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*** UPDATED x1 *** Mendoza wants to delay swearing in for a month
Monday, Nov 14, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
Um, did she not know that she’s supposed to take office on the 5th? I’ve texted and called her spokesperson, but haven’t yet heard back. * Here’s the statute…
Those results will be certified on December 5th. There’s also a question (in my mind, anyway) about when Comptroller Munger’s official bond expires. The governor might have to reappoint her for a month. I’ve asked the attorney general’s office for comment. They said this is the first they’d heard about it, but they’d check and get back to me. …Adding… I didn’t notice this before, but this is from Mendoza’s letter to Munger…
So, Munger’s not returning calls? …Adding More… Maybe not. Munger was on vacation, I’m told. *** UPDATE *** The Mendoza people say that Munger’s official bond doesn’t expire until Mendoza is sworn in and gets her own bond. The idea, I’m told, is to allow for a more smooth transition during the holidays, particularly for Munger’s employees.
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- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:15 pm:
The Mendoza Crew is arguably the most inept winners of an Illinois statewide constitutional office in recent memory.
Total embarrassment.
Period.
- NIU Grad - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:16 pm:
Following a lackluster campaign, she’s not excited to take up the job as soon as possible? What about the job does she need to read up on? I’m not trying to be rude, I’m just wondering why she wouldn’t want to move her team in immediately and get to work.
Why do people keep floating her for 2018 again?
- A guy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:17 pm:
Interesting….On the surface, it might not be a bad move for Ms. Mendoza. Developing a good transitional relationship could be extremely helpful to Susanna and the State. That is a professional office. Maybe Susanna has things she needs to finish first as well.
- A guy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:18 pm:
Can someone offer a really good, legitimate reason for why it would be so important for her to assume the job sooner?
Seriously. No smartie pants answers desired.
- blue dog dem - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:18 pm:
Could this be driven by a certain decision coming soon?
- NIU Grad - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:19 pm:
Is it possible this is related to the politics in play regarding her successor as City Clerk? I can’t imagine that office has too much going on that she wants to stick around for.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:21 pm:
From “dnainfo”…
“…”(Comptroller-Elect Susana) Mendoza promised to change that course Tuesday, saying, “I look forward to being an independent, truth-telling fiscal watchdog who will prioritize both the fiscal and moral health of this state.”…”
When?
“You guys go ahead, I’ll catch up!”
Keystone-Kops
- Deft Wing - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:21 pm:
The Mendoza crew? Lol. Uh, that would be the Chairman of the Illinois Democratic party, responsible for guiding her to the “nomination” by forcing Biss out of contention. Then Madigan really stuck it to Biss-Miss by relegating him to the status of most awkward (and ineffective) attack-dog, ever.
Now go back to your filibusters for Madigan! Lol.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:23 pm:
- Deft Wing -
I read your comment.
Goid luck.
- NIU Grad - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:24 pm:
“Can someone offer a really good, legitimate reason for why it would be so important for her to assume the job sooner?”
There really isn’t one, but consider that the special election was crafted by the Speaker with the idea of taking out the Governor’s appointee. When she was chosen to run, they had to have let her know that she would be taking office immediately. Plus it’s not a signal of strength that after a contentious and expensive campaign that she doesn’t want to step up to the plate to “change course,” but instead trusts Munger to handle things for a little longer. If that’s the case, why would she even want the job?
- blogman - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:27 pm:
I think Munger’s authority will expire at the end of her elected term. It is fairly obvious that her acts later would be outside of that authority.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:27 pm:
So what happens if she refuses to be sworn into office on December 5th? We end up with no Comptroller. The State stops issuing checks? Munger’s term ends on December 5th.
She didn’t know she would take office on December 5th?
Sheesh!
- Demoralized - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:33 pm:
==Can someone offer a really good, legitimate reason for why it would be so important for her to assume the job sooner?==
Because the law says so.
