Todd Renfrow, director of City Water, Light &
Power, isn’t running for public office or campaigning for any
particular issues, but he’s formed a new political-action committee,
apparently to raise money for campaigns.
Called Springfield Leadership PAC, the organization
doesn’t mention Renfrow by name, but its address matches
Renfrow’s home address. William O’Rourke, Renfrow’s
executive assistant at CWLP, is listed as treasurer, and Ed Vehovic,
Renfrow’s son-in-law, is listed as chairman.
Renfrow didn’t return messages seeking comment.
O’Rourke says Renfrow and other formed the PAC to encourage
young people to become active in public service.
“We want to make sure that our government is
left in good hands,” O’Rourke says.
According to reports filed with the State Board of
Elections, this new PAC has raised almost $20,000. About $12,000 of that
total was from unions and other PACs. Individual donors include Hanson
Professional Services ($200), Hanson honchos Sergio “Satch”
Pecori ($200) and Robert Cusick ($200), and former Hanson senior
vice-president Jack Healy ($200), real estate developers Charles Robbins
($2,000) and Courtney Joyner ($750). R.W. Troxell chiefs Mike Aiello, Gary
Hoecker and Kevin Timoney each donated $250.
As for expenditures, the PAC has spent $385 on
postage stamps and given a $200 donation to Southern Illinois University.
Another $320 was spent on a meeting at Sammy’s Sports Bar, and
approximately $260 paid for three meals at the Sangamo Club.
This article appears in Aug 11-17, 2005.
