Former lawmaker leaves long legacy of education reform

From his entry into the Illinois legislature in 1966, Gene Hoffman showed he would be a lawmaker who wasn't afraid to take tough stands on perplexing questions and accept whatever heat that resulted.

"If you want to be an effective legislator, you can't be a martyr," Hoffman said during the campaign that led to 24 years in office.

Hoffman's family announced his death Monday. The 75-year-old died from complications related to Alzheimer's disease.

Political colleagues said Hoffman didn't die as a martyr, but as a champion for education.

'A great legacy'

Hoffman became infused with a desire to protect and further the quality of Illinois' schools while teaching for 30 years at Fenton High School in Bensenville. It was about seven years into the job that he decided to combine his love of education and public service into one job by running for state office.

Former Illinois lawmaker Lee Daniels recalls Hoffman as not being the favored candidate by the local DuPage Republican organization at the time.

"But he was favored by the voters, and won by a handy majority," Daniels said.

Daniels joined Hoffman along with James "Pate" Philip as three of the top political hopefuls from the Elmhurst Republican Club in 1966.

Hoffman won while speaking openly against housing discrimination in DuPage County, a controversial topic at the time.

"You can't legislate away prejudice, but you can legislate away discrimination," Hoffman said during the campaign.

Daniels bowed out of his contest, but went on to become the Speaker of the House. Daniels credits Hoffman for helping him reach that goal. Indeed, Hoffman served as Daniels' deputy at one point.

"He was one of my closest associates and my right hand in the General Assembly," Daniels said. "Anyone who serves in a leadership role, they need someone like Gene Hoffman. He has a great legacy."

Building a system

Hoffman's legacy includes helping invent Illinois' school district report cards, statewide student tests, the first test of basic skills for teacher certification, mandatory teacher evaluations and the foundation of the state's school finance system.

Hoffman served on several national education panels, earning him the "Legislator of the Year" award from the Illinois Education Association and the "Mr. Education" award from the Large Unit District Association.

Lawmakers said Hoffman's commitment to education lives on, not just in those accomplishments but in the focus of the man who defeated him.

State Sen. Dan Cronin ousted Hoffman from office in a Republican primary that was one of the hottest local races in 1990. Hoffman even solicited a rare campaign appearance from then-Gov. James Thompson.

"He was my inspiration to pursue education as my sort of focus in the legislature," Cronin said. "Gene was the education expert. I always respected that."

Cronin still remembers Hoffman's final words of advice upon leaving office.

"He said that you can disagree in the process without being disagreeable," Cronin said. "At the end of the day, it's about accomplishing something, about getting something done."

Hoffman is survived by his second wife, Sally; four children; three step-children; and 19 grandchildren, who called him "Papa."

St. Peters United Church of Christ will host a memorial service for Hoffman at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 19. The church is at 125 W. Church St. in Elmhurst.

Hoffman's family asks for memorials to be sent to The Alzheimer's Association, 225 North Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.