Dan Rutherford

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.

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!!

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.

Challenger vows no family on payroll

Daily Herald

"Taking aim at Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s five relatives on the office payroll, GOP challenger Dan Rutherford Thursday pledged not to hire any family members if elected in November."

Click Here to Read the Full Article

many, Many, MANY

Articles on Jesse's improprieties, nepotism, and illegal hiring's--

All posted on the October Diary

Joe from Morton Grove

I just read your suggestion of keeping DMV locations open all day Saturday in exchange for closing Friday afternoons, and I think this is generally a good idea. However, I would like to suggest that, instead of closing Friday afternoons, the offices close all day Monday. This allows for a contiguous work week (Tues-Sat), which would be better suited for the full-time employees, and the public still gains Saturday hours but without losing Friday afternoons. Since the ultimate goal is easier access for people who work typical 9-5 hours, Friday afternoons are more important than any other weekday afternoon because people are more likely to take off work early. Thank you for hearing me out, and good luck!

FROM DAN: I like the way you think….I will look at all options and we will do what is right for the customer….appreciated!

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Richard from Chicago

I saw you today (Sunday) on one of the talking head shows. You have some good ideas. Plus I know you got a good dish of high school in Barbados. I work for the XXX there.

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Pat from Willowbrook

In September of 2006 I went to the XXX SOS office. It was on a Saturday morning. I went for an I.D. card, and it took over 3 hours. I already had a license. This took way too long. And if you came for a driver's road test that was already closed for the day when I got there.

It is like Russia's old bread lines; I never expect good service there. I hope Dan can improve things.

FROM DAN: Help is on the way!

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Katie from Danville

I have been noticing that Jesse White is trying to fight for more restrictive laws on teenage drivers, such as making longer time periods with the learning permit, more red tape restricting night driving, etc. Having recently aged out of the curfew age, I have to say it makes life extremely tedious. Fighting teenage driving fatalities by adding more tape to the process of getting to drive is pointless. It just makes life more difficult for the responsible citizens who follow the new guidelines. I'd like to see a Secretary of State who doesn't resort to making up new rules to get votes. Over legislation solves nothing.

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Virginia from XXX

Dear Dan,

You probably remember us for our modest donation to your campaign. My husband and I are going to vote for you. Our son-in-law likes you, so we like you. We are of Mexican American descent and are notorious for voting Democrat. I've been a Democratic judge for elections for years. We are in fact independent voters. Minority voters feel that the Republican party does not address their issues. I do not have an opinion on that. Nor do I have one on the issue of allowing just anyone to enter our country. Dan, it is sad but would you not agree, given the opportunity many people from other countries, given there awful situations, would come here if all that was needed was to walk across a fence?? My husband and I are retired school teachers. Our parents came here from Mexico in 1919. Our life here is good and we would like to keep it that way. Thank you for running for office and Good Luck.

I have a suggestion for the Republican party and that is when the candidates campaign they should really get their facts straight. Your campaign has been run very well. No mud sling or nasty ads. The gentleman running against XXX is a mess. He mentions that illegal aliens are applying for Social Security. Does he know you cannot receive Social Security unless you pay into it???

FROM DAN: I hear you and will work to see that Republicans AND others respect our wonderful, diverse heritage!

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Cary from Oak Brook

It is commendable to speak of working on customer service issues as well as various costs of services. However I am somewhat concerned about the overlap of the two. It would seem to me that any possible increase in service quality would come at a cost. To cut the cost of licensing would seem to be contrary to the extra cost associated with the improvement of customer service.

Also, I'm interested to hear your take on the organ donation segment. I think Mr. White has seen positive strides in this area, most notably the first person consent. How would you keep this torch going, if at all?

Finally I would like to thank you for running for this office in a year where it is decidedly overshadowed by the battle of two XXX for the governor's seat.

FROM DAN: The first person consent for organ donor comes from the General Assembly and I am a strong supporter. Thank for the kind words of support and I will work with you!

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Jason from XXX

I hope you get elected Secretary of State. I am currently a Captain serving in the USAF and do not have Illinois plates because Illinois does not offer a military rate like most states do. It only costs me $20/year in Ga. That's money Illinois isn't getting. Your K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) approach by weaving simple technological solutions is a clear winning plan. Every time I ever had to get anything done at a SoS office, XXX in particular, the employees knew nothing about customer service and always had a rude air, regardless of the customer. They need to be reminded they're public servants. If elected, please ensure employees complete/attend and provide better customer service. Additionally, there is no reason with $80 plate fees that your online service and a phone plan that accepts credit cards won’t work in addition to the conventional office visits. Streamline for success.

