Gov. Edgar and the Importance of Running

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🎙️ Intro

Welcome back to Sunshine Strategies Radio, friends.

 I’m Jen McMillin, and today feels like one of those weeks where history and headlines are crashing into each other. It was Constitution Day on Wednesday, which always makes me think about the magic of founding documents — not as dusty relics, but as living invitations for ordinary people to step up and serve.

That reminder hit even harder with the news of former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar’s passing. He lived that invitation — not just as a politician, but as a statesman. His life is proof that our democracy doesn’t survive on autopilot. It survives because citizens decide to take responsibility for their communities.

And so, before we look at this week’s top news stories, I want you to keep that frame in mind: democracy only works if we make it work.

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We’ve been talking a lot about our Constitution and our freedoms lately, which is convenient. Today is Constitution Day. And instead of rehashing what it is—because I already have an episode like that—I want to focus on what I think makes founding documents… magical.

That may sound like an odd word to describe parchment and ink, but I think it’s right. Because what they created in 1787 wasn’t just law—it was a living invitation. A way for ordinary people to take responsibility for extraordinary things. A framework that said: you, too, can lead. You, too, can shape your community. You, too, have a voice.

But here’s the catch: the Constitution only works if we use it. It only works if citizens step up.

That’s why the news of former Governor Jim Edgar’s passing hit me so hard this week. While I didn’t have the opportunity to know him personally, I’ve always been impressed with his dedication to helping the people of Illinois, serving with integrity, pragmatism, and respect. And if you know my state’s track record on governors—you know how truly remarkable that is.

Governor Edgar, in my view, was able to lead a challenging state during difficult times because he had practiced democracy from the ground up. He didn’t wait until retirement to “learn politics on the fly.” He started young—elected Coles County Clerk at the age of 27. And as governor, he became known for balancing budgets without reckless tax hikes, for respecting bipartisan compromise, and for putting people above party.

He was more than a public servant—he was a statesman.

And here’s the real lesson for us: Edgar started local. He proved that you don’t have to be born into power to serve. You just have to answer the call when it comes.

And that call is ringing right now. Petition season is open, and if you’ve ever thought about stepping into public service—whether it’s county clerk, county board, or school board—there’s still time. These roles may look small, but each one carries a piece of the magic that makes democracy real.

But what if you can’t—or don’t want to—run for office? That doesn’t mean your role as a citizen ends. Quite the opposite.

Because citizenship is not a spectator sport. It’s showing up at a school board meeting. It’s writing a letter to your representative. It’s using your freedom of speech—responsibly and courageously—to advocate for justice, truth, and dignity. And after recent events, it’s more important than ever to remember that speech can shape the culture we live in. Words can build trust—or corrode it. They can protect democracy—or endanger it.

So whether you’re running for office or simply raising your voice—you matter. Your role matters.

This Constitution we celebrate today is not self-executing. It requires guardians. It requires builders. It requires us.

So if you’ve ever thought, “Someone should do something,” maybe that someone is you. Pick up a petition. Run for school board. Or speak up where you are, as a citizen, with courage and care.

Because our Constitution still works—but only if we do.

And there’s good news!  There still time to get out and file your petitions if you want to run in 2026!  This week I reached out to my local county friends and asked what local positions still need candidates.  All of these positions have a pretty small signature requirement - so it won’t even take you long to collect signatures!Here in my home county of Macon, we are still looking for candidates for treasurer, sheriff, regional superintendent of schools, as well as several county board seats.

In McLean County, there is still a need for a candidate to run for county clerk and treasurer.  

Up in Logan County, they are looking for anyone interested in serving on the Lincoln city council, county board, and the school board.

And don’t forget about Christian County!  They are looking for a county clerk, circuit clerk, treasurer, sheriff, and county board!

If you are even thinking about running - let me know.  I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.   

📰News We Might Have Missed

Alright — let’s pivot to what’s happening around the country right now. These aren’t the loudest headlines, but they’re the ones I think matter for families, neighbors, and anyone who believes in democracy. Because the choices being made in Congress, in our communities, and even in cyberspace — they ripple out to all of us.

Here are three stories you might’ve missed this week, but shouldn’t.

1. Congress Scrambles to Avoid Government Shutdown Republicans in the House are pushing a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded past October 1. (Reuters) The current proposal extends existing funding levels through November 21 and includes millions for extra security for Congress, the executive branch, and the Supreme Court — a response, in part, to tensions following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. (Reuters) Why it matters: If Congress doesn’t pass something, there could be shutdowns, which disrupt all sorts of federal functions—everything from national parks to government aid. Politics also look ugly here: negotiations are fragile, party fissures are visible, and consequences for voters could be real and immediate.

2. Deepening Drought + Rising Wildfire Risk in the Northeast Drought conditions in the Northeast U.S. have worsened sharply: nearly 11 million people are now at risk; parts of New York, Maine, and other states are in moderate to severe drought. (Times Union) Fire risk has increased, with dry conditions making even smaller fires harder to control. (Times Union) Why it matters: This could hit agriculture, water supplies, and public health. People may face restrictions. Firefighting resources could be stretched. Also, it’s a reminder that climate effects aren’t just “future problems” — they’re here now and escalating outside of the usual western wildfire zones.

3. Cybersecurity & Privacy Developments: New Risk of Ransomware + Pushback on Law Changes A few items in this space deserve more attention:

   • A ransomware attack in Uvalde, Texas, shut down school operations for a week. (Axios)

   • Proposed changes to the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA)—including removing some liability protections and FOIA exemptions—are being hotly debated. (Axios)

   • Data breaches are piling up; one example is Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office leaking financial audits and internal documents. (Axios)

4. Why it matters: As more institutions (especially schools and local governments) get hit, the fallout is not just about lost data. It affects trust, costs, identity theft, operations, even safety. And legal changes to how companies are protected (or held responsible) could change how cybersecurity is enforced, who cooperates, and how transparent things are.

🎙️ Outro

So there you have it — a possible government shutdown avoided for now, a Northeast drought turning into a wildfire risk, and a fresh wave of cybersecurity fights that could shape how safe our schools, cities, and data really are.

Each of these stories circles back to the same idea we started with: democracy is not magic in a vacuum. It’s magic because ordinary people take on responsibility — whether it’s signing a petition, serving on a school board, or, like Governor Edgar, dedicating a lifetime to public service.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to get involved — this is it. There’s still time. There’s still need. And every act of service adds one more thread to the fabric of our democracy.

Thanks for listening to Sunshine Strategies Radio. Until next time, keep shining a light, keep building community, and keep practicing democracy every single day.