- shytown - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:34 pm:
There’s no reason why she needs to rush into this on Dec 5. I don’t think there’s anything in the law that says Munger can’t continue to be Comptroller until Mendoza is sworn in.
- Demoralized - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:34 pm:
The President of the United States has only 2 1/2 months after the election to assume the most powerful office in the world. I would think that the Comptroller-elect could get her stuff together in a month. There’s nothing that says Mendoza can’t keep Munger’s staff on for a while.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:35 pm:
===I don’t think there’s anything in the law that says Munger can’t continue to be Comptroller until Mendoza is sworn in===
Other than, you know, the law. Also, too, the official bond act.
- hisgirlfriday - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:38 pm:
This is bizarre, Susana. As one of your voters, I’m not impressed.
- DuPage Saint - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:39 pm:
Probably pension related, like in boost it up somehow before I sign on for another pension
- Precinct Captain - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:39 pm:
Before some of us burn the house down with hot air flaming out of our virtual traps, we should let the AGs office take a look. There could also be the need for cleaning up election statutes regarding the terms of office, replacements, and special elections.
- Nick Name - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:45 pm:
Susana, saddle up! Time to get to work!
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:45 pm:
===Probably pension related, like in boost it up somehow before I sign on for another pension===
Ugh. Yeah, ok…
- Demoralized - is On It.
If anything learned today, if Mendoza has a real reason, a competent Crew would’ve made that known.
Actually, a competent Crew would have Mendoza ready, and would’ve known the date of the term.
Lots being said with silence here. Lots.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:47 pm:
… that’s me ignoring, ya know, the law, the actual term, and pretending that Mendoza is actually thoughtful here.
Lots to ignore by me and others I guess?
- Responsa - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:49 pm:
As Arte Johnson used to say, “Verry Interesting!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krD4hdGvGHM
- Rich Miller - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:52 pm:
===Before some of us burn the house down with hot air flaming out of our virtual traps, we should let the AGs office take a look===
Maybe Mendoza shoulda done that first?
- shytown - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:53 pm:
It’s just my honest reading of the law. And we’re talking a month in the midst of the holidays, which will be a time suck. People are already acting like it’s a crime against humanity. The state is in a deep dodo financial crisis. Let the comp-elect and her transition team have the time needed to wrap their arms around it. I’d prefer that she knows exactly what she’s walking into - and whether anyone agrees with this or not, the comp’s office has been under the thumb of the Gov. What’s Mendoza supposed to do - rely on a memo from Munger and call it a day? Let’s get perspective here.
- Muscular - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:53 pm:
Another disorganized Democrat who does not know how to get things done.
- JB13 - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:54 pm:
Probably just a scheduling conflict.
- Davos Seaworth - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 2:56 pm:
=There could also be the need for cleaning up election statutes regarding the terms of office, replacements, and special elections.=
I’m not an election law expert, but the language that created this special election is not entirely clear. December 5th is when St Bd of Elections will certify her, but she still has to be qualified resulting from the bond process. That will add a few days to the process most likely. My point is, the law isn’t crystal clear.
With that being said, Mendoza should have known it would be early December and should assume the office at that time rather than delay. No need to create unnecessary criticism this early on.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:00 pm:
===No need to create unnecessary criticism this early on.===
Mendoza’s Crew is silent only to requesting a delay.
So, they deserve all the criticism they are getting until they either clear up where they are failing to understand “what’s up” and/or realizing how foolish they all are making Susana Mendoza look and they fix this quickly.
That’s the ball game here
- 32nd Ward Roscoe Village - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:02 pm:
===Probably pension related, like in boost it up somehow before I sign on for another pension===
==Ugh. Yeah, ok…==
Does she get some kind of year-end bonus or pay bump 1/1/17? Is that why she is waiting? For those of us not in government, inquiring minds want to know.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:12 pm:
===What’s Mendoza supposed to do…===
… take over as the law prescribes.
That’s how this all works.
