Politics & Government

Palos Heights' Paul Vallas Will Be Gov. Quinn's Running Mate

Paul Vallas, who has maintained a Palos Heights residence while working as a school's chief across the country, is running for lieutenant governor.

In a move that has left many Illinois politicos surprised, a familiar name has resurfaced as the running mate of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. 

Paul Vallas, the former Chicago Public Schools CEO, will seek the Democratic nomination with Quinn as lieutenant governor. The move was reported by Capitol Fax and later confirmed by Quinn.

“I’ve known Paul Vallas for 30 years and he’s never been shy about fighting for education, reform and opportunities for working people,” Quinn said in a statement. “We have made great progress these last few years, but serious challenges remain and our mission is not yet accomplished. Paul is an independent problem solver with a proven record of reform. He will be a strong Lt. Governor for the common good.”

Vallas has strong ties to the south suburbs. His family resides in Palos Heights and has remained there while he has taken various school leadership posts around the country. 

Vallas has maintained his legal voting address as his Palos Heights residence, Crain's Chicago Business reported. His wife, Sharon Vallas, is the daughter of former Palos Heights Mayor Dean Koldenhoven.

The family lived in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood during his tenure as CPS' chief executive officer. 

Dean Vallas, Paul's brother and close political advisor, owns a casino shuttle service in Crestwood and the Country House restaurant in Alsip. He resides in Palos Park. 

Vallas first came to prominence as the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, a position he held from 1995 to 2001. He then ran for governor and was defeated by Rod Blagojevich in the Democratic primary. 

In the years since, he has traveled the country taking various leadership positions in large school systems. First in Philadelphia, then in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans and most recently in Bridgeport, Conn

“I am honored to join forces with the strongest reform governor in the country,” Paul Vallas said in a statement. “Since taking the oath of office, Governor Pat Quinn has rescued the state of Illinois from the verge of fiscal and ethical disaster following decades of bipartisan corruption” 

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