Andy Shaw inspires community to be government watchdogs

King-Bruwaert House of Burr Ridge teamed with The Community House April 17 to host award-winning journalist Andy Shaw, president emeritus of the Better Government Organization (BGA), at a luncheon program in Hinsdale. Shaw encouraged the crowd to stay informed about local and state government policies to ensure that our elected officials use our tax dollars fairly, wisely, and ethically.

K-B House and The Community have collaborated in the last four years to bring quality entertainment and education to the active adults in their communities. Kate Vogts, Community House Active Adult Director, welcomed the crowd and announced that the program was partially underwritten by the Anderson/Scott Speakers Series. K-B Assistant Administrator Julie Ryan also thanked co-sponsors Midwest Geriatrics LLC, Rytech, and Symbria for helping to bring this high-level speaker to the area. Bonnie Kohout, director of marketing at K-B House, introduced Andy Shaw to the crowd of more than 150 people.

The educated and engaged audience was eager to hear what Andy Shaw thought about the state of the government in Illinois and the upcoming election for governor this fall. Shaw reported that he has seen incremental changes in our elected officials and that in general, they are slowly trying to make a better effort. In the past 10 years, Shaw and the BGA have conducted 700 investigations and engaged in 50 lawsuit that resulted in 200 changes being made to Illinois government policies and procedures. The Illinois governor's race this fall will be one of the most expensive races in the nation with more than $300 million to be allocated to campaign expenses. Shaw encouraged attendees to check facts that politicians include in their speeches on bettergov.org before making any political decisions.

Shaw remarked that his goal for the BGA is to continue improving government in celebration of the organization's 100th anniversary in 5 years. He said this is a very worthwhile goal for him to pursue in his “retirement.”

Photo cutlines: Andy Shaw, center, poses with staff from K-B House Brittany Beltz and Julie Ryan, Kate Vogts of The Community House, K-B CEO Terri Bowen and Bonnie Kohout, and Jeri Cassin, from K-B House.

Burr Ridge residents Dave and Jane Tillinghast and Julie Bossert heard Andy Shaw support and encourage more accountability and transparency in government.

Program sponsor Steve Ryan, CEO and founder of RyTech and RyTech digital media assistant Shannon Lucas were pleased to co-sponsor the Shaw event for the community.