The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission approved a former state senator as the group's interim director. The commission approved Dale Risinger to head the group as it searches for a permanent replacement. Risinger has spent years working for the Illinois Department of Transportation. Tri County chair Larry Whitaker says Risinger’s experience as a state senator can also help the commission renew its focus:
“Senator Risinger served alongside a number of the people we rely on to help us carry our mission down in Springfield, so we’re excited to have him. I’m pinching myself sometimes wondering am I dreaming this...he’s a perfect match,” Whitaker says.
Other officials say Risinger's transportation background is a good fit for the regional planning group. Risinger left the state senate three years ago. He's set to start at the Commission in the interim role on April 1st.