Downers Grove mayor gets Cronin's state Senate seat

Downers Grove Mayor Ron Sandack has been chosen to complete Dan Cronin's term in the Illinois Senate.

Within minutes of learning about his appointment Thursday afternoon, the 46-year-old Sandack said he was “honored and humbled” and looks forward to the challenge of replacing Cronin, who is resigning his state Senate seat Nov. 30 to become the next DuPage County Board chairman.

“He (Cronin) was the duly elected representative of the 21st District,” Sandack said. “So my intention is to seek to finish his term in a manner he would.”

Sandack will serve the two years remaining on Cronin's seat. He was picked for the job by the 21st Legislative District committee comprised of Cronin, Comptroller-elect Judy Baar Topinka from Riverside Township and Proviso Township GOP Committeeman Mike Corrigan.

Cronin, who received most of the weighted vote in the decision, said in a statement that Sandack will “contribute a local perspective and new ideas that are needed to deal with the tough issues our state will confront over the next few years.”

“He's been a vocal advocate for pension reform, fiscal accountability and economic development,” Cronin said. “His experience and leadership will be beneficial as Illinois attempts to rebuild its fiscal footing and stimulate our economy to produce new job opportunities.”

Sandack, who has served as mayor of Downers Grove since 2007, was focused on seeking re-election before Thursday's announcement.

He said that's because there were “a lot of capable people” interested in serving the remainder of Cronin's term, which ends in January 2013

That list included newly minted state Rep. Chris Nybo and longtime state Rep. Sandy Pihos. The two representatives' districts make up Cronin's Senate district, which includes portions of DuPage and Cook counties.

“I made no assumptions that I would get it,” Sandack said.

Now Sandack is planning to speak with Cronin to prepare for his new role.

“I will get the lay of the land from him and others,” he said. “My best efforts will be employed to honorably represent the people of the 21st District.”

Before his election as mayor, Sandack served as village commissioner since 2003. An attorney for Gaido & Fintzen, Sandack is married with two children.

Meanwhile, Cronin, who was elected county board chairman earlier this month, will be inaugurated Dec. 6.

The 21st State Senate District includes all or parts of Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Westmont and Wheaton in DuPage and several Cook County towns including Westchester.