licenses and do eye and driving testing, be better marked so that they are easier to see (especially in high traffic areas). I recently had an accident when I was looking for the drivers license testing facility in XXX.

 

Thank you very much.

 

FROM DAN: I will look into this as SoS.

 

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Bruce from Lemont

 

These people should be all fired. I just had the latest round of ignorance and rudeness I can handle from the Sec. of State. They treat all people like cattle. If you don't understand them, then you are treated like a dog. Although a dog I think is treated with better respect. I needed a title change on a car. It took me over an hour to get a simple title change because I didn't quite have the form filled out correctly. The teller told me to go back and fill in two lines of information and stand in line again after waiting for 30 minutes. She didn't let me fill them in front of her, because I didn't fill it in correctly.

 

I visited a Michigan Sec. of State and it was night and day difference. People were friendly, helpful and courteous!!! What a relief to go to a Sec. of State and have a pleasant experience. 

 

This is not the first incident with the Sec. of State. I look forward to a new man in town.

 

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Joe from Benton

 

I fail to understand why the state does not have license plates and stickers in each office.  The state of Michigan has done this for years.

 

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Jerry from XXX

 

This is a great approach, unique and honest. Something very different in everyday politics. I hope you can get this word out to all the voters of the State.

 

My personal observation in dealing with the SOS office(s), for what it is worth, on a scale of 1-10 in efficiency and promptness, they are about a 7. Not bad for a huge Agency.

 

On the personable, friendly and 'customer relations' level, they are about a 2. On responding to intelligent and pertinent questions asked of personnel and that should be able to be answered for their job level, they are -4.

 

Keep up the good job.  You are one hard working dude and deserve to be elected to this high post!

 

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Ray from New Lenox

 

I totally agree with your assessment and the Secretary of State Office needs to get into the 21 century. Usage of technology should be a major focus as it will assist in providing better customer service and keep labor costs down.

 

I would also like to add that the culture at the facilities should be the same across the board, I know this can be tough with employee with years of service and unions, however, there is a great disparity in service between the facilities.  XXX facility is one of the worst in providing service and no comparison to those in XXX or XXX.

 

Good Luck in November.

 

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Tim from Kankakee   

 

The following call appeared in the July 21, 2006 "Speakout Section" of the Daily Journal in Kankakee:

 

"If you ordered collegiate license plates thinking that you were going to help your alma mater out, you are in for a rude awakening.

 

It costs $40 more than regular plates to get them, plus $25 extra to renew.  The money is supposed to go to the colleges for a scholarship, but guess what?

 

Gov. Blagojevich has stolen the money from the fund and Secretary of State Jesse White has done nothing about it.  You better save your money if you plan a charity plate again because the governor will just steal it."

 

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Charlie from xxxx 

I went before the weekend to renew my sticker and that on the car my son drives. The computer at the currency exchange would not allow me to do so, however. It pumped out an explanation that both tags were already renewed. No they're not - and I'm the only one who can renew them - sole owner of both cars. I figured I would call today...but both the general number and the local facility number I have tried to call have been busy all day. Fortunately, I have the printout in my car so if I get stopped, I'm covered there. But how much would you like to wager that when I finally do get through to SecState they want to charge me a late fee - after they wouldn't let me renew. Man, this is the worst run that office has ever been in my lifetime. Go out there and win, baby! We're all counting on you to fix the problems.

 

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Daniel from xxxx

This suggestion is not limited to the Secretary of State's office, but to others throughout the state. I am a federal agent and investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in the Department of Defense.  Although my recommendation will only save a small sum, I believe we should be responsible citizens and civic leaders and be frugal with the tax dollars that we collect each year.

I recommend that there will be no signage that reflects the name of any state official on state buildings and elsewhere. Every time a new elected official enters office new signs have been painted or purchased. This is a waste of hard earned tax dollars!

I see the names of state representatives on signs that welcome travelers into Illinois and of course most prominently at the Secretary of State’s offices throughout the state. It would be a small savings, but a savings just the same. For now all it does is provide name recognition for both parties.

Tell me what you think.

 

FROM DAN: I tend to agree with you.

 

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Cindy from Libertyville

For those of us who work, and to reduce the traffic flow on Saturdays, have the Secretary of State’s office open 1 or 2 evenings a week.

 

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Charlotte from Pontiac

In 1983 my sister, XXX, her husband, XXX, her daughter, XXX and her son XXX were all killed in a car accident involving a person who was driving and was not taking his epilepsy medication. I wish there was a way to inform people how dangerous it is to drive under strong medicine or without taking the right medicine. I will gladly help you get this message out anyway I can.  In their memory I would like to make people aware. 

 

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Harold from Carterville

Take a look at the existing auto registration renewal paperwork. I never did figure out for sure how to prepare the return envelope to send back. Rather than all of that hassle, I would have rather provided my own envelope if the SOS office provided a peel off return label.

I was getting angrier at the SOS office the longer I tried to figure out the envelope. If they are going to use them they should be explained and they should work reliably.

Thank you and good luck.

 

FROM DAN: I have heard this from many.

 

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Catherine from XXX

As an Occupational Therapist, I have serious concerns about measuring the true abilities for people to remain on the road. While many elderly are safe, as are some who have suffered strokes or brain injuries, there are many who are impaired in judgment, cognitive skills and reaction times to be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. My community is known as one where anyone can pass the exam. This leads to serious threats to safety. I have had to report a number of people for not being safe to operate a vehicle, only to find that they passed the test. One particular person was reported by his own family, only to get no reinforcement from the police. I feel there should be more standardized testing to determine safety and I feel my profession is a place to start. Occupational Therapists work to determine visual, visual/perceptual, cognitive, performance skills, reaction times and safety operating vehicles. 

