Bill Morris is a politician from Illinois who served as a Democratic member of the Illinois Senate and as Mayor of Waukegan, Illinois. He is a graduate of Marmion Academy and Northern Illinois University.[1] In 1974, he defeated incumbent Republican John H. Conolly that saw the Democratic Party win a majority of seats in the Illinois Senate for the first time in over a decade. While in the Senate, he was a member of the "Crazy 8," a group of reform-minded Democrats, and an opponent of the Regional Transportation Authority.[2][3]
Bill Morris | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Waukegan, Illinois | |
| In office May 1977 – May 1985 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Sabonjian |
| Succeeded by | Robert Sabonjian |
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 31st district | |
| In office January 1975 – May 1977 | |
| Preceded by | John H. Conolly |
| Succeeded by | Larry Leonard |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Sue |
| Children | Two |
| Residence | Grayslake, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Northern Illinois University |
In 1977, he ran for Mayor of Waukegan, defeating incumbent Robert Sabonjian who would defeat his efforts for a third term in 1985.[4] Larry Leonard, a fellow newscaster and Democratic precinct committeeman, was appointed to succeed Morris. Leonard lost his election bid to Adeline Geo-Karis.[5] After leaving the Mayor's office, he has served as a member of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.[6]
References
edit- ^ Illinois Blue Book, 1975-1976. Springfield, Illinois: Illinois Secretary of State. 1976. p. 132.
- ^ Heinecke, Burnell (1976-01-30). "New force in Senate: They call themselves 'The Crazy 8'". Illinois Issues. Sangamon State University. Retrieved 2015-09-26.
- ^ McManus, Ed (December 1978). "Custody fight over 5-year-old RTA". Illinois Issues. Sangamon State University. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
- ^ Myers, Lynett (March 28, 1985). "Controversial Ex-mayor Of Waukegan In Thick Of Race Again". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
- ^ "GOP will gain seats in Senate but not enough". Illinois Issues. Sangamon State University. August 1978. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
- ^ Pyke, Marni (March 28, 1985). "'Squeaky wheel' Bill Morris, George Pradel off tollway board". Daily Herald. Arlington Heights. Retrieved May 19, 2017.