Senator Dan Rutherford
State Sen. Dan Rutherford unveiled a plan to transform the Illinois Secretary of State's office into a high-tech, customer-friendly operation during a tour of the Metro-East Thursday.
"Technology exists today to move the Secretary of State's office into a customer responsive, efficient operation," said Rutherford.
Rutherford, 51, a Republican from Chenoa, wants to replace incumbent Democrat Jesse White in the November general election.
Rutherford's "Service Commitment" plan allows motorists to make online appointments and use credit cards. Rutherford also is recommending driver's facilities hours are lengthened and that the office send e-mail reminders for license registrations.
The Secretary of State's office is the largest "retail" operation in Illinois government, touching more "customers" than any other agency, Rutherford stated.
He contends that the Drivers Services facilities are a service business and are not performing well today.
Rutherford said he would like to spare customers of routinely poor service at the Secretary of State's office, such as long lines, lost records and wasted time and money.
"Deploying present assets in a different way is what needs to be done in the office of Secretary of State," Rutherford said.