In the News

Pioneer Press, August 1, 2011

State Sen. Susan Garrett (D-29th) of Lake Forest announced last week that she will not seek re-election in 2012. She entered politics when she captured a 1998 election for the Illinois House. She was elected state senator in 2002 and earned re-election twice. Garrett was mentioned as a potential lieutenant governor candidate with Governor Pat Quinn last year.The Lake Forester spoke with the hometown Senator about her decision, what her time in public office has meant to her and what she will miss most.

What made you decide to quit?

I have another year and a month. I’ll be hard at work. But I woke up one morning and thought, “I don’t want to be a career politician.” I’ve done a lot, I’ve worked hard -- it’s probably a good time for me to move on.

The district suits me well. I’ve always looked at public service as something you do because you really believe in causes. I feel I’ve done that.

Was it a difficult decision?

It was a big step for me. I always thought it would be difficult to decide not to run or to be defeated, but it happened very naturally and I feel good about it.

Have you heard from people since you made your announcement?

I’ve been inundated with calls. It’s really been great. People from all over, people I’ve worked with, my constituents from across the district. It’s good to leave on a high note. I feel really proud about that.

What will you do?

Maybe a year from now I’ll have a plan. Right now I’m ready to turn the page of this particular chapter of my life. I don’t have any real plan. I will continue to be involved. I will work on some project with some group. I have a lot of interest in different types of issues. I just don’t know yet.

Will you endorse a candidate?

I do care about the person who will be taking my position. I’m not stepping out now to endorse someone. At some point, I may.

What will you miss most?

Working in my district. I love being in my office holding meetings and hearings, working with people when there are problems. That’s something that I’ve done since I was elected in 1998. I’ve gotten great results from that approach – bringing people together, defining a problem and getting good results. The ability to actually affect change, to make a difference. I’ve been fortunate enough to see how that works.

What will you miss least?

I’m not a big fan of being in Springfield. I guess I’m more of a results-oriented legislator. I’ve been better able to affect peoples’ lives positively more locally.

What will be your legacy?

I’ve been one of the lucky ones. I’ve been able to be independent. I’ve got relationships with Democrats and Republicans. I’m able to work in a very bipartisan way. It’s always been important to me that I won’t become a partisan politician. Because of that, I think that I’ve been able to be more effective. I think that’s my legacy.

Where does this experience rate in your life?

Right at the top. It’s been an awesome experience. I’ve struggled, I’ve been challenged, I’ve failed and I’ve been successful. I’ve gone through so many emotional highs and lows, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

What has been your brightest moment as Senator?

Four or five years ago, there was a pay-raise battle for legislators. I was caught in the middle with my own caucus. I had a really difficult time with that, but I learned from the experience. I had to do what was right for the taxpayers of Illinois.

I wondered at the time if I was the right person for the job. Now I’m proud of that achievement. It was the beginning of change in Illinois – reining in unnecessary spending. It was a turning point, but it was a struggle to get there.

What has been most difficult?

Sometimes it was difficult as a woman to have a job like this. Most legislators are men. Top leadership is men. It’s a very male-dominated sector. Sometimes I’m the only woman in the room.

What is your advice to young women?

Opportunities are really great for women to get involved in government. It takes a lot of fortitude and you have to be tough.