I recommend addressing reform in this area.

 

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William from Bolingbrook

Dear Dan,

What is preventing the SOS from establishing an internet store front where you can do everything at your fingertips? Anything from address changes to vehicle and tag registrations, and everything in between? 

On those occasions where an appearance must be made (testing, etc), an online scheduling feature should be provided, giving the most convenient location and available appointment times.

I realize the initial cost of putting together an internet package of this type could be costly. However the savings earned within a very short time would more than compensate that cost. 

The costs of online transaction processing are pennies per hundreds, if not thousands, of transactions. All told, what is the cost per transaction for an individual to come to a facility? How much manpower?  How much wait time? How much bureaucracy?

The savings in revenue could be put to very good use, like adding manpower and new technology to the Illinois State Police.

If the IRS can go to digital, I certainly hope the Illinois SOS office could do the same.

I challenge you to bring the Illinois SOS office into the 21st century.

 

FROM DAN: William, you are taking a page out on my book….I agree with you 100%. Please take a look at my ‘Service Commitment’ to drivers.

 

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Scott from Champaign

Dan,

I've read your white paper and LOVE the ideas. I'd like to expand on one of them: The license plate sticker renewal process.  Currently the process does accept electronic payment, but there is a surcharge that is ludicrous. Your ideas of web-based renewal, coupled with online payment via credit card, Pay Pal or other online bill payment services should lower the cost of doing business and therefore should not require a surcharge for electronic payment. Plus, the people who currently have to process the U.S. mail renewals could be reassigned to other areas that need the personal touch. So even if the credit card companies or online bill payment services skim a service charge off the top the SoS office should still be able to reduce costs and offer better service without losing revenue.  And the people of Illinois win too. THANK YOU for bringing common sense and new technology to this office. I will definitely support you!

 

FROM DAN: Scott, thanks for the support….your comments on the credit card surcharge hits the nail on the head. 85% of the driver’s facilities DO NOT take anything but cash or check. It ‘costs’ money to handle cash, let alone the invitation for problems with so much cash in so many centers with so much corruption going on now. It really is time to move this Secretary of State into the next generation of technology!

 

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ROBERT from Rolling Meadows
 

How about not issuing drivers’ licenses and or license plates when they are due for renewal unless you have insurance. I am tired of paying for these dead beats that do not have insurance. If they drop their insurance, have it mandatory to notify the state and pull their privileges. Mortgage companies insist on it and monitor it on your home insurance!

 

FROM DAN: I realize the current Secretary of State has been lacks in this area. I WILL put uninsured motorists high on my agenda once sworn into office.

 

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Paul from Peoria

If you are elected, will I have to look at 7 or 8 pictures of you every time I enter a State license facility?

 

FROM DAN: I get your point and I agree that 7 or 8 photos of an elected official is too much. I do know that when one must stand (or sit in a cold plastic chair) for hours waiting for service in a Secretary of State’s Office, they do not want the one responsible for the mess to have a smiling photo looking at them that long!

 

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Michael from Elgin

One of the problems that I have either encountered personally, or have been witness to, is the attitude of a lot of the workers in SoS. Some of them are offensive in the way they talk to people. They show little or no patience evidenced by their sharp tongue and facial expressions.

I don't know if it's because they are disgruntled or underpaid or what ever else could cause this. When dealing with people from all walks of life there has to be some patience and compassion. That doesn't mean putting up with abusive customers; it just means not being abusive yourself. How will you address this type of attitude?

 

FROM DAN: To start with, I will personally go to every one of the Driver Services Facilities my first year in office (regular visits after that). I will be behind the counter serving customers. I will ask them how we are doing, I will thank those employees that are doing a good job and I will ‘encourage’ those that need some help. I believe the front line SoS employees want to do a good job, but are not given the tools or shown appreciation from the top.

 

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Mike from Champaign

If the local drivers license facility were run like a private sector business it would be out of business within a year. I would guesstimate that 75% of the employees act like they don't even want to be there.  There is a handful that are pleasant to deal with but I've stood in line while some employees just talk to other employees. AND where are the smiles in these places??? I mean geez once in a blue moon you would think someone would at least smile and greet you with a Good Day!!!

It's a good thing I'm not in charge of these places or a lot of employees would be looking for employment elsewhere. It is a service branch!!!!

 

FROM DAN: Help is on the way!

 

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Tom from Pontiac

 

It may be a minor point but our children are more important and an ear of corn or a widget. To the present Sec. of State they are not! My point is school bus exams of drivers in Illinois are far less restrictive for safety than a DOT for objects. One with diabetes or a heart condition not controlled can drive children but not corn. The Secretary of State's Office says it is up to one's doctor, but honestly, few know SOS or DOT directives and a family doctor will pass a patient to avoid an unhappy patient.

Please protect our children. Don't let a headline read "Driver has heart attack and many children die”

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Rosalie from East Alton

I do hope you change the Secretary of State's way of doing business.  While you are at it, maybe you can encourage the workers at these facilities to get some manners and personality. They are the rudest and sourest looking people in IL government. A smile and simple hello would be nice. The office does need an overhaul.

 

FROM DAN: As I have said, I will personally go to every one of the Driver Services Facilities my first year in office (regular visits after that). I will be behind the counter serving customers. I will thank those employees that are doing a good job and I will ‘encourage’ those that need some help. I believe the front line SoS employees want to do a good job, but are not given the tools or shown appreciation from the top.

