A retiring southern Illinois lawmaker received the Ralph Dunn Public Service Award from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.
State Senator Dave Luechtefeld of Okawville accepted the award Monday on the SIU-Carbondale campus.
The award started by the late U.S. Senator Paul Simon and the institute honors public servants who have made a positive contribution to the people of Illinois by their service in government, public policy and politics.
A member of the Illinois Basketball and Baseball Halls of Fame for his coaching accomplishments, Luechtefeld says receiving an honor like this has made him reflect on his life.
"I've been very fortunate. You know, I have had two separate lives. One, the coach and I thought that was enough and I had retired from that. Then, this has been longer than I ever thought it would be...it's been 20 years."
Luechtefeld began his career in the Illinois Senate in 1995, where he has served as minority leader since 2003.
Luechtefeld announced in June he won't seek reelection. While he has enjoyed serving his constituents, he's disturbed that politics is really all about votes.
"What will get me or my party elected? Sometimes it's not in the best interest of what is good for the people and what's good for the state. I think you've seen some of that here in Illinois. It's about who has control and how you get those votes and how do I stay in power?
Luechtefeld says becoming a state lawmaker changes your life dramatically, which he believes is turning some very good candidates away from running.
He says an educated electorate is the key to keeping America a strong nation.