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A high-ranking official in Gov. Blagojevich’s office spent nearly two years in a federal prison for refusing to aid a government terrorism probe into a series of bombings in Chicago and New York City.
Steven Guerra, Blagojevich’s $120,000-a-year deputy chief of staff for community services, was identified by federal prosecutors as a member of the Puerto Rican separatist group, FALN, which was behind a wave of violence and killings in the 1970s and early 1980s.
In 1983, Guerra, now 53, was among five people convicted in New York of contempt of court for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury investigating the group. The felony conviction resulted in a three-year prison sentence for Guerra, who was released in 1986 after serving 23 months.
Federal prosecutors labeled Guerra and his four co-defendants “a danger to the community,” and said they advocated armed violence, kidnappings, hijackings and prison breaks in the name of a “free” Puerto Rico.
But, he did do his time behind bars, and as the governor’s spokesperson told the Sun-Times…
“If there was really evidence that he had been involved in criminal activity, undoubtedly the federal government would have aggressively pursued charges. Instead, he was charged with refusing to testify before a grand jury. He served his sentence,” she said. “And he’s had an excellent record in the social services community for nearly 20 years since then.”
There were a lot of very ugly allegations made against him by an informer that he wasn’t given an opportunity to rebut. Maybe they’re true, maybe not.
He claimed he had no info about the FALN before he was whistled in to testify. The government believed otherwise and had him sent to prison. His refusal to talk essentially made him the equivalant of a terrorist enabler in the government’s eyes.
We need some questions answered.
Has Guerra solemnly renounced all violence and taken a vow to oppose any and all FALN-related activities? How does he respond to the allegations made by the government’s informer, who is now in the witness protection program? Does he believe now that he should have testified back then, or would he do the same thing over again?
I also wonder if Gov. Blagojevich has ever asked this guy if he’s renounced his past. If Guerra has not completely broken with his former beliefs and Blagojevich hasn’t even bothered to ask him about it, then we have a very serious problem here indeed. Frankly, having somebody like this working in the governor’s office doesn’t sit well with me even if he has broken all ties to terrorists. But we need more answers first.
If the governor and Guerra stay mum, I believe we need a full legislative investigation of this matter. And not a sideshow hearing, either. What’s required here is a sober, fact-finding investigation, with full subpoena power, to get to the bottom of this troubling issue.
Both Guerra and Blagojevich have some explaining to do. Now.
*** UPDATE *** You can find the appellate decision that upheld Guerra’s conviction here.
*** UPDATE 2 *** The Sun-Times has Guerra’s sentencing memorandum posted online. Download it here.
It’s a big file, so I’ve broken it down into a few smaller items…
* In this part, the FBI claims it has “received information from a person who was spoken to by a person actually present” (kind of a stretch) that Guerra said at a meeting, “The right of our country to its independence, was not to be discussed with words, but with bullets. For believing this, we