Hometown: I was born in Charleston, W.Va. When I was 8, my family moved to Springfield, Ill., where we owned and ran a restaurant. I attended the University of Illinois at Springfield and Southern Illinois University School of Law. I currently reside in Springfield with my wife, Sara, and our sons, Joseph and Michael.
Role: Parliamentarian, Illinois State Senate; chief legal counsel to the Senate president and the Senate Democratic Caucus; director, Senate Democratic Caucus Legal Review Staff
Years of legislative service: Over 17
The best advice he’s ever received: “Always give it your all, because you usually don’t get a second chance.”
Why did you choose to work at the legislature?
I believe that the legislature is the embodiment of the people. Because of that, the legislature’s job is to enact and debate policies for the betterment of the people. That noble goal has always called to me.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my ability to see issues from various viewpoints and my ability not to prejudge, but to go into every situation with an open mind and memo full of questions.
Who or what inspires you?
I have been blessed in my life to have many great inspirations. My maternal grandparents, who survived the difficult circumstances of West Virginia coal camps and fought to unionize the mines, are one source of inspiration. They taught me that you have to stand on your principles and help your fellow man, otherwise you’re just passing through. My dad inspires me as well. He came to the U.S. from Sicily with a suitcase of clothes and very little pocket change but wanted a better life for his kids. Together, as a family, we worked to have our own business, and my sister and I became the first in our family to graduate from college. What inspires me these days are my kids, especially my son Joseph, who is autistic. I watch him work hard to overcome issues, and I am heartened by the kindness of those who work with him and the love, maturity and help his younger brother, Michael, gives.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
I love the great diversity of Illinois. It’s a large state with great metropolitan areas, like Chicago and the Metro East, and quaint small towns, like Galena and Golconda. These towns are filled with good, hard-working folks from all walks of life and experiences, weaving a rich tapestry. This tapestry is on display when the General Assembly is in session, because people from across the state and out-of-state come to Springfield to advocate for their ideas. As former Senate President Emil Jones once told me, “The General Assembly is the greatest, most diverse university in Illinois.”
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
Now that session is over, I have started reading “Blind Tiger,” by Sandra Brown, and I have a few other books waiting in the wings.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
For its “Staff Snapshots” series, State Legislatures News is asking legislative staff about their role in the legislature. To suggest a staffer for this series, please use the email icon above to contact Holly South.