 

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Barb from Montgomery

Mr. Rutherford,
Recently I renewed my drivers license. I needed to take the written test. While I was taking my test, others taking the same test were cheating using an "open book" used to review for drivers’ testing. When I asked at the corner if it was open book testing, they said no and looked up and had the three people shut their books- in my eyes they should have been asked to leave and come on another testing day. Now we have people driving our roads that had to cheat to get their license. Thank you for your time and asking my opinion.

 

FROM DAN: I agree with your thinking.

 

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Joan from Oak Brook

Congratulations! You are making good reform plans. Constructive ideas to better serve the citizens of IL. The computer information is only as good as the person feeding the computers. SOS Program Training is desperately needed and if there was an incentive for the clerks to do things correctly - and the Springfield office hire some brain power - well, that would be a win-win proposition! You are headed in the right direction - my ballot is marked for you.

 

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Megan from XXX

Dan-
  I think it is great you are running for Secretary of State; Jesse's time has come to retire for sure!  I just wanted to suggest one thing. Take a look at how Iowa does licensing and registration. They are able to print titles and registration cards right in their office. This would definitely speed things up in Springfield. I don't hear any complaints about how Iowa handles their title and licensing. I hear about IL being bad, slow, & out of date all the time and I have to call constantly because they have screwed things up. I work for our family car dealership and I handle the tax and titling. Even the Department of Revenue is a mess sometimes. I really hope that you win and fix things within the Secretary of State’s Office. You have my vote!

Now what are we gonna do about that Rod Blagojevich raising all them darn fees?  He is making things difficult for us small dealers. Also if you do win could you lower the fees for titles, registration transfers, and plates?  Oh and make personalized plates free again at the time of vehicle purchase, I hear about that one all the time too?! I mean people already pay 6.25% tax on the purchase price; we could at least lower the title and licensing fees. Also in Iowa the sales tax on vehicle purchases is lower than the normal rate. It is 5% for vehicle sales and 7% for everything else. I think that is a great idea, makes people happier that the state isn't being so greedy. Okay, well I have written this huge thing so I will end here. GOOD LUCK!!

 

FROM DAN: Thank you for the kind words. As to the fees issue and Rod Blagojevich, I could not agree with you more…it is wrong what he did. Please visit http://www.committeeforlegislativeaction.org/ and you will see how we are putting up the good fight!

 

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Paul from Chicago

I agree with your service statement about the Secretary of State. I believe that with the available technologies you can easily add important safety features to the process like security that can also be applied to credit card. At the same time you can simplify the jobs of law enforcement personnel and make them safer. This can be accomplished using technology that is now available for business to use. 

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Brenda from XXX

Dan,
Good luck in November!

My complaint is that at our local SOS office the employees have NO ID on them! We, the taxpayers, do NOT know their names. They don't introduce themselves; they just holler for you when it is your turn. They talk so loudly that everyone in the facility can hear every word that they speak. There are some things that the general public just doesn't need to know about another citizen's business. I think that privacy and common courtesy needs much improvement in the XXX office! The office is cluttered with posters! On arrival into the facility you are not made to feel welcome; you are quickly made aware that you are an inconvenience to their day! I was just there in June and the system by which you are called to the counter had changed since my last visit and of course NONE of the employees gave any instruction on the "new" procedure of signing in on a sheet of paper and listing the time of your arrival; that information was ONLY passed on to each new customer by the customers waiting in line! The waiting line is long!  The employees should be knowledgeable in the rules of the SOS so that they don't have to routinely ask each other "Is this right?"

I am looking forward to your election in November and new employees in the XXX Office with name tags, smiles, manners, and KNOWLEDGE of the SOS rules! GOOD LUCK TO YOU IN NOVEMBER!

 

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Susan from Elk Grove Village

How about offering more hours at the Secretary of State’s Office (maybe weekends and more evenings) AND teaching those workers that with a little bit politeness, those signs of no cursing or you will be arrested can be removed. You need to take a day off of work to get your drivers license renewed in XXX. We now renew our licenses at the State Fair, where the people are polite, no lines and the hours are also on the weekends.

 

FROM DAN: Please take a look at my ‘Service Commitment’ to drivers.

 

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Jan from Sheldon

Hey this reform of the Secretary of State's Office is great, BUT HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST THE TAXPAYER???????????  Cost reductions in license, title, transfer, or other fees means more to the average struggling to stay alive person than some grand, glorious plan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

FROM DAN: I cannot guarantee lowering the fees, because I do not believe I can deliver, especially not that Rod Blagojevich and Jesse White and increased them and found ways to spend the money, but what I will commit to you is that I will not be silent when fee increases are looked to be increased!

 

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Joyce from Lena

 

Dear Mr. Rutherford,

I was very excited to see your statement.  You are SO right on!! If the driver's facilities were actually private businesses they would be out of business in 6 months. I would like to run for President because everyone has a right to my opinion!!!  :-)  Your website seemed to invite it... so here it is... excuse any typos and errors... I have to be out the door to work 5 minutes ago!  (I am available for consultation ;)  

*******ASIDE:  SOS is right!  THEY NEED HELP URGENTLY!!!!!!!!!!!*****

In XXX they, drivers’ facility, just moved to a new location. It's been coming, so I thought it would be better. It's WORSE!!! Even the physical facilities suck!  (excuse my French) It appears smaller (maybe it's not... but it FEELS much smaller). The waiting area looks like a seated jury!  And the service desk is like a stage.  It is so embarrassing to go up to the desk and get waited on. There is nothing else for the people waiting to do, with their little numbers in hand, but to watch the show on the stage. I just was there to get stickers (my fault... waited too long) but I can't imagine how bad it would feel if you were there about a DUI or a personal issue... or a 16 year old getting their first license. 

