State budget director to serve out Topkina’s comptroller term

The State of Illinois can continue issuing checks. Governor Pat Quinn Friday named Budget Director Jerry Stermer to fill the last few weeks of Judy Baar Topinka’s state comptroller term.

Topinka died unexpectedly last week, a month after being re-elected to a second term that begins in January.

Governor-elect Bruce Rauner says appointing a temporary placeholder and keeping Topinka’s staff in place is an appropriate decision.

Republicans and democrats are divided on how to fill Topinka’s full term. Quinn wants to hold a special election while Rauner would like to have someone appointed.