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Hannig postpones retirement

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Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig is delaying his planned retirement at the request of Gov. Pat Quinn.

Hannig, who announced last week he would leave the post on March 31, will instead stay on the job until the end of the legislative session, which is scheduled to end May 31.

The extension will give Quinn a point person on transportation issues as they arise during the hectic final weeks of the General Assembly’s spring session.

That makes sense. Plus, replacement hopefuls are starting to line up around the block. This gives the governor time to sort things out.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 4:05 pm

Comments

Sure makes sense; but, hmmm, I’m wondering. I’m looking for other scenarios which I’m sure there are. So far, I get:

1) Hannig didn’t tell Quinn’s staff before announcing the retirement?
2) Quinn/Quinn’s staff needed more time to think it through? Why announce it then?

Comment by sal-says Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 4:39 pm
Sounds like maybe they had somebody lined up and it didn’t work out, upon further review?

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 4:42 pm
ss, Quinn always needs more time. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 4:45 pm
Maybe he will get a raise in the new budget; stay on until July 2nd, and get another year of credited service towards his pension. After which of course they could cut the budget to reduce the raise for the next guy; who may be 30 years old, and who’s only transportation experience may have been with his Tonk Truck in the sandbox at age 3.

Comment by Quinn T. Sential Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 4:57 pm
Maybe Quinn should hire the Wisconsin or Ohio outgoing DOT secretary. At least they would have some real experience.

Transept, Having a couple of pie in the sky projects in her former district hardly makes Halvorson qualified for the IDOT POST. Other name floating is Sandoval, but seems as unlikely as his chances for snagging the Metra top spot. Heard 150 even has a horse in the race. Quinn should go for competence in the field. Not sure if that’s always been his m.o. In naming cabinet members.

Comment by Hoy Pinot Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 5:00 pm
I wonder if Sandoval would call himself in front of his own committee to criticize himself for not hiring enough Hispanics, or not getting enough contracts to Hispanic owned firms?

Comment by anon Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 5:19 pm
Quinn needs someone who has a working knowledge of the FHWA and how to finesse grants and federal appropriations thought the state fiscal budget nightmare engineering experience only secondary.

Comment by one day at a time Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 5:34 pm
Governor wants Senator Hendon to take the job!! LOL

Comment by nah Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 5:34 pm
You referenced Debbie Halvorson last week - I think that’d be a good fit. Her work on the Illiana and experience with the federal approps process make her a strong candidate for the job. Along with her high speed rail work, we do need someone with federal experience to shepard the federal dollars coming into Illinois. I know I come off as a cheerleader - but we could use someone honest and transparent.

Comment by Apple Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 7:51 pm
Sec. Hannig was one of the few agency directors that could provide reasoned advice for Quinn in the legislature. I think he had enough of Quinn’s back benchers with all their back channeling and wants out. I am surprised he gave Quinn another 60 days.

Comment by Louis Howe Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 8:36 pm
==Plus, replacement hopefuls are starting to line up around the block. ==

I know of 17 who might like to come back to IDOT. I’m sure they’ll let bygones be bygones.

Comment by JustMe Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 9:32 pm
When exactly did Hannig join the General Assembly? I’m wondering if he wanted to leave now because he maxed his pension out now and had no interest in staying a single day longer.

Comment by It's Just Me Monday, Mar 14, 11 @ 11:49 pm
Halvorson makes sense. Congress is working on a 6 year transportation bill and she knows her way around DC. Plus she haas a track record of working with people on both sides of the aisle.

Comment by K3 Tuesday, Mar 15, 11 @ 10:23 am

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