Dan Brady, Republican Secretary Of State Candidate

ACROSS ILLINOIS – Dan Brady is among the Republican candidates running for Secretary of State in the June 28 primary election. Here are his responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Dan Brady

Campaign website

https://votedanbrady.com

City or town of residence

Bloomington

Office sought

Secretary of State

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

Associates- Southern IL University, Bachelors- St. Ambrose University

Occupation

State Representative

Family

Wife Terri, daughter Danielle, son Tom

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

n/a

Age

60

Previous public office, appointive or elective

McLean County Coroner and State Representative

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to make the Secretary of State's office more customer-friendly to allow people to have a more pleasant experience. The Secretary of State's office touches the lives of more Illinois residents than any other executive branch office. My campaign platform outlines my ideas for improvements in the office as well as cutting through the red tape of government to reduce wait times and improve services.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is lack of customer service. The office is in charge of driver's services, business articles of incorporation, registration of lobbyists, a police force for capitol security, chief librarian and the chief record keeper in Illinois. My main priority will be reducing wait times and providing better online resources to streamline services to the people of Illinois.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have firsthand experience with operations of the office and a background of unique knowledge that will help me be an agent for change in the Secretary of State's office. I am qualified for the office from my experience working with the SOS on a number of fronts. As Former McLean County Coroner, I worked with organ and tissue donation agencies and as State Representative I have worked on legislation for organ and tissue donation, distracted driving, senior citizen issues, and the voting and election process, just to name a few! I will be a Secretary of State who possesses the leadership, energy, and concern for the citizens of Illinois that this state needs.

How would you characterize the events of Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol?

The events that took place on Jan. 6, 2021, were an American tragedy.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I have many goals for addressing the issues of the office. I would like to cut wait times in DMV facilities, improve technology, streamline services, cross train employees, and offer more digital options. These are necessary changes that need to be made to enhance the Secretary of State's office.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In my roles as McLean County Coroner and State Representative, I have worked hand in hand with the Secretary of State's office on everything from passing legislation, to monitoring organ and tissue donation, to working with the Secretary of State police on a number of instances. These experiences have taught me how best to work with the office to get things accomplished.

What was your first paying job, and what did you learn from it?

My first job was working in a small family owned business. There, I learned customer service, how to provide a good product and how to follow up.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Work hard, follow up, and treat everyone with respect.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would be the agent of change that the office of the Secretary of State needs to provide enhanced services. I would be a hands-on Secretary of State and you would see me in local DMV offices throughout the state, serving you!