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* We can probably add this appointment to Gov. Pat Quinn’s efforts to show how he is cleaning up Illinois…
Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointment of former federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald to the University of Illinois board of trustees.
* Quinn had this to say to reporters today…
“I sat down with Patrick Fitzgerald and he said he wanted to get involved in education in Illinois in a way that could help men and women across our state… I think he was looking for an opportunity to serve.”
Chicago reporters love Fitz, and so they tossed Quinn a bunch of softballs about the appointment today…
* Sneed…
Fitzgerald will replace trustee Lawrence Oliver II, who once worked for him as a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s office. Oliver, who served on Quinn’s Illinois Reform Commission, was told Wednesday afternoon he would not be reappointed. Disappointed at the nix notice, Oliver — one of the first trustees appointed to the board by Quinn in the wake of the admissions scandal — was not told why he was denied a second term. Oliver told the press he suspected it was because he voted in the 2010 Dem primary . . . and by law, only five Dems can be on the board. Oliver was placed on the board as a political independent, which is ostensibly Fitzgerald’s slot.
Thoughts?
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 11:41 am
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He wants to find something bad so he can say see see cut their pensions!
Sadly he probably will find something bad
Comment by western illinois Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 11:46 am
Smartest thing Patrick Quinn has ever done since being public office. Just sayin’
Comment by Gary Hutton Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 11:48 am
Given all of the political influence over the years that, in my opinion, has harmed the university greatly, I think this is a great pick.
Can you imagine Fitzgerald learning about clouted admissions and not going ballistic?
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 11:49 am
Quinn to Fitz. You got me this job….its the least I could do for ya.
Comment by John A Logan Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 11:49 am
This has the potential to actually preventatively decrease unethical activity at the University simply by elevating the discussion and reminding staff that they report to, among others, the guy that put away Blagojevich. I’m hopeful that this will be a positive step forward!
Comment by thechampaignlife Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 11:54 am
Isn’t Fitz one of the state defense attorneys on the SB1313 law suit? (Health insurance bill) I believe the latest court date is set for Feb 20th.
Comment by Retiree Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 11:58 am
Not every day in Springfield that you actually hear this as a reason for NOT getting hired or appointed to something:
===
Oliver told the press he suspected it was because he voted in the 2010 Dem primary . . .
=====
Comment by John Galt Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 12:06 pm
retiree
He’s listed as representing State Treasurer Dan Rutherford
Comment by RNUG Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 12:13 pm
Big Deal, he re-appointed Montgomery as well. Chickened out again
Comment by Hank Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 12:14 pm
At the committee hearing before his confirmation vote, he should be asked under oath, whether and who ever called him recommending someone for a job or promotion at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the result.
Comment by Fair Share Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 12:28 pm
I trust Fitz’s motivation as noted by Quinn. Good for him. Congrats!
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 1:06 pm
is that tangible?
Comment by lonely in colorado Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 1:09 pm
Will Sneed be on the board? (Can sources close to Chris Kennedy confirm?)
Comment by Boone Logan Square Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 1:22 pm
The U of I has fallen badly of late as an institution. I’m very glad about the Fitz appointment. I believe his presence will greatly help to raise both internal and external respect for the board, as well as expectations about integrity and clarity in the board’s decisions. We have desperately needed a more professional, less of a “political hack” image for the U of I board for a while.
Don’t let us down, Fitz!
Comment by Responsa Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 1:25 pm
@ Responsa - Funny, but getting rid of the (as you put it) “political hack image” was the reason given for the 1995 change from election of the UI board to gubernatorial appointment.
Another great “reform”
Comment by low level bureaucrat Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 1:39 pm
U of I and the whole public and private university systems are jewels of the state.
People from all over the world move heaven and earth to attend university in the state. They understand and appreciate the value.
I wish we paid more attention to them, got smart and devoted more resources to them. They pay off, exponentially, for all of us.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 2:02 pm
Wordslinger - I totally agree, our state’s public and private universities are incredibly strong. yet.
I remember Chris Kennedy was Quinn’s pick to clean up the U of I. What was the Kennedy move? Bringing in a friend of the family to be the University of Illinois President. Hogan was a disaster for so many reasons.
Multiple major hirings under Quinn have been total disasters, Hogan included.
Maybe Fitz is a good pick for the “reformer” agenda, but I don’t see how he is qualified to serve on a University Board in any way. Not sure he knows the first thing about the U of I.
Comment by Siriusly Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 2:44 pm
Governor Quinn decided to appoint Fitzgerald when he learned that Lawrence Oliver was not the same dude who played Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights.
Comment by Jake From Elwood Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 2:47 pm
Siriusly, I’m all for making them stronger. I don’t expect Fitz to do that. We as citizens will have to insist.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 2:53 pm
Patrick Fitzgerald happy to be back in the public eye. whatever.
Comment by Amalia Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 3:16 pm
== Oliver told the press he suspected it was because he voted in the 2010 Dem primary . . . and by law, only five Dems can be on the board. Oliver was placed on the board as a political independent, which is ostensibly Fitzgerald’s slot. ==
Using the primary vote as a way to determine party affiliation keeps independents, including myself, from voting in primary elections.
Whether or not it was the real reason for his removal, Oliver, being an independent, should be able to vote in the primary and select the candidate he thinks is best without being labeled a democrat . . . or republican for that matter.
We should not have to declare a party to vote!
Comment by KurtInSpringfield Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 4:53 pm
The Board Room may have to be remodeled to accomodate those two huge Irish egos.
I-L-L, indeed.
Comment by Chief Illiniwek Friday, Jan 18, 13 @ 4:53 pm