But that kind of challenge to the status quo is exactly why he’s running, says Webster. He wants to “get back to citizen legislators,” with average citizens coming in to serve for one or two terms instead of “career politicians” who serve several, such as White and other Illinois politicians.

“In all the executive offices, it appears business as usual isn’t working,” Webster said.

He said he hopes to update the secretary of state’s office and its business by looking for ways to cut personnel costs and revamping the department’s website.

“Try to navigate through the secretary of state website today, it’s not what it should be. We’re behind.”

Despite White’s stated commitment to integrating technology into the office’s operations, Webster doesn’t think it’s enough—he pointed out that a lot of technology has changed in the time since White has been in the office.

“We need to streamline the office. We need to bring it into the 21st century.”

Webster said those plans would include moving more interactions with the public online, such as setting up kiosks around the state at which Illinoisans can renew their driver’s licenses, and allowing business owners to register online rather than having to mail in forms. (He said hearing about business owners’ frustration helped motivate him to want to run).

As the state’s librarian, Webster said he would move that attitude into dealing with Illinois’ libraries by making the grant process more consistent and supporting the inclusion of e-books at the state’s libraries.

“I’m a book guy. I love libraries,” he said. “But does it make sense to fund traditional library services?”

His concern about libraries in Illinois extends to how they are run in general. Webster proposed reviewing how the libraries receive their funding and if it might be better for libraries to receive their money locally. Instead of taxpayers sending money to Springfield only to have Springfield turn around it send it back to the libraries, Webster wondered if there were a more direct way to funnel the funds.

“There are a lot of governmental agencies involved in things we shouldn’t be involved in,” he said.

One of the incumbent’s signature initiatives has been expanding and promoting the state’s organ donation program, a legacy Webster called one of the “bright spots” of White’s time in office and said he would like to continue.

“Mr. White has done a great job promoting it; I just think we could do a better job.”

Webster is less complimentary when talking about the enforcement of safe driving programs, especially in regards to drunk driving. He said he spoke with law enforcement officials who are frustrated that it is easy for drunk driving offenders to end up back behind the wheel. Webster said he wants the secretary of state’s office to take a stronger stance on enforcing laws already on the books.

“People should do the right thing because it’s the right thing,” but said he acknowledged a deterrent might be necessary in the case of drinking and driving.

Webster said he believes Illinois needs “fresh leadership” to move forward from the state’s recent woes even in areas that aren’t necessarily covered by the secretary of state. Though if elected Webster wouldn’t have a direct role to play in setting the state’s budget or handling its pension crisis, Webster said see the state face these issues contributed to his desire to run.

According to the Illinois State Board of Elections website, Webster has received $23,250.00 in 29 campaign contributions since last September.

Webster is a CPA attorney (an accountant and a lawyer). He said he is continuing to work in his law office during the campaign—law in the morning, politics in the afternoon. According to his campaign website, he attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for his undergraduate degree and attended law school at DePaul University. He and his wife Sandy have four daughters in high school and college, and said he enjoys playing golf (but hasn’t gotten to play much during the campaign).

Webster said he wants to help fill the “leadership void coming out of Springfield.”

“Illinois is a great place to be, why aren’t we doing this (better)?”

 

NEXT ARTICLE: Secretary of State poll: Jesse White adds to big lead in quest for fifth term

 

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