Redpath Feger is no stranger to working on political campaigns but this time it's her own
Colleen Redpath Feger said her family has been involved in public service for nearly a century, beginning when her great-grandfather, Louis, joined the Springfield Police Department in 1926.
"It kind of runs in my blood," Redpath Feger said.
The current deputy treasurer is seeking the top spot in the office against Office of Budget and Management director Bill McCarty and Springfield Park District trustee Lisa Badger in the April 4 consolidated election. Twice-elected treasurer Misty Buscher is running for mayor against incumbent Jim Langfelder.
Redpath Feger, 43, said she has worked on political campaigns most of her life -- her father, Ward 1 Ald. Chuck Redpath has been on the city council since 1987 -- though this race has a different pace because it is citywide.
"When Treasurer Buscher announced she was running for mayor, I thought, this is my time. This is my time to continue what I've worked for my whole life and to come in to be the treasurer for the citizens of Springfield," she said.
Redpath Feger has been deputy treasurer for four years and said that "hands-on experience" is the tipping point between the other candidates and her.
A raft of labor groups has come out to support her, including the Springfield firefighters and police unions.
Former Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara has endorsed her as have former State Sen. Larry Bomke, Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell and former sheriff Neil Williamson. Redpath Feger has gotten the backing of the Sangamon County Republicans.
"I don't have any aspirations to run for any (bigger offices)," she said. "This isn't like a next step thing for me. This is where I want to be."
Meet Colleen Redpath Feger
Age: 43
Occupation: Deputy treasurer, city of Springfield
Family: Husband, Josh, married 16 years; children, Emma and Evin
Political experience: Springfield Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority (SMEAA) board (2003-07); ran for Capital Township board (2005)
Education: Associate in Arts, Lincoln Land Community College; Eastern Illinois University, Illinois Municipal Treasurers Association Certification Program, completed phase 1 & 2; will complete phase 3 in 2023 with certification as municipal treasurer
Contact Steven Spearie: (217) 622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Colleen Redpath Feger is running for Springfield IL treasurer