I'm a registered nurse and deal with confidentiality policies all the time (including HIPPA)... and I can't believe we have no privacy there... not one drop... everyone can hear every word, and like I said... I was just there for an overdue sticker!

And they NEVER have enough help there... the phone rings constantly and people who are already waiting on others have to answer it.  (MESSAGE: you are not important... the phone is... we're sooo busy, what the heck do YOU want!) 

The employees are stretched too thin... at least the times I've been there. Why not a receptionist... out in the WAITING ROOM... people sign in... even just a first name, but not a number. It's not that hard to remember that Sarah is the girl in the green t-shirt and Marvin is the guy with the Bears hat, even if there are 12-16 people. She ANSWERS the phone (and the phone should be less important than the customers that have dressed and driven out to their location IN PERSON... that's why God invented HOLD buttons and voice mail... "We're sorry for the inconvenience, but our staff is assisting another customer.... yadda, yadda...  but you are also important to us and we want to be able to give you the attention you deserve ... please leave a message and we'll call you back, or press 2 to continue to hold...”) and handles stickers and the instant things...  maybe orders supplies... have a down time list of duties (the fast lane stuff)  It could be a much lower paying job (maybe a contracted worker, no benefits... save money) and free up the regulars for the other stuff... SUPPORT STAFF PERSON.

And darn... give the staff cubicles or something... even if it's just a divider at the counters and extending into the customer's side to give them a feeling of insulation or separation from the next guy and just MAYBE the feeling that for that particular minute, the SOS rep is waiting on them... and only them.  And that their issue and service need has their full attention and actually means something!   DO you know how much it costs us to license/register etc. our households 6 vehicles and 2 motorcycles?  (That's another subject... but how about a letter with sticker & license renewals that tells us taxpayers where all that money goes and what benefits it supplies to US???  I haven't a clue... other than pay for awful facilities and harried staff).

It would have to be less stressful on the employees too!!!  Rather than a jury watching their every move and having to herd people through like cattle! No wonder I feel like an annoyance rather than a customer. DAMN... they work for ME... I (and thousands, millions) like me pay their wages. 

And most importantly... customer evaluations maybe triggered every so many customers... even every 100 or 1000... mailed directly to their address with the standard "we care about you, what you think and want to improve our service... yadda yadda..." 

Thanks... I'd be glad to help out in my area...  even a couple of signs... I have 2 properties... one right on XXX.

 

FROM DAN: thanks

 

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Paul, in response to Dan in WLS Radio with Eileen Byrne

 

Good interview. Time well spent. Your personality came through loud and clear.

 

As one of the callers demonstrated, we are not as intellectual as a society as we used to be. Therefore it is incumbent upon candidates to communicate some sense of who they are directly to the voters.

 

You did a fine job. Despite the distortions and spin doctoring of the drive-by media, people like to hear positive remarks and specific plans. "You either stand for something or fall for everything." It's refreshing to hear someone like yourself provide a thoughtful, structured, positive solution to problems, rather than the phony baloney rhetoric of most politicians in the opposing camp.

 

Keep up the good work. We have a long road to restoring credibility in government. I wish you continued success.

 

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Bill from Glendale Heights

 

Mr. Rutherford,

 

You can count on me to fully support your election to Secretary of State.

 

If I may be so bold as to suggest one approach to the campaign. It bothers me immensely that Jesse White uses and spends taxpayer’s money printing his name boldly on every document from that office. It is nothing but a full time election campaign at the taxpayers’ expense. And then they increase registration fees on everything to make up for the??? budget needs.

 

I suspect millions of dollars could be saved by printing uniform documents that are applicable to continued use whoever is in office.

 

His girlfriend(s) and his tumbling team may be nice, but they should not be getting tax dollars to support them. I understand both have received tax dollars.

 

GOOD LUCK. WE WILL BE WORKING FOR YOU.

 

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Christine from XXX

 

This issue touches close to home.  As you know I live in XXX.  When I have to go to the Driver Services Facility here, I do experience the darker side of my personality.  I always try to do any Secretary of State business when I am in XXX.  Does the State have customer service inspectors who pretend to be normal citizens and just observe what goes on in a facility?  What about a time stamped, computerized, door to door evaluation?  If you can solve this issue, could you send your ideas to the U.S. Post Office, because there is a reason why they call it going POSTAL.

 

I greatly appreciated that you do not criticize without offering your own ideas for improvement.  I am not just looking for someone else, but the RIGHT candidate for the job.

 

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Linda from Bloomington

 

I listen to WJBC going to work each morning. I heard you speak about your proposed changes to Driver Services Facilities. Good Ideas!!!!!! 

 

Go for it. I don't know why no one else thought of these ideas. Please continue with WJBC in the 7:00-7:30 A.M. slot. Keeps people in touch and good PR.

 

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Dan from Rock Island

 

Dear Dan,

 

The commercial license endorsements shouldn’t be so expensive. The employees need some relaxing music or longer vacations. They have a bad attitude toward foreigners. My African friend, “Kur”, and I went and they weren’t very cooperative.

 

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Jack from Downers Grove

 

Follow through on the missing state funds from Jesse White and his girlfriend, who was then director of a new state training program. She and the funds left the state.

