<b>By CINDY LADAGE<br>
Illinois Correspondent</b></p><p>

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Agriculture Director Charles “Chuck” Hartke stepped down from his post in a letter to Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich on Feb. 28.<br>
“It is with mixed emotions that I submitted my resignation to Gov. Blagojevich,” Hartke said. “After a long career in public service, I feel like now is the right time to spend more time with my family. I want to thank Gov. Blagojevich for the tremendous opportunity to serve the state as director of agriculture. I have always believed it is the best job in state government. I leave behind many friends at the department and wish them all well.”<br>
Blagojevich offered well wishes to Hartke and his family, and the governor expressed thanks for Hartke’s work and dedication. “I want to thank Chuck for all of his hard work at the Department of Agriculture over the last five years,” Blagojevich added. “As a family farmer and long-time state legislator, he brought unique experience and enthusiasm to the post. I wish him and his wife, Kathy, the best.”<br>
While ag director, Hartke received federal funds to prevent an emerald ash borer infestation in Illinois, created a statewide veterinary emergency response team that strengthened Illinois’ ability to contain animal disease outbreaks, and he increased sponsorship at the Illinois State Fair by 25 percent since 2003.
Prior to becoming the state’s ag director, Hartke served in the Illinois House of Representatives – where he was on the House Agriculture Committee from 1985 until 2003.<br>
Blagojevich named Assistant Ag Director Tom Jennings as the acting director until a permanent director is selected. Jennings started his new assignment on March 3.<br>
A Springfield, Ill. native, Jennings has been with the Illinois Department of Agriculture since 1978. He has been the IDOA’s assistant director since 2003.<br>
Jennings is also a board member of the Illinois Propane Education and Research Council, a past member of the Agri-Business Committee of the Illinois CPA Society, and current chairman of the Fertilizer Research and Education Council. Jennings graduated from the University of Illinois and is married with two children.