SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — When it comes to who he wants to see leading the state’s agriculture department, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has remained steadfast in his desire that a farmer head the agency.
After his first appointee – former Illinois Farm Bureau president and lifelong farmer Philip Nelson – abruptly resigned in September from the post less than nine months into the job, Rauner has named another lifelong farmer to fill the void: Central Illinois state Rep. Raymond Poe.
A Springfield Republican, the 71-year-old Poe took over the position immediately. His first day on the job was Monday, although his appointment still requires state Senate approval, which is expected in early January. Rauner noted Poe’s background in agriculture and lawmaking.
"Poe’s experience as a legislator, as a businessman and as a farmer makes him the ideal choice to lead the agency," the Governor said.
Poe told reporters last week he had expressed interest in the job, but would proceed with the process of seeking reelection to his House seat because ballot requirements were fast-approaching for the March primary next year. He said he knew it was time for a change, and not because of the state’s current budget gridlock – Illinois has entered its sixth month without a current fiscal plan, a standoff between Rauner and the Democrat-controlled House and Senate.
"I’ve been here 21 years, and it’s time to move on," Poe told The Associated Press. "It’s time for new blood, young blood."
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said he’ll miss Poe’s legislative leadership, but that he’s a perfect fit for state ag chief. "He is well-liked and respected by everyone he meets," Durkin said. "Raymond Poe’s experience as a lifelong family farmer and lawmaker make him uniquely qualified for the position of agriculture director – he will do an outstanding job."
Why Nelson quit the position he was appointed to in January is not publicly known, and the former Farm Bureau leader has declined to discuss the issue since. His hand-picked manager of the two state fairs, Patrick Buchen, also resigned the same day Nelson stepped down.
Poe said he doesn’t come to the job with any specific agenda, other than to make sure the agriculture industry gets a fair shake from state government.
"You want to continue to enhance the agriculture economy and income," he said. "Probably a lot of people aren’t aware, and it’s the job of the new director to make people realize, agriculture is the biggest industry in Illinois, and we have to take care of it."
Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. praised the appointment. Poe "led numerous pieces of legislation supporting agriculture into law," he said, including creation of the Illinois AgriFIRST program, lower assessments to encourage conservation practices and a program to promote livestock shows.
"Based on the past relationship and interaction with Representative Poe, we are confident his door will be open to discussing the many difficult challenges that face agriculture and the Illinois Department of Agriculture," Guebert said.