 

No state driver’s license for non-citizens.

 

There should be jail time and fines for anyone who hides or gives work to non-citizens.

 

Open up a heliport or some air field near the Loop. The loss of Meigs Field is a state loss to all the citizens. For first responders and medical staff, a Loop air service is needed.

 

Pass a state law that limits television commercial time for those elected and those seeking office. The current television commercials for the governor are not necessary. Thirty days before a state election should be the limit. No commercials should be allowed after an election. Limit time-it’s one sided and unfair.

 

Thank you.

 

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 Martha, in response to Dan in WLS Radio with Eileen Byrne

 

Excellent and entertaining broadcast while at the same time informative!  I really will be surprised though if Sec'y. White actually agrees to debate you. He may feel that it would give your campaign too much acknowledgment and indeed, with your current level of broadcast experience, he may be afraid of winding up the way R. Nixon did once.

 

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Diane from DuPage County

 

I went to the S.O.S for stickers last Wednesday and was shocked. No air conditioning, the room at over 85F, and very crowded. I returned today, Friday, and they had the same thing but fans that barely worked.

 

If stores like Target or Jewel had this, they would be out of business! If you don't believe me, go to the Naperville S.O.S and see for yourself. I feel sorry for the workers too who are there 8 hrs plus!  White better put more concern on this than his tumblers. What is your opinion? Mine is not very worker or customer friendly indeed.

 

FROM DAN: I agree with you 100%.

 

I have understood the value of good customer service since I began waiting tables in my mom and dad's pizza restaurant in third grade. As an adult I have continued that service mentality with my work for 20 years with the ServiceMaster Company, one of the world's largest service companies.

I believe that people should expect good customer service from their government, as well as private sector businesses. In Illinois, the Secretary of State's Office touches more 'customers', on an annual basis, than any other agency. It is a service business and I do not believe that it is performing well.

I, also, do not believe it is appropriate to criticize an incumbent office holder's performance without offering one's own solutions. For that reason, I issued my 'Service Commitment' White Paper, where I lay out a positive plan for reforming the Driver Services Facilities. I am offering the people of Illinois solutions to the routine frustrations of poor service from their Secretary of State's office: long lines, snafus, lost records and wasted time and money.

The technology exists today to move the Illinois Secretary of State's Office into a customer responsive, efficient operation, but it will take a leader with vision, service passion and drive to get it done. I believe I am that leader.

Please view my 'Service Commitment', my plan for reforming the Driver Services Facilities

 

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Kelly, from xxxx

 

NOTE: This is a copy of a letter Kelly sent to me, having sent it to the SoS

 

To the office of Sec. of State

 

You must have the most difficult forms, envelopes, etc., for renewal fees on licensing vehicles in the country.  I tried to pay my trailer fee at our local bank and they could not do it.  Trying to send it in on your own proves even more time consuming and difficult than running to a local office if the envelopes were not properly opened upon receiving your notice.

 

Last year you did not send notices out and you racked in millions of dollars from tickets issued from law enforcement.  Which we did not receive any benefits such as lowering our renewal rates!  Now this year you’re changing the dates in which trailer renewal fees are due and will probably try to charge late fees on top of them to good honest tax paying citizens.  I will see if the comes to pass and I’m NOT physic!!!!

 

I hope your office handles my own envelope addressed to you to take care of my license renewal and fee.  Should I be faced with some sort of late fee or ticket I will be sure to have a copy of this letter showing I did try in plenty of time to work with your office.

 

Sincerely,

Kelly xxx

 

FROM DAN: Please see http://www.danrutherford.org/tafees.asp and it will be clear what Kelly is writing to Jesse White about!

 

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Larry from xxxx

 

Dan, first of all I want to tell you I support you in your

endeavor for becoming our next Secretary of State. I am a volunteer fireman amongst other things; however some of my closest friends are xxx.

I talked with them at length about the shortcomings of the current administration and I could not believe what I was hearing! Did you know that after losing their building on S. 11th Street in the recent tornado, a local realtor called the Chief of Staff and got the inside track on showing properties for a new location? I didn't know that is how leases are done through the office. I thought the process was supposed to fair? I hope you keep an eye on this kind of stuff when you get elected.

Will you be involved in the overall responsibilities of your office if elected? It doesn't appear Jesse knows anything that is going on, as his Chief of Staff is running things. Of course, he gave his wife a high paying job investigating identity theft in the Chicago area. Oh yeah, by the way she has no experience or business taking a job away from a qualified police officer. I just hope she doesn't want to be a fireman too!

I sure hope they don't move the Capitol to Chicago; then they would all move to Springfield!

 

FROM DAN: Larry thanks for the support; if this is true on the leases, it is just wrong! I will be directly involved with the office as SoS, I will not be distant, and I will office in Springfield!!

 

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Sean from xxx

 

In 2004 I purchased a truck that was exempt from sales tax as it was of a certain size and I plated it commercially.  This exemption is no longer available in Illinois.  As commercial plates are more expensive I asked the Illinois Department of Revenue what tax I would owe should I wish to plate it as a B plate.  I was told that the State of Illinois has no tax interest in my vehicle (see below email).  When I went to the xxxx Secretary of State's office to get the new plate I was told that I needed to first satisfy my tax status with the Illinois Department of Revenue.  When I showed the Secretary of State employee the below email from the IDOR they proceeded to issue my plates.  When I asked "Why don't you know this information already" I was informed that they are instructed to tell people to contact the IDOR.  When I asked what most people do I was told "They just pay the commercial rate".  I find this practice by the Secretary of State's office to be very deceptive and thought I would pass this on.

