The Art of Civility
Disagreeing Without Being Disagreeable
By Trey Delida
“Even when we disagree, it doesn’t mean we have to be disagreeable.”
That is the bedrock of Sen. Elgie Sims’ approach to working in the Illinois Legislature and beyond. To him, the concept of civility transcends mere politeness or tolerance, it originates from a place of authenticity and creates space for intentional dialogue.
“Civility is not the absence of impertinent or terse behavior, but the presence of respectful, empathetic and intentional behavior and dialogue that’s authentic,” Sims said. “It involves focusing on issues rather than personal attacks, listening to different points of view, using measured language and avoiding inflammatory rhetoric, seeking common ground where possible, but also upholding democratic norms and institutional decorum.”
As a public servant, Sims believes there is a responsibility to exemplify civility and decorum in political spaces, not only for the sake of effective governance but also for the democracy that the next generation will inherit.
“When we’re in the Senate or on the House floor, those young people are in the gallery, and they’re watching,” Sims said. “They’re watching how we treat each other; they’re watching how we behave. As members of the legislature, we have a responsibility to show them that.”
From serving as the first African-American regent student representing Illinois State University to representing Illinois Senate District 17, Sims has always been drawn to work that makes a difference for others.
After graduating from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and opening his own practice, Sims got his start in public service representing the 34th District in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2012-18. He later transitioned to his current role in the Illinois State Senate, representing Chicago’s south side, south suburbs, and Will and Kankakee counties.
As a community leader and a public servant, Sims has emphasized people over politics, and he has a track record to prove it. He has worked across the aisle to get the work done and devoted time outside of the legislature to community causes that matter to him. During his time in office, Sims has championed legislation to create jobs, provide relief for those in need, improve schools, strengthen the state’s economic standing and improve civic relations.
In 2023, Sims sponsored a landmark criminal justice reform bill, the SAFE-T Act, which made Illinois the first state to eliminate cash bail. This reform package included provisions like diverting low-level drug crimes into substance use programs, requiring health and wellness services for officers and more, setting a new standard of decorum for the state’s justice system. He also led efforts to improve relations between his community and law enforcement through the Police and Community Relations Improvement Act (2023), establishing new training and guidelines for police officers.
In 2024, Sims led a fiscal plan that landed the state approximately $125 million above the projected fiscal year 2024 General Funds revenue estimates.
Actions such as these at the state level can serve as a model for others, according to Sims. By mirroring successful legislation, fellow states, and even U.S. Congress, effectively serve constituents by demonstrating an interest in putting the best ideas and solutions into practice.
“I look at our state legislatures as just what they are: the laboratories of democracy,” Sims said. “We can do and try things here at the state level that should, and often does, flow up to our cousins in Congress. I think we’ve got a responsibility to mirror the behavior that we want to see.”
Sims attributes these accolades not to himself, but to the notion that responsible governance exists to serve the people.
“Responsible governance looks like a couple of things: it’s transparent, it’s accountable, it’s responsible and it’s ethical,” Sims said. “People often want to know that you have their best interests at heart and you’re not trying to serve your own self-interests. Being able to do what’s in the best interest of our community, that’s really what drives me every day.”
The outstanding contributions of Sims have garnered recognition from local and national organizations. This year, he was honored by the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation with its inaugural Good Government Award. Named in honor of former Republican Gov. Jim Thompson and former Democratic Senate President Phil Roth, this award highlights Sims’ remarkable ability to overlook party lines and focus on the broader vision of governance.
Leslie Corbett, executive director of the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, said that because of his nonpartisan nature, Sims was the perfect recipient for the inaugural award.
Sen. Sims was perfect for this award because he does work across the aisle. In all of our interactions with him and what I’ve seen elsewhere, he’s just a professional in every word,” Corbett said. “He’s compassionate. He’s caring. He makes you feel that you’ve been listened to. He has to make hard decisions, but you know those decisions will be based on facts and needs versus just playing politics. That’s why we decided to give him our inaugural Good Government Award this year.”
As a legislator, incorporating different perspectives is necessary when developing policy that will govern people from varying backgrounds. By embracing this diversity of thought, specifically when working across the aisle, lawmakers are able to craft more effective solutions that reflect the needs of their communities.
“Even when I have a different perspective, I can recognize your perspective,” Sims said. “I can recognize your humanity. I can recognize that you represent a district that is different than mine, and we come to common ground.”
Finding common ground is at the forefront of Sims’ policymaking process, and by acknowledging these diverse perspectives, he believes we can identify shared values that connect us all and create policies that benefit everyone.
“So how do we work together,” Sims asked. “My district has urban, suburban and rural, and it doesn’t match your district’s needs exactly, but how do we find those common threads that all of us can agree to? How do we get to those collaborations that will make the policy better for everybody?”
In today’s ever-changing and divisive era of politics, Sims believes that state leaders must take on the responsibility of asking those important questions. He believes that the power of civility — even through small gestures — is vital for driving positive change and bridging the divide.
“I’ve heard reactions from folks who believe it’s pollyannaish to think that civility can somehow be achieved in today’s polarized environment, but I would say I don’t believe that at all,” Sims said. “I believe that we have a responsibility to engage in those kinds of activities that would help us to find that common ground. The basic foundation of civility is placing emphasis on being authentic in our conversations, seeing someone else’s perspective, but also making sure that we are acting in a way that will allow us to move forward together.”