For someone elected 6 times, as she touted… what’s new here?
- Anonymous - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:14 pm:
===does she get some kind of year end bonus or pay bump?===
Here’s your answer: This is government. No one gets bonuses. And in order to get a “pay bump” at the start of the year, she’d actually have to work there for a pay period to qualify and by then she’ll already be the Comp.
- Davos Seaworth - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:16 pm:
=they deserve all the criticism they are getting until they either clear up where they are failing to understand=
So there is a possible answer that will eliminate all criticism on this request? Whatever answer she provides will draw criticism from some.
I agree that the lack of information displays incompetency, but an explanation won’t eliminate criticism for this request.
- Langhorne - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:21 pm:
She only NOW is starting to think about transition–friendly or otherwise?
What a feeble, disappointing start she will have a hard time living down. I expected a lot better.
- Indochine - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:22 pm:
@Anonymous 3:14 p.m. If you don’t think there are bonuses in government, you need to pay more attention.
- Team Sleep - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:23 pm:
If the update is spot-on - and I have no idea to doubt Rich or anyone else’s perspective - then this all makes a ton of sense.
Most of the JBT faithful left a long time ago. Very few remain. I know a lot of Munger’s staffers and their futures have weighed heavily on my mind lately. Losing a campaign stinks. Losing a job is worse.
- Team Sleep - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:24 pm:
3:14 - no offense but were you asleep when Governor Rauner handed out bonuses during October? Or what about when the Teamsters got “merit bonuses” several months ago?
- Anonymous - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:30 pm:
@Indochine - I stand corrected. At the state yes (wrong). At the Chicago Mayor, Clerk or Treasurer offices, no (right).
- RNUG - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:30 pm:
Maybe she’s being advised to wait until (a) after the veto session or (b) after whatever budget that is going to be passed in December or (c) some similar reason?
- Anonymous - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:31 pm:
@Team Sleep, I’m referring to the three elected offices at City Hall, which is where she is currently employed.
- Been There - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:43 pm:
I hope her lawyers are correct. I’m not a lawyer and didn’t read the whole statute But this part of the law worries me
(15 ILCS 405/4) (from Ch. 15, par. 204)
Sec. 4. Failure to take oath or give bond. If any person elected to the office of comptroller, or appointed to fill a vacancy in that office, fails to give bond or to take the oath or affirmation required under Section 3 on or before the date fixed for commencement of his term, the office becomes vacant. If the comptroller, when required to give additional bond under Section 3, fails to do so within 20 days after notice of such requirement, the Governor may declare that office vacant and appoint a successor in the manner provided by law.
(Source: P.A. 80-1100.)
- Anonymous - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:43 pm:
Maybe it’s to get another year in her municipal pension credits.
- Anonymous - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:48 pm:
TeamSleep, If Munger’s employees took jobs knowing she had just a two-year appointment, job insecurity goes with the territory.
- Team Sleep - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:49 pm:
3:48 - yes but I can still feel empathy for my friends who will soon be out of work.
- Flippy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 3:53 pm:
“blue dog dem @ 2:18 pm: Could this be driven by a certain decision coming soon?”
And that certain decision would be…?
- AC - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:08 pm:
Voted for Mendoza because I wanted her to take the job for the entire term, not some of it, all if it. She could keep existing staff around for a few weeks during a transition, I don’t think she would be required to fire all the appointees the millisecond she takes over.
- wordslinger - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:13 pm:
–So what happens if she refuses to be sworn into office on December 5th? We end up with no Comptroller. The State stops issuing checks?-
I’m guessing dogs and cats start sleeping together.
–The Mendoza Crew is arguably the most inept winners of an Illinois statewide constitutional office in recent memory.
Total embarrassment.
Period. –
You saw this one coming, Willie? Good for you. First I’ve heard of it here or anywhere.
