Not a dry eye in the House
Thursday, Jul 9, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This Sun-Times piece was read on the House floor earlier today…
On tougher days, a friend or colleague would get him there.
Other times, he’d try to make it, but by the time his chemotherapy treatment had ended, he’d be too late for the day’s session.
Over the last roughly six months that state Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, has battled esophageal cancer, he’s missed at most three days of legislative session, he says.
This week, in the midst of preparing for surgery later this month related to his illness, Mautino said Democrats could again count on him driving the 150 miles to the state Capitol to cast what’s likely to be a critical vote.
They’ll need him.
“Absolutely, I will be there,” Mautino said on Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to it. I hope that we pass it. I hope that the governor chooses to sign it.”
* After a rousing ovation, Rep. Mautino rose to speak. It’s today’s must-watch video…
Stay strong, Frankie.
- Todd - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:16 pm:
I have the privledge of calling him friend. He truely is one of the class acts in Springfield.
- Murph - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:19 pm:
We love you Frank.
- Miami - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:20 pm:
He’s as good as they come.
- Defeated - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:20 pm:
And yet the Workers Compensation Committee chair couldn’t be bothered to attend a committee hearing.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:20 pm:
Rep. Mautino is tops.
Wishing you well. Stay strong.
Most sincerely,
OW
- Send an angel - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:22 pm:
Regardless his politics Frank Mautino is a good person. Rauner could learn something about humility from this outstanding public servant.
- wrangler - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:26 pm:
Definition of true bravery and leadership. Stay strong and take care!
- steve schnorf - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:34 pm:
One of the really good guys
- Hon. John Fritchey - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:34 pm:
Not sure if I’ve met many nicer guys than Frank. And his speech is a reminder that if you do spend enough time in the GA, your colleagues do become extended family. You get to know their trials and tribulations, their idiosyncrasies, and there’s the occasional sibling who you may not agree with on much but they’re still family.
- scott aster - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:38 pm:
Just like his dad…..tough and determined. Good luck Frankie
- Bob Hicks - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:39 pm:
Reminds me so much of his Dad. Not a better person anywhere.
- Belle - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:41 pm:
Best wishes to Rep Mautino. I hope his surgery and recovery goes well.
- Archiesmom - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:46 pm:
God bless you, Frankie! We all hope to see you back in five or six weeks with a clean bill of health. Take care - our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
- lasalledemocrat - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:46 pm:
God speed your recovery Frankie.
- 4 percent - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:48 pm:
Love him! God Bless Frank!
- Nick Gale - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:51 pm:
When I worked in LaSalle - Peru, Mendota and Ottawa, Mautino was always available to talk with the press. A true fighter for the people he represents and friend to Veterans. A speedy recovery to him!
- Norseman - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:52 pm:
I worked with Frank and with his father before him. True class all. I’m sorry bad things happen to good people. Good luck Frank and I hope you get your wish that session will be done by the time you complete your recovery.
- Earl Shumaker - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:54 pm:
Wishing you the very best You are a breathe of fresh air
- Jake From Elwood - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:58 pm:
I don’t know Rep. Mautino all that well, but based on his reputation amongst my friends and business associates, he sounds like a great guy to sit down and break bread with. Good luck.
- thunderspirit - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:12 pm:
I don’t know Representative Mautino, but I admire his determination and his tenacity. Kudos to him.
- Not quite a majority - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:17 pm:
thank you for posting this Rich
To the video — God bless you and keep you, Frank. We’ll keep praying. Love from a former row mate.
- walker - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:22 pm:
Down to earth, honest, strong.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:23 pm:
In the Ottawa/Streator Times last week, he said he’d like to be Speaker some day.
That might be something to look forward to.
- anono - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:29 pm:
I had the honor to meet with Representative Mautino to speak about some legislation important to our group. Even though I was a then (and stll!) nobody in Illinois politics, he was was gracious and attentive. I was impressed by his thoughtfulness. Thank you Rich for a forum to wish him well.
- A guy - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:29 pm:
Decency. Something we just don’t see enough of. Godspeed sir.
- Linus - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 2:05 pm:
Frank is truly one of the most human of humans under the dome. As others have said: an all-around good guy and class act. Godspeed to him in his continuing treatment and recovery.
- Albany Park Patriot - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 2:13 pm:
Mensch.
- horse w/ no name - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 2:54 pm:
A class act, a gentleman, one of the smartest legislators in either chamber. He’s the definition of a Statesman.
- Small Town Girl - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 3:34 pm:
In light of his own suffering he chose to mention Rep. Poe and his illness. Class act all the way!
- Fdr democrat - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 3:46 pm:
Frank is a true gentleman and statesman.
Hope he comes back 100percent after
The surgery
- Give Me A Break - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 4:10 pm:
They simply don’t come any better than Frank. Getter better my friend, prayers to you.
- Amalia - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 6:34 pm:
choking up as he refers to the religious items he received, including the Koran. wow. kick cancer’s ass, Frank!
- Diane - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 9:18 pm:
Who doesn’t love Rep Mautino. He is a class act and a strong leader. We can count on him to do what is best for the people of Illinois. Thank you.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 10:41 pm:
Frank is truly on of the best.
- Frank Mautino - Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 11:25 pm:
Rich I would like to thank you and your readers for their kind words thoughts and prayers. I have always drawn strength from those around me and today was an honor beyond measure it should more than carry the day. God bless you and keep you.
- Jim Nelson - Friday, Jul 10, 15 @ 9:36 am:
When I started my career in 1977, I had the privilege of knowing Frank’s dad, Dick Mautino. Dick was taken from us far too soon, and Frank has always done a great job representing the interests of his district - among the best in my opinion. Frank knows the value of friendship and I’m as privileged to call him my friend, as I was his father.
Be better…stay strong!