 

FROM DAN: I REALLY appreciate this heads up, it is deceptive....As SoS I will rectify the way it is being done!!  

 

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Marsha from Onarga

Each State of IL employee must be held to a specific high standard of conduct and service. This must be monitored closely.  Consequences must be immediately and swiftly administered when this does not happen.  Everyone who walks into any State of IL agency should be treated in a polite, courteous, professional, respectful and timely manner. State employees have the right to be treated the same by the general public and yes with consequences when they are not. (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.) 
GOD BLESS AND HAVE A GREAT FUTURE!

 

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George from Le Roy

Senator Rutherford,
I am so pleased with the announcement of your candidacy for the office of SOS. My dealings with you and your office in the past support the commitment and honesty so often not found in today's politicians. I strongly support you and will do all I can to assist in your election. This state needs you and once the citizens see you and get to know that you are just as common as they are your election is a win for all. I recently received a disability ID card from the SOS and it was a long affair lasting over 3 hours waiting to get my picture and new card. I was not the only one in the long wait, as several others were for less time consuming issues. I feel the SOS offices have lost the "personal" touch when it comes to dealing with people. We all pay taxes and with that, the state employees wages. I have always felt that one should be treated with respect at all times and it is not happening at the SOS level of government. I strongly feel the employees who work for SOS should be screened and randomly investigated by other employees of the SOS to weed out the bad apples and bring back common courtesy to everyone. There are a few employees who intimidate the citizens and that in turn causes them to fail on various exams, whether driving or written. Let's see some compassion and understanding at the local level and bring back the blue blazers to identify one as a member of the SOS office. They should be proud and considerate of the citizens, not try to belittle them and cause them to fail.

 

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Jack from Minonk

I am pleased with the new requirement for more hours of behind the wheel driving for Teens. I still believe the Teenage driver’s license should include the contact information of the parents. Also the registration should contain a place for the owner to write in contact information, such as cell number. I believe Police should be encouraged to notify vehicle owners and parents when they stop a driver doing something ridiculous that any parent or owner would want to know, such as driving 20 miles or more over the speed limit, reckless driving, and squealing tires. I believe Libertarian principles should not apply to someone abusing their driving privileges while under age or using a borrowed vehicle. A parent or owner often does not know what is really going on once the vehicle is down the road out of sight.

 

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Debra from Champaign

I have a question. Do non-citizens have to take a driver's education course to get a driver's license? I have personally witnessed people in the driver's facility who cannot speak or read English (hence cannot read road signs) and have taken no driving classes, applying for a license. This is madness. I'd be grumpy, too, if I had to deal with this day in and day out.

 

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Beverly from Decatur

Return the "drop off" service to the SOS office for renewals. The previous SOS allowed businesses with multiple renewals to drop them off. When the clerks had a slow period, they would do the dropped off envelopes. When finished, the business was called to pick them up.  This makes good sense. No one likes to be in line behind someone with twenty or thirty renewals! 

I was in the SOS office last week to renew 18 vehicles. There was one clerk working the renewal desk and a long line. The man being waited on was there a long time and the people in line were beginning to get "testy". I assumed he had multiple renewals. I didn't want anyone behind me to know I had 18 of them! I finally got my turn and let two people go ahead of me, then took my turn. I saw no reason for the situation. The drop off service would have made all those people in line a little happier.

 

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Jill from East Peoria

I was surprised during a recent trip to the DMV by the actual appearance of several DMV employees - lots of piercings coming from the nose, eyebrows, tongue, etc., and tattoos. I know everyone is into expressing themselves and some reading this will take me to task for "judging by appearance." But, in the great majority of businesses today, employees' appearance is regarded highly because the employees are representing the employer, in this case the State of Illinois. I've worked for several employers over the years, and the general rule has been that you can have all the piercings you want but don't wear them when you are on company time (exception being for earrings in the earlobes). Many employers also allow tattoos, but they must be covered when you are at work. Since the DMV employees are representing the State of Illinois, I think they should look more professional when they are on the job. If they look more professional, perhaps they will feel more professional and not be so casual about their jobs.

 

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Commercial Truck License Renewal Deadline Looms:

Rutherford Questions Secretary of State Backlog

 

Springfield, IL – Senator Dan Rutherford, Republican candidate for Secretary of State, called on Jesse White to make public the number of commercial truck license renewal applications that were received in his office in a timely manner, but were not be processed by the expiration deadline of June 30.

Click here to read the full statement

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Cindy from Springfield

 

I have another suggestion for Dan ... don't know if he's brought up renewal dates or not for license plates BUT, I know by working with some constituents in the state over the last 10 years sometimes renewal forms DO slip through the cracks and so now with the penalty going directly to the person needing the plates, I would like to suggest that the renewal be on their BIRTHDAY.  Just like their driver's license.  I think people would remember easier if they had a date to remember it by other than when they purchased their vehicle.  Perhaps a pro-rate type fee schedule could be enacted if you are actually buying a car other than the month you were born.  I believe other states do this and I think if then they can't remember to renew it they would have no one but their selves to blame and not blink too much by paying the late penalty fee. 

 

Also, I would like to see the county in which we live on the license plate somewhere.  I believe it could be very beneficial to the police in monitoring "goings on" of vehicles frequenting areas where the vehicle is from an entirely different area.

 

FROM DAN: Cindy, I like your idea of license plate renewal on birthdate. As SoS I will look into it….need to think through those that are not  ‘persons’, but corporations…something to think through.

