Peoria Standard

Newly minted State. Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) expressed his excitement in a Jan. 11 news release after taking the oath to represent the new 95th District.

Coffey was among 118 members of the 103rd Illinois House of Representatives to be sworn in at the University of Illinois in Springfield before friends and family, according to his website. He also was among more than 12 legislators being sworn in to their first term, according to the site.

“I’ve been in the service industry for years, and I’m excited and honored by this opportunity to be of service to the community in a completely different way,” he said on the website.

According to his website, Coffey, a restaurateur, managed Saputo's and opened Papa Frank's in 2015. He also serves as chairman of the Springfield Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority board.

Coffey was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Tim Butler, who announced just days after being elected to the 95th District seat that he’d be stepping down. Butler had represented the 87th District since 2015. In a Facebook post, he acknowledged his appreciation for the job while noting he had to pursue a new career path.

“One never knows when opportunities will arise and I have had an excellent opportunity come before me just recently,” he said in the Facebook post. "I plan to resign from the House before the start of the 103rd General Assembly to work full-time with the Illinois Railroad Association. The people we serve come first in these positions, and I profoundly thank everyone from the 87th District for putting your trust in me to be your voice.”

According to WCIA.com, Coffey had been selected by the Republican Party chairs in the district to replace Butler. The district includes portions of Sangamon, Christian, and Macon counties.