Sen. Elgie Sims has been a pillar of public service in Illinois for over a decade. As the 2025 CSG National Chair, Sims is focused on highlighting civility as his chair's leadership initiative, or, as he described it, "disagreeing without being disagreeable."
“I want that to be the legacy I leave; that I made my community, that I love so much, better than I found it.”
What sets the senator apart from others is his unwavering passion for the work and his admiration for the institutions of law and government. For Sims, the real sense of pride comes from fulfilling the legacy of those who came before him.
“I love being a member of the Illinois Senate. I revere the institution. I still get goosebumps when I walk onto the floor of the Illinois Senate because I realize I stand on the shoulders of some giants,” Sims said. “You know, Adelbert Roberts, who was also a fraternity brother of mine and the first African-American member of the Illinois Senate. Some of the work that I do now in criminal justice reform, Sen. Roberts was doing in the early 1900s. People like Cecil Partee, who was the first African-American Senate president, and Harold Washington, who was the first black mayor of the city of Chicago.”
In many ways, Sims’ civility is both an homage to those giants who opened the doors and to those who will follow in his footsteps, referencing the blueprint of authenticity and civility he leaves behind in hopes that it will continue to be passed down for generations to come.
“I want that to be the legacy I leave; that I made my community, that I love so much, better than I found it,” Sims said.
2025 CSG National Chair-Elect
Mike Gipson
Assemblymember | California
2023 CSG West Chair | 2024 CSG Henry Toll Fellow
With over a decade of experience as a California assemblymember, Mike Gipson has built a reputation for championing policies driven by the needs of his constituents. Since first being elected in 2014, he has worked on a wide range of issues, from affordable housing to criminal justice reform, to address the pressing needs of Californians.
In 2015, a year after taking office, Gipson was appointed by Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon to serve as the California State Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair. He held this position until 2023, making him the longest-serving chair in state history.
“Assemblymember Gipson has proven to be a tireless advocate for his constituents and a catalyst for progress,” said David Adkins, CSG executive director/CEO. “His vision and leadership have made a big impact on California, and his big heart makes him an empathetic leader and a valued friend. He is also an impactful change agent thanks to his pursuit in creating a fairer and more equitable world.”
Gipson, a native of Watts, California, Gipson represents the very district he was raised in, having moved to Carson. Prior to becoming a state assemblymember, he served as a Carson city councilmember for nine years as well as mayor pro tempore.
A former police offer in Maywood, California, Gipson has been a leader in police reform, bringing forth legislation banning chokeholds and restraints leading to “positional asphyxiation,” and led efforts to eradicate “police gangs,” among other work. He has also presented legislation focused on eliminating childhood poverty, combating homelessness and protecting access to water.
Photo credit: Bryan Patrick Photography
2025 CSG National Vice Chair
Cameron Sexton
Speaker of the House | Tennessee
2020-21 CSG South Chair
An eighth-generation Tennessean, House Speaker Cameron Sexton has a deep connection with his state. Joining CSG national leadership as 2025 vice chair, he brings that heritage and passion into his role representing District 25, a region spanning Cumberland County and part of Putnam County.
Sexton became Tennessee’s 83rd speaker of the House in August 2019, having previously served as the House Majority Caucus Chairman, majority whip and as chair of the House Health Committee.
“Speaker Sexton’s deep-rooted dedication to public service and his long record of success as a legislative leader have produced impressive results for the citizens of Tennessee,” said David Adkins, CSG executive director/CEO. “He is respected for the depth of his knowledge and his ability to bring people together to make progress on priority issues. As a CSG leader, at both the regional and national level, Speaker Sexton has helped CSG achieve our promise of helping state officials create strong states and a stronger nation.”
Following an appointment by former Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell, Sexton led the 3-Star Healthy Task Force, which took an innovative approach to health care coverage. The task force suggested a pilot program increasing access to health care for groups in “coverage gaps.”
Sexton, who works in business development for the One Bank of Tennessee, also has a long history of involvement in Tennessee campaigns. After college, he worked on campaigns for both U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally. Sexton continues his campaign work in a different capacity now, frequently spending time out of session connecting with constituents, visiting local businesses and promoting the work of other legislators.
2024-26 CSG Justice Center Advisory Board Chair
Cam Ward
Director, Bureau of Pardon and Paroles | Alabama
Ward is a seasoned public servant with more than four decades of leadership experience. As an Alabama state representative and senator, he earned respect across the political spectrum, chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, and championed causes in health care, criminal justice reform and economic development.
As a member of Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s cabinet and as director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, Ward has implemented strategies to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes, including prioritizing Alabama’s role a Reentry 2030 state. He also serves as the Alabama Commission on Reentry Chairman.
“Cam Ward’s leadership exemplifies a commitment to justice and second chances,” said David Adkins, CSG executive director/CEO. “His work in Alabama, as both a legislator and an executive branch official, has implemented meaningful justice system reforms while holding criminals accountable. His experience and expertise has made a big difference for Alabama, and his leadership has been essential to the success of the CSG Justice Center.”
In the community, Ward volunteers and serves on various boards of directors, including the Glenwood Autism Center, the YMCA of Alabaster and Leadership Shelby County. He also serves on the Troy University Board of Trustees. In his spare time, Ward has worked with the national Prison Fellowship and their Faith and Justice Fellowship.
Ward, a two-time student government president at Troy University, graduated in 1993 with a degree in international relations and affairs. He went on to obtain his juris doctor from Samford University Cumberland School of Law and was later admitted to the Alabama State Bar.
