Richard Carlson began his service in Illinois State government as a legislative staff intern in 1966, then worked as a staff assistant during the state's Constitutional Convention in 1970. He began working for the Gov. Jim Thompson administration in 1977, first on the Governor's program staff, where he worked on executive reorganization and on environmental policy issues. In 1981 Thompson appointed him to be the director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, a position he held until 1988 when he moved to the private sector.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
Amendatory Vetoes
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Carlson’s Upbringing and Experiences in the 1960s
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
Staff Work for the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention
Interview Session 03 (Audio)
Executive Reorg and the Program Staff during Gov. Thompson’s First Two Terms
Interview Session 04 (Audio)
Carlson’s Tenure as Director of IEPA (1981-1988)