 

As to input on the County on plates, let me discuss with law enforcement and get their thoughts…..appreciate the input!

 

 

Tim from Bloomington

 

Hi, Dan

 

Don't over-think it ... corporations and other business entities have "birthdates" - the filing date with the Secretary of State.  New businesses start up every week, so these would be distributed throughout the year.

From Dan to Tim

 You are right and I agree!! I am sure Cindy appreciates you helping add clarity.

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Senator Dan Rutherford today released the following statement regarding the admission of Jesse White that he has receives cash gifts from his employees in the Secretary of State’s Office. Rutherford, who is the Republican Candidate for Secretary of State, said he does not accept cash gifts now from any of his employees and will continue that policy as Secretary of State.

White admitted accepting gifts to Chicago Sun-Times Columnist Mark Brown

Read Full Statement

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Ron from Pontiac

My daughter did not receive her sticker renewal form. She has moved twice in the last year, and each time changed her address for her drivers’ license. When I asked the clerk at the SOS, they said they don't use the same name & address database as the drivers’ license.  You have to send two changes of address forms to the SOS. I would think a single database could serve both the driver license and sticker renewal.

 

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Lyn from Oak Park

I would like to suggest that the double jeopardy law for out of state speeding tickets be reviewed. Recently my son received a ticket in 2004 for speeding in Indiana. While on vacation with his father this April, a state trooper also stopped him for speeding 1-10 miles over the speed limit. Rather than having to travel back to both states, we paid the tickets to the respective states and thought because we had made restitution, they would be cleared. Earlier in the month, he received a letter, only 5 days prior to the effective date, of license suspension and he would be losing his license for 6 months. Because Illinois did not profit from the tickets, he lost his job as he needed his license for driving as he was a delivery driver. Not only does he lose his job, but the state now losses taxes on his wages, the economy will lose profits from retail sales that he would create in spending his wages, as well as sales and federal taxes the state would have gained from those purchases. Interestingly enough, those getting DUIs can regain their privileges by appearing in court after a couple months. Somehow this doesn't seem fair.  He didn't commit a criminal driving offense in the vehicle, but a traffic infraction, based upon the subjective judgment of the state police. It has also been documented that troopers target out of state cars for this purpose, knowing people will not return to appear for their court dates. According to the information on the notice from the Secretary of State of Illinois, you can talk to the hearing officer, but this really just is to surrender the license and file paperwork to be "considered" for a driving permit for the purpose of school and work. The hearing officer informed him that she would submit the paperwork, but it will sit until someone at the State of Illinois got around to manually processing the application. It is sad and disturbing that this can continue to occur. After all...now the State of Illinois will stop profiting on many levels of income because of suspending the privilege of driving. I would ask you for your consideration in changing this law and assistance in returning this privilege to all drivers in our state that have honestly made restitution, rather than returning to the state of the infraction for a court date. Just because the ticket was paid, does it really mean someone is guilty??? In most cases, the fine is paid out of convenience, not that the incident really occurred. Thank you.

 

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Mike from XXX

I am a friend and supporter of Dan's from XXX.  On a personal note I am just reinforcing that the service from the Secretary of State is atrocious. I applied for a registration renewal online which should take less than a week. I have not received it yet and it has been over a month. I visited a facility in XXX----sloppily dressed employees, a million signs and banners on the walls (but no order to the visual mess), no clear order of work flow. I waited an hour for a simple driver's license renewal. There is plenty of ammunition out there in the service category to attack Jesse White.

 

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Kenton from xxx

Every person with a backbone, a brain and who are tired of being treated like an inconvenience every time they deal with SOS Vote for Dan Rutherford for Secretary of State in November. There are many retired (such as I) and current SOS employees that know where the skeletons are buried. We also know how to fix the problems and are not afraid to expose the cold hard facts and incompetent administrators. I can attest to the fact that when I deal with SOS I receive extraordinary assistance because I still have contacts in the office and I know when people are trying to blow me off or baffle me with BOVINE SCAT. Every citizen should get the same treatment without having to "know someone" in the office.

I am not FRIGHTENED to sign my true name as I and people like me are going to help DAN RUTHERFORD in anyway possible make this place operate as it should.

If you want to help, contact the campaign at DANRUTHERFORD@DANRUTHERFORD.ORG

Lets make Dan’s Election effort a reality.

 

FROM DAN: Kenton, Wow, I feel you energy and appreciate your passion….I will be the next SoS and do a good job, with your help!

 

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Jeffrey from West Chicago

I met you when you attended Peter Roskam's gathering over at the Medinah CC.  I am an insurance agent with XXX Insurance with an office in XXX, Illinois. 

Illinois is supposed to be a mandatory insurance state and when a person goes to renew their license, and then the Secretary of State's offices should be more regimented in checking as to whether an individual has active insurance.

I have seen our company pay out many claims because the adverse doesn't have coverage. 

I know that you will do the right things if elected which is why I will work to support you in my area.

Thank you, and best wishes with your running for Secretary of State.

 

FROM DAN: Jeffrey, than you, very much for the encouragement!!

 

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Jeannette from Alton

 

I am 86 years old and would like to share some thoughts and feelings with Dan that I hope he will be able to put in place "when he is elected Secretary of State".

