Andy Shaw inspires community to keep watch on government

King-Bruwaert House of Burr Ridge teamed with The Community House of Hinsdale April 17 to host award-winning journalist Andy Shaw, president emeritus of the Better Government Organization (BGA), at a luncheon program open to the community. 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 House have collaborated in the last four years to bring quality entertainment and educational programs to the active adults in their communities. Kate Vogts, Community House Active Adults Director, welcomed the crowd and announced that the program was partially underwritten by the Anderson/Scott Speakers Series. K-B Assistant Administrator Julie Ryan thanked co-sponsors Midwest Geriatrics LLC of Burr Ridge, Rytech of LaGrange, and Symbria Pharmaceuticals for helping to bring the high-level speaker to the area. Bonnie Kohout, K-B director of marketing, introduced Shaw to the audience that exceeded 150 people.

Guests was eager to hear what Andy Shaw thought about the state of the government in Illinois, as well as 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 lawsuits 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 in 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 cutline: 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.

Photo cutline: Shannon Lucas and owner Steve Ryan of RyTech in LaGrange served as a co-sponsor of the Andy Shaw program and were pleased to present the program to the community.