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Tony from XXX

I have been trying to get a new corporation created since 10-3-06 using the $100 rush service. The last rejection was because they say the 3 pages were not faxed in the correct order. They were able to fax them back to me in order. It seems to me that this should be something that could be easily fixed if service was important to the office.

FROM DAN: Tony, you are a victim of all the crazy bureaucracy of a government monopoly…..I look forward to helping you and other Illinois businesses deal with what needs to be done right……why in the world are we still faxing paper when we can do it electronically??

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Dan was the guest on WBBM's 'At Issue' Chicago 780 AM. The half hour show is a popular forum for political and governmental debate. Dan taped a portion of the show with Political Editor, Craig Dellimore. Craig then taped the other portion with Jesse White. Dan’s preference was to have the two of them on the show together, but it did not happen that way.

Following is a link to hear the program. Dan is interested in your feedback:

Click Here

Dava from XXX

THANK YOU for finally saying it. Just because there's no "competition" doesn't mean the government shouldn't have to provide good customer service. Not only are the lines bad, and the hours inconvenient, but the employees are plain out RUDE! Like you said, it's not like the customers are going to go somewhere else! I've been in Customer Service for 10 years, and there's no WAY I'd keep my job if I were as short and impatient with my customers... I actually had a DMV employee tell me, word for word, "Sorry, ma'am, that's not my problem." I have seen improvements in the XXX office in the last couple of years, with signs directing people to different stations, but still, the hours are inconvenient, parking is a nightmare, and the service can be appalling! Thanks for noticing that service is just as important as "getting the job done".

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Lee from WI

Good page. It is right to the point with the stuff going on. I am linking your site to my consumer section dealing with drivers license problems. The web address is www.theusmat.com/consumer.htm

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John from Alton

The notification on reduction of funding for Motorcycle safety hits hard in Madison County. We have had a very rough year in fatalities on motorcycles. I'd like to see legislation on banning cell phones in cars and some TV time on videos of classic motorcycle dangers: The left turning cars without regard for motorcycle oncoming traffic, and the disregarded stop signs from side streets, as well as dead bikers hit by drunks who do not get jail time for drunken vehicular homicide. America seems to be slipping into a "no personal responsibility" country, and it makes me sick.

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Evan from Crystal Lake

I attended a fundraiser this morning for my friend, Rep. XXX of XXX. It was a nice breakfast and we had a good time. While there, we were entertained by the Jesse White Tumblers and Mr. Jesse White was in attendance working with his team.

What a nice guy... He did not talk much about the election and he participated with his tumbling team. Those kids really work their butts off. They are very skilled young men. Mr. White talked about keeping the youth out of jail and busy with programs like his team and from the tone of his voice, I could really hear the passion. While driving home, I reflected on what I saw and Mr. White’s performance. It helped me make up my mind on who I'm voting for in November now that I've gotten a chance to meet both candidates. I like them both but meeting Jessie today really reinforced my belief that he is really a nice guy who wants to help children as much as he can.

I believe that I'm going to help Jesse White this November. I'm going to help him spend more time doing what he truly loves doing and what he is truly excellent at. I'm going to try to help him as much as I can so he can spend more time with the Jesse White Tumbling Team. With all the engagements this multiple tumbling teams have, they really need him and the team is his passion.

This November, I'm voting for Senator Dan Rutherford for the office of Secretary of State of Illinois... I think that Jesse would want me to...

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Debbie from Machesney Park

My husband and I are both ABATE members. Even though ABATE may endorse the other candidate doesn’t mean we follow their lead. You have our vote.

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Glen from Round Lake Beach

I like how everyone needs to go through a greeter. I would however have two or more desks instead of just one. I would do away with all the different lines. Make it more like a bank where I have one person do everything I need. They can register my car or take my picture. Many times I go into the facility and see some people sitting doing nothing while I sit and wait in a different line. The only time I should need to see someone different is when they hand me my new license.

Also have the managers out front more to answer questions and make sure each person has the correct forms and understands how to fill them out before the customer gets to the Customer Service Representative(CSR). This will help shorten lines and get people in and out faster.

I would time stamp everything so that you can show wait times at the facility and on the website for each facility. I would think by now there should be data as to when each facility, in general, has people visit them. Compile this information into number of customers per hour and I'm sure that you could adjust your work force based on this. Why shorten times? I think that they should be open from 7am to 7pm like the bank industry.

I would place the CSRs on 6.5 hr shifts Monday - Friday and alternate Saturdays for 6.5 hrs. Then with 5 full time people as managers on salary this should give you the needed coverage. This would give them a .5 hr lunch and be part time so that the state wouldn't need to pay benefits. You could pay the CSR a few dollars more and still pay out less each month than now.