 

 A couple of weeks ago my daughter took me to the drivers' license station in XXX to get my expired driver's license replaced with an identification card. (In my ignorance I thought that would involve stating my purpose, given a form to fill out, a picture taken, and voila, a new card. WRONG!!!!!! I signed my name on a sheet listing order of arrival at the office. Told her what I needed and was told to take a seat. (No form or information forthcoming.) I sat for a whole hour. The person whose name was just before mine was called to the counter. Fifteen minutes later they were still filling out form or forms and I was sitting with nothing. I had to be back in XXX to teach a class within a half an hour so I got up and left at that time. Yes, I still feel my time is valuable, and if I am committed to teach I will be there resenting that the Drivers' license station was so poorly run, with employees walking here and there, looking at this and that like they weren't sure what they were doing or should do next; talking to other staff members (about business? Who knows?) It was absolutely disgraceful. So I sincerely hope one of your goals as Secretary of State will be to improve operational standards in the offices. Need I say I still do not have my identification card and do not know when I will have another opportunity to go there again because I have to depend upon someone else to take me there? (Waste of someone else's time?)

 

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Aaron from Rockford

 

I heard you on WLS this morning and you sounded fantastic, very high-energy, original and straightforward. Wanted to let you know in case it lends to your confidence in announcing your new candidacy.

 

FROM DAN: Thanks for words, I do like radio and enjoy being on WLS with Eileen Byrne. As to energy, you are right and that is just what I will bring to the Office of SOS.

 

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Kathleen from West Chicago

 

SOS has quite a robust website, compared to the other branches.  I would like to see more opportunity to renew driver's licenses, change title information, etc. online with a check or credit card.  Under no circumstances should illegal immigrants be granted the opportunity to be issue state driver's licenses.  Citizens of this country should be afforded some rights over that of illegal citizens.

 

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ILLINOIS COLLEGE FUND SWEPT

 

Rutherford Criticizes Current SoS for Standing by while Governor Raids College Fund

 

Republican Secretary of State Candidate Dan Rutherford criticized current Secretary of State Jesse White for standing by while Governor Rod Blagojevich raided the Illinois State College Fund, a fund that White promotes Illinois residents support by purchasing collegiate license plates.

Read Press Release

 

Source: The State uses more than $81,000 from College Fund Bloomington Pantagraph

 

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Illinois: License Plate Sticker Penalty Nets $4 Million
Illinois raises $4 million with a $20 fee imposed on those who forget to renew auto registration. State forgets to send out renewal notices.

A new fee for motorists who forget to renew their automobile registrations has brought in $4 million this year -- aided by the state neglecting to send out renewal notices to a large number of motorists. Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) imposed the $20 penalty at the beginning of the year, hoping it would bring in $12 million, but only 200,000 were affected, many of these blaming the lack of notice.

The Secretary of State's office claims some renewal notices were lost due to a change in the mailing system.

Source: Sticker shock: Nearly $4 million raised through new late penalty (Southern Illinoisan)

 

RUTHERFORD SCOLDS SoS OFFICE FOR “TECHNOLOGY INCOMPETENCE”

 

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Lou Ann from Normal

 

Library services are also part of the Secretary of State's duties as the State Librarian. 

During economic hardships, people are looking to their public and school libraries for information needs.  There are many people out there who do not have up-to-date computers with internet access.  Their local libraries provide those services to help people connect with job information, how to contact social services.

The Illinois State Library and the library systems have not had increases in funding for several years. Local libraries are taking on more and more services without additional funds.

I hope that you will be meeting with these constituents in the near future.

 

 

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Brian from Bloomington

 

Get rid of the online transaction fee of $1.75 for renewing your stickers

 

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White joins Blagojevich in raising Fees

 

Secretary of State Candidate Dan Rutherford highlighted the current Secretary of State is increasing fees on license plates for trailers and portraying it as a favor to the consumer. Jesse White recently put out a note with the renewal notice changing the “TA” (trailers 3,000 pounds or less) trailer registration resulting in a $2.00 per license fee increase.

Jesse White Raises Fees

Peoria Journal Star
State's new registration 'rithmetic

Bloomington Pantagraph
Small-trailer licenses becomes campaign issue

 

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Patricia from Bolingbrook

 

Finding another source to print license tags for a lower price.  $78.00 is a little steep for a small piece of paper to put on your plate.  Because of corruption.  Also to be able to correct your registration on line.  Two years now and still cannot get the Secretary of State to make the corrections.
The Secretary of State needs to setup a database to verify that citizens of Illinois have car insurance.  If we can set-up a database for sex offenders why not for auto insurance?  Too many people are driving without and others suffer for it.
Good Luck

 

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Melody from Pontiac

 

Not a suggestion, but a question: What would you do, Dan, if you were Secretary of State?  Would you reinstate the sending of reminders to renew license stickers?  What would you do to save the state money?

 

ANSWER FROM DAN: Absolutely, I would have my office of Secretary of State send renewal notices of licenses when they are coming due AND in a timely manner.

 

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Jim from Glenview

 

I have noticed a trend of vehicles in the area. A growing number of cars and trucks have only one plate displayed.   While it has been proposed that Illinois change to a single plate - that is NOT the current law. At first I assumed it was just a trend of lazy people or those who thought it "detracted" from the sleek appearance of their cars.  However, lately I have been wondering if this is a technique of dishonest people to get by with only paying for one set and using it on two vehicles.  Then, I let my mind wander farther and came up with terrorists using stolen plates to cover their movements.  Whatever the reason, the practice of displaying only one plate is ILLEGAL and our current SoS has done nothing to stop it. Do you have any comments?

 

 FROM DAN: It is the law in Illinois to have two plates and this is very much supported by law enforcement. As SoS, I will work with our officers to see that the law is enforced.

 

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