Richard B. Ogilvie

Richard B. Ogilvie (1923-1988) served as the 36th Governor of Illinois from 1969 to 1973. A moderate Republican, he was known for his efforts to reform state government and his focus on fiscal responsibility. Ogilvie was instrumental in advocating for the creation of a state income tax, which he pushed through the legislature in 1970 to address Illinois' budget deficit. Before becoming governor, Ogilvie had a career in law enforcement, including a role as the Cook County Sheriff. His tenure was controversial, particularly regarding his involvement in police actions against LGBTQ+ communities. As sheriff, Ogilvie was part of a series of raids on gay bars, which targeted individuals based on their sexual orientation. These raids were part of a broader societal prejudice at the time, and many critics argue that they contributed to the criminalization and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people. While Ogilvie's later years as governor focused on reform and modernization, his earlier role in law enforcement remains a darker aspect of his legacy, reflective of the broader struggles against discrimination and societal norms of the era.