SR0315 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0315 LRB096 13206 GRL 27844 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Terrence L. Barnich of Chicago, who was killed on May 25, 2009 while serving his country as Deputy Director of the Iraq Transition Assistance Office; and

WHEREAS, Despite a highly successful career in State government and the private sector, Terry Barnich chose to devote much of his time and energy in recent years to the valiant effort to bring democracy to the people of Iraq, serving at great personal sacrifice and ultimately giving his life to advance the cause of peace and democracy in the region; and

WHEREAS, Terry Barnich arrived in Iraq in the tumultuous early days of the surge led by General David Petraeus and remained in the country, taking a leave from his duties as Chief Executive Office of New Paradigm Resources Group in order to pursue his mission in Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Terry Barnich went to Iraq following a distinguished career in the public sector, which included serving as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission from 1989 to 1993; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his service on the Illinois Commerce Commission, Terry Barnich served as General Counsel to Governor James Thompson, where he provided a wide array of legal advice to the Governor, his staff, and various cabinet directors; he also lent his expertise in analyzing and drafting legislation, executive orders, and administrative review; and

WHEREAS, Terry Barnich's lifelong commitment to justice was at the heart of his service when, as counsel to the Governor in the 1980s, he gained a high public profile assisting in the investigation of an alleged rapist, which eventually led to the exoneration of the individual on the basis of DNA evidence and a commutation of the sentence by the Governor; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his government service, Terry Barnich worked as an associate of the law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery from 1979 to 1983 and at Rudnick & Wolfe from 1983 to 1984, where he concentrated in the practice of commercial litigation; and

WHEREAS, After his service with Illinois government, Terry Barnich was hired by the Bell Atlantic Corporation to lead its national strategy for securing the necessary 48-state regulatory approvals of its proposed merger with the TCI cable company; and

WHEREAS, Terry Barnich then formed a consulting practice in Chicago - New Paradigm Resources Group, Inc. - which concentrated on providing regulatory, public policy, and competitive strategic planning advice to companies operating in formerly regulated industries, such as the retail energy and telecommunications fields; and

WHEREAS, Terry Barnich has been widely published on a variety of utility and political topics, in such journals as The Wall Street Journal, the Journal of Commerce, Public Utilities Fortnightly, The Washington Times, and the Chicago Tribune; and

WHEREAS, Terry Barnich grew up in Chicago's Hegewisch community and graduated from Washington High School; he earned his bachelor's degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and his law degree from Fordham University in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Terry Barnich is survived by his mother, Genevieve Ketel; his brother, Bruce Barnich; his sister, Rochelle Barnich; and his many friends around the world; and

WHEREAS, Terry Barnich's commitment to the greater good is reflected in the comments of friends and former colleagues, upon learning of his death; former Illinois Governor James Thompson, for whom he worked as chief legal counsel, said "It's not often you find people who are experienced and know how to make things work, but also have a sense of public service and the obligation of citizenry. He had both."; former Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, for whom he served as campaign manager for her 2006 gubernatorial bid, said "He wanted to make the world and everything around him better."; his friend and former Baghdad colleague, Philip O'Connor, said "He fought his battles with a briefcase and a computer... he was a true patriot and hero..."; and

WHEREAS, A large and diverse universe of friends and colleagues are left with innumerable memories of Terry Barnich's camaraderie, quick wit, self-effacing and irreverent sense of humor, and ability to bring an element of fun to even the most serious and stressful situation; and

WHEREAS, Terry Barnich is fondly remembered as a true patriot who was committed to his mission of reconstructing the physical, economic, and intellectual infrastructure of Iraq with an unrelenting focus on the goals of spreading democracy, improving world peace, and relieving the suffering of the people of Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Terry Barnich's legacy will endure as his friends and colleagues throughout the world, despite their grief and sadness, recommit themselves to follow their passions, embrace the importance of public service, and live life courageously; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Terry Barnich and his service to the State of Illinois, the United States of America, and the citizens of the world, while at the same time celebrating his legacy of quiet, hard-working leadership and commitment to the greater good; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family and friends of Terry Barnich with our sincere sympathies and our abiding respect, admiration, and love for a great man who was doing great things.