* Gov. Pat Quinn hasn’t listed a single event on his official public schedule since unveiling his budget last Wednesday. But he is making some public appearances. This one, for instance…

With the gusto of a stump speech, Gov. Pat Quinn told congregants of a prominent Chicago church Sunday that combating street violence is a priority and his proposed budget would help address the problem.

“We’re never going to give up,” he shouted from the pulpit before congregants at Greater St. John Bible Church. “We’re not going to let the gangbangers take over!” […]

The budget contains a bit more money in some areas of public safety — new cadet classes for Illinois State Police and $25 million for mental health care — along with huge cuts in education. Quinn played up his efforts to retain funding for early education and increases for mental health. […]

He referenced last year’s slaying of 7-year-old Heaven Sutton, who was killed by a stray bullet as she was selling snow cones in the neighborhood, which isn’t far from Quinn’s Chicago home. Her death was among the more than 500 murders in 2012, an increase from years past.

“Little Heaven’s up in heaven today,” Quinn said. “We better take good care of our babies.”

* And this one…

On Sunday, March 10, 2013, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn spoke to about 90 North Shore residents at the Winnetka Community House. He covered a variety of topics including pensions, gun control, civil unions, casino gambling, high speed rail, and education funding. The event was sponsored by the New Trier Democratic Organization.

Perhaps the most interesting part was the Q & A after his 25 minute speech. My question was the first one asked, which was, “Governor, for new state employees, would you consider an IRA or 401k, in order to phase out government from the pension business?” The governor gave a long three minute answer without really addressing the question.

I also caught a glimpse of the governor on my TV while watching the Class 2A high school basketball tournament.