Legislative Leadership Development For State Representative

Joining a select few of her colleagues, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) participated in and completed both the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD) and the Edgar Fellows Program. Known for their prestigious reputations, BILLD and the Edgar Fellows have a highly selective admittance standard and only accept the most qualified of regional legislators.

 “I am honored to have been part of the BILLD and Edgars Fellows Programs,” stated Rep. Wheeler. “The opportunity to learn alongside the Midwest and Illinois’ brightest leaders was valuable beyond anything words can describe.”

The Edgar Fellows Program accepts 40 of Illinois’ top up-and-coming legislators into a four day training seminar aimed at educating the fellows about leadership skills and strategies. The classes are taught by individuals who have excelled in the public arena, including Governor Jim Edgar.

In addition, Rep. Wheeler graduated from the BILLD program which is a regional based program based in Madison Wisconsin. Selecting a small handful of the Midwest’s top legislators, the program focused on leadership training and policy-based instructional courses.

As a freshman legislator, Rep. Wheeler has already proven herself to be a staunch advocate for responsible government and has filed legislation aimed at reforming Illinois’ government. Representative Wheeler also has a proven record of making the needs of her community her top priority.

As a McHenry County board member, Rep. Wheeler initiated, and led, a citizen’s task force to deal with a looming housing crisis and to develop a county land use policy that will guide the county for the next 25 years.

Rep. Wheeler also developed a “Land First” policy that encourages development, but prioritizes open space and protecting ground water.  As a result of these accomplishments, Representative Wheeler was awarded the Theta Award from the McHenry County Environmental Society.