Opinion

Don't overlook accomplishments

Posted September 16, 2023 1:00 am

I read with interest the Daily Herald editorial "Secretary of State's Skip the Line program promises a real improvement in customer service." While I applaud any service which improves the lives of the people of our great state, I take issue with the characterization that the office didn't change much during my tenure to improve customer service at Driver Services facilities.

Upon taking office in 1999, wait times ranged between five and seven hours at Chicago and suburban Secretary of State facilities. We worked diligently to improve services for customers and succeeded - receiving high marks for significantly reducing wait times at facilities, introducing and expanding online services, launching the appointment program and expanding the pool of customers who qualify for online renewal of their driver's license.

We also initiated a program which provided priority service to seniors, expectant mothers, veterans and people with disabilities.

I salute Secretary Alexi Giannoulias' efforts to expand the appointment program during his tenure in an effort to continue to improve services for the residents of Illinois. I am confident he will succeed.

Jesse White

Former Illinois Secretary of State

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