Rep. Kosel Resigns After 18 Years of Service

Illinois State Representative Renée Kosel announced her official resignation Tuesday, after 18 years of dedicated service to the people of the 37th District. Kosel decided last year not to seek reelection in the 2014 elections, leading the way for Margo McDermed to be elected last November to succeed Rep. Kosel. The 37th District consists of all or portions of New Lenox, Mokena, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Homer Glen, Joliet, Lockport, and Orland Park.

A committee comprised of the GOP Chairmen from Will County and Cook County will decide who will complete Rep. Kosel’s remaining term. The vote will be weighted based on number of votes cast within the 37th District. Will County Chairman Ed Ronkowski will have the deciding vote due to the district and voters being primarily within Will County.

“I fully expect the committee to select Representative-Elect Margo McDermed; if so, then she will receive additional seniority that will give her an advantage in committee assignments, but will not affect her salary or benefits. This will be advantageous for the people of the 37th district and the reason I decided to resign a few days early.” Kosel stated.

Representative Kosel’s resignation will become effective as of 11:59 p.m. on January 7, 2015. In her letter to the Clerk of the Illinois House of Representatives, Kosel stated her desire to see Illinois regain its fiscal strength in the near future.

“This is a great state with gifted people and abundant natural resources. It is my fondest wish that Illinois will be a place my grandchildren want to live and work,” stated Rep. Kosel. “I am proud to be a part of many pieces of legislation that truly made a difference in the lives of the people of Illinois. I do however wish that Illinois was in stronger fiscal condition and hope that the 99th General Assembly will take the needed action to get our great state back to the place of honor that its citizens deserve; a place that fosters business and industry and has strong job growth.”

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as State Representative for this district,” said Rep. Kosel. “I would like to extend a special thanks to the village of Frankfort for the truly heartwarming recognition they bestowed upon me this week at their meeting along with the recognitions of the village of Mokena and New Lenox. When I first took the oath of office in January of 1997 I could have never imagined how fulfilling this journey would be. I have made many friends along the way and we have been able to accomplish some much needed infrastructure improvements such as Rt. 30 and I 355. But none of these things are ever done without the help of many other people and I am thankful for the cooperation I have received from so many.”

Representative Kosel has served in the Illinois House since January of 1997 when she won her first term to replace retiring State Rep. Larry Wennlund who served 10 years. In all, Representative Kosel has won 17 elections, with 7 contested races and only 2 primaries. RepresentativeKosel was the first woman State Representative for this district as well as the longest serving State Representative for the area. Kosel has stated that she looks forward to spending her retirement with her husband Al and their children and grandchildren.