Governor Pat Quinn has named former central Illinois lawmaker Robert Flider as Illinois' new Director of Agriculture.
Flider served eight years in the Illinois House before losing a re-election bid in 2010. Since leaving office, Flider has worked for the Partnership for a Connected Illinois, also known as Broadband Illinois. The group promotes improved broadband service for the state, especially in rural areas. Its executive director, Drew Clark, says Flider has strong ties to rural Illinois.
In a statement issued through Broadband Illinois, Flider says he'll continue to promote improved technology access in rural areas as State Agriculture Director. A news release from Governor Quinn's office quotes Flider as saying he also wants to work with farmers and the agri-business sector to help in reaching the governor's goal of doubling the state's exports by 2014.
Flider will be the first permanent Ag Director in Illinois, since Tom Jennings retired from the post last October. Filder's appointment is pending Senate conformation.
