AIA ILLINOIS

LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR

Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth

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Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth received two Legislator of the Year awards in 2019. AIA ILLINOIS 2019 LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR and also, Landmark Illinois 2019 President's Award for Legislator of the Year. Both for her outstanding strides in historic preservation legislation.

"Leader Gordon-Booth was the obvious choice for legislator of the year. For almost a decade, advocates from AIA and Landmarks worked with passion and persistence to build the case for historic tax credits. It started with a single project in downtown Peoria and grew to neighborhoods in five cities. She knew from early firsthand experience what tax credits could accomplish for the rest of the state but was also a shrewd tactician.

 

While we might have been impatient at times wanting to see it happen sooner, she was unflappable. There was a road map to passage and she guided us along the way to make sure we knew who to talk to and what questions to answer. Over and over, it looked like we might not succeed and every time she told us “don’t worry, just be ready.” I never heard her say the words “I’ve got this” but she didn’t have to. I felt confident because she was confident and her colleagues placed her in a position of leadership.

 

The last 48 hours of session when the bill passed were some of the most exhilarating in my 25 years of legislative work. From the green light it’s go time message to the mad dash of writing an amendment to the handoff of language outside the House chamber with moments to spare, she navigated a technical and substantial bill through the gauntlet with poise and precision. It’s a story I won’t soon forget and a legacy that will make a difference through projects that generations of Illinoisans will enjoy."

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From AIA Illinois' Past EVP, Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, AIA Colorado

Past Legislator of the Year Award recipients: 

2019: Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth

2018: Representative Steven A. Andersson

2017: Senator Cristine Radogno

2016: Senator Iris Martinez
2015: Senator Pam Althoff  
2014: Senator William Delgado
2013: Representative Carol Sente 
2012: Senator John J. Cullerton
2011: Senator Don Harmon
2010: Senator William R. Haine
2009: Representative Elaine Nekritz
2008: Representative Julie Hamos
2007: Senator Jeffrey M. Schoenberg

     Representative David E. Miller

2006: Senator Terry Link

2004: Representative Michael Madigan
2003: Senator Frank Watson
2002: Senator Denny Jacobs

     Representative Tom Berns

2001: Representative Skip Saviano

2000: Senator John Maitland
1999: Representative Brad Burzynski
1998: Senator Steve Rauschenberger
1996: Senator Todd Sieben
1994: Senator William Peterson
1993: Representative Frank Giglio
1989: Representative Richard Luft
1988: Representative Richard Mautino