- Dirty Red - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:15 pm:
= Most of the JBT faithful left a long time ago. Very few remain. =
That is an interesting claim I’m sure you can fully support.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:15 pm:
===Most of the JBT faithful left a long time ago. Very few remain===
Um, no.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:17 pm:
- wordslinger -
Given that every winner that I can think of hadn’t asked that they not be sworn in on the day they were to take office…
“The Mendoza Crew is arguably the most inept winners of an Illinois statewide constitutional office in recent memory.”
If you can think of a winner other than Mendoza not ready, I’m willing to hear about that too.
- A guy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:19 pm:
To the update; fair enough.
A smooth transition benefits everyone. Everyone. Let it go.
- yeah - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:22 pm:
IOC is a small tight close knit professional shop. Not many campaign staffer jobs.
- Team Sleep - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:33 pm:
Dirty & Rich - my apologies. I was thinking of some of her senior staff. I know a few of them left after JBT passed away. Perhaps “most” was the wrong word to use.
- Ron - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:40 pm:
Voted for Munger. Don’t blame me.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:40 pm:
For the employee holdovers, they should be given every opportunity thru the holidays and be given the opportunity also to get others up to speed.
As for the Elected?
The Mendoza Crew left the impression they are not prepared to take control.
It’s another to allow for holdovers an easier transition.
There’s a difference. Communication might help
- P. - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:42 pm:
If she can, it seems smart to take a little time and work with the outgoing administration. What’s the rush if it’s legal and agreed upon by both sides.
Take a breath OW geez enough with the endless takedowns. I get you have a problem with the way the campaign was run but why so troll-y about it?
- Demoralized - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:45 pm:
==Let it go.==
Respectfully, this shouldn’t have been an issue. She should have known the timing of her swearing in. This doesn’t give me a lot of confidence in her abilities.
- Anonymous - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:45 pm:
Inept or compassionate?
- Demoralized - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:47 pm:
==What’s the rush==
Why even have laws in place on taking office to begin with? Let’s just let everyone negotiate their ascension to office on their own.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 4:50 pm:
- P. -
I guess if they handled their business better, I may “take a breath” had it not been for how Mendoza’s Crew seems to always miss a critical piece of information at important times.
- northsider (the original) - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 5:04 pm:
Could we possibly get the president-elect to wait another month–or 48?
- 4 percent - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 5:13 pm:
Childish for Mendoza to blame Munger for not calling her after the concession. You’re an adult. A grownup. Call her. Don’t issue a press release.
If I’m Munger now, I quietly leave/resign/end term on December 5.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 5:43 pm:
===If I’m Munger now, I quietly leave/resign/end term on December 5.===
Ugh. C’mon. Really?
- baloneymous - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 6:45 pm:
to the update, seems reasonable to me regardless of how inept people feel Mendoza is. remain calm…
- wordslinger - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 7:19 pm:
How terrible for Mendoza to leave Munger’s crew with jobs and health insurance through the holidays.
Sign of weakness.
Shouldnt she be muscling her peeps on to the state payroll as soon as possible? What kind of a machine hack is she?
How embarrassing.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 7:32 pm:
- wordslinger -
You’d think that Mendoza would make a point about all you said. Instead, Sfondeles forgot that part in her own reporting?
I think after a contentious race, a winner would say they planned a transition, under these different circumstances, that was legal and takes into account the holidays and those that may transition out of positions now.
Another example of communications that are lacking.
It’s not like this was, or could be, a quiet decision no one would notice.
- Sam Hall - Monday, Nov 14, 16 @ 8:38 pm:
If Mendoze fails to take the oath, Section 4 makes the office vacant and Rauner could appoint someone again
- Political Neophyte - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:29 am:
When does Comptroller Munger’s term officially end? She was appointed to begin serving her term on January 12, 2015. Does her appointment run until January 12, 2017, or just until the election results are certified (December 5, 2016?)? Was she appointed for a two-year term, with the winner of the election to serve a two-year term to get to the end of the original four-year term?