Bill Morris (Illinois politician)

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 (1977-May) – May 1985 (1985-May)
Preceded byRobert Sabonjian
Succeeded byRobert Sabonjian
Member of the Illinois Senate
from the 31st district
In office
January 1975 (1975-Jan) – May 1977 (1977-May)
Preceded byJohn H. Conolly
Succeeded byLarry Leonard
Personal details
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseSue
ChildrenTwo
ResidenceGrayslake, Illinois
Alma materNorthern 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
  1. Illinois Blue Book, 1975-1976. Springfield, Illinois: Illinois Secretary of State. 1976. p. 132.
  2. Heinecke, Burnell (1976-01-30). "New force in Senate: They call themselves 'The Crazy 8'". Illinois Issues. Sangamon State University. Retrieved 2015-09-26.
  3. McManus, Ed (December 1978). "Custody fight over 5-year-old RTA". Illinois Issues. Sangamon State University. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  4. Myers, Lynett (March 28, 1985). "Controversial Ex-mayor Of Waukegan In Thick Of Race Again". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  5. "GOP will gain seats in Senate but not enough". Illinois Issues. Sangamon State University. August 1978. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  6. Pyke, Marni (March 28, 1985). "'Squeaky wheel' Bill Morris, George Pradel off tollway board". Daily Herald. Arlington Heights. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
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