CRETE | Toi Hutchinson, 35, has been sworn is as the new state senator from the 40th District.

She will finish out the term of Debbie Halvorson, of Crete, who vacated the state Senate seat to become the U.S. representative from the 11th Congressional District.

A former Olympia Fields village clerk, Hutchinson also has worked as Halvorson's chief of staff in her Chicago Heights district office.

Hutchinson will be a dedicated public servant, Halvorson said in a statement.

"I am confident she will aggressively reach out to all of the communities she now represents," she said. "Toi's constituents will find her to be a very hard worker and an open and friendly presence throughout Cook, Kankakee, Will and Iroquois counties.

"She is someone who will be dedicated to working across party lines to get results for the district, and she especially understands the urgent need to create jobs and assist working families throughout Illinois. I wish her the best of luck."

The decision on the appointment was made by Bloom Township Democratic Committeeman Terry Matthews, Will County Democratic Party Chairman Tim Gaffney, Kankakee County Democratic Chairman Don St. Germaine and Iroquois County Democratic Chairman Gayle Schuldt.

Crete Village President Michael Einhorn said he hasn't gotten too know Hutchinson yet, but he looks forward to working with her. Her experience as Halvorson's chief of staff should be an asset, he said.

"I think she should be able to hit the ground running because she knows the ins and outs in Springfield and that's a big thing for somebody to learn," Einhorn said.

The village has been trying to attract a steel company and has asked the state for help with incentives, Einhorn said. On Tuesday, the village already had gotten a call from Hutchinson regarding the project, which shows she's ready to help, he said.

"The fact she's already calling us is a very good sign," he said.