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Ben from Mount Zion

In response to Bob from XXX, I assume you realize Massachusetts has a Secretary of the Common Wealth. The common wealth secretary in that state is not responsible for the Department of Motor Vehicles within the state, nor his he responsible for the libraries of the state. I hardly see how the two offices can even be compared.

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Lane from Bloomington

I have two suggestions:
First, the time to process a Handicapped Parking Permit needs to be shortened. A co-worker had surgery scheduled last winter, and did not have the time to go to the SOS facility to apply in person, so she applied by mail. It was 4-5 weeks before she got her permit.

Second, earlier this year I went in to an SOS Facility to renew my license plates, and wanted to switch from my personalized plates to ISU collegiate plates. In addition to a few computer entries, the SOS worker had to spend 10-15 minutes filling out a form by hand. I can't believe this process has not been fully automated. This was both inefficient, and poor customer service (by the SOS office, not the individual).

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Richard from Naperville

I am tired of hearing about the "other guys" politics. The information is useful and beneficial but where is the positive "this is what I will achieve/accomplish? Helmet laws are important but is it going to take our state to a financial future?

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Susan from XXX

Dan,
I just visited the DMV and was turned away because there were too many people waiting in line to take drivers tests. But that is not why I am complaining. The people who work there are very, very nice. But it’s the location that is terrible. It is not conducive to customer service. Too small of a location when you consider how much XXX and surrounding communities have grown. I would suggest an open area such as the outdoor mall on XXX Avenue. It is more centrally located with a huge parking lot and plenty of space to expand the DMV Office. I think the state could double their intake of money if they became more efficient. PS I am neither a realtor nor a property owner. Just an operations manager...

You have our vote...

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Tom from XXX

Dan,

I sent a strongly worded message to the Governor and the Secretary of State about the ticket we received for having an expired license plate sticker. It really ticked me off because I haven't had a ticket in nearly thirty years and my wife, who is 56, has never received a ticket in her whole life... not even a parking ticket! We obey the law and pay our bills! I felt humiliated when I was pulled over at rush hour and given a ticket on very busy Rt. 59 while people in our town watched. Also, we have never been late paying a bill in our lives as far as I know. We are fanatic about it. My wife and I even got into a mild argument about the ticket because I thought she may have misplaced the renewal notice. Now, thanks to you, I learn that the state goofed up. The state could argue that I should have checked the date on my sticker, but we have always relied on the renewal notices to remind us that it's time to buy a new sticker.

You will have my support for anything you ever run for! My wife feels the same way.

We really appreciate everything you are doing.

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Springfield Journal Register

Doug Finke

Statehouse Insider

"Sen. Dan Rutherford of Chenoa is the Republican candidate for secretary of state. He's been blasting Secretary of State Jesse White recently for ethical lapses, including the fact that Rick Davis, a White contractual employee, wrote a biography of White that coincidentally came out during this re-election year. Davis is paid $72,000 a year to promote school bus safety, including the Toby Tire school bus safety mascot."

To read the full story

Letters to the Editor

The Daily Herald

9-25-2006

White’s service does not live up to billing

While I know driving in Illinois is a privilege, not a right, I would like Secretary of State Jesse White to know that I, and most of my friends and associates, feel that the experiences we have at the secretary of state drivers facilities are second in the way of pain and suffering second only to a root canal with not enough anesthesia.

I hate to say it, but if Secretary White’s offices were in the private sector, he would have been out of business a long time ago. A lot of the workers, representing the secretary are rude, offensive in tone, and evasive when asked a question.

Questions such as: “It’s 5 p.m. now, your Web site states road tests up until 30 minutes before closing, you close at 7 p.m. tonight; why are you saying no more road tests today?”

Answer: “Because I decide when we have enough for the day.”

Questions such as: “What time do I have to be here by, in order to assure my son will get a road test?”

Answer: “Next person please.”

If the offices indeed have the latitude to “at will” stop processing for the day, then Secretary White needs to put that disclaimer all over his Web site, on the recorded messages on his phone system and inform all of the people that answer questions on the phone to volunteer this information.

My son and I drove almost an hour this afternoon, and then stood in line at Secretary White’s Elgin facility through quite a few people, only to be turned away at the desk.

Inside sat no more than 12 people, and I’m sure they all didn’t need road tests because the four in front of us as we stood in line were simple renewals, permit applications and vision tests.

Secretary White talks a big game on TV and in the media about his offices and the service they provide; it’s time he started living up to his word.

Robert J. Wolinski Sr.

Hoffman Estates

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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!

(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 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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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

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)

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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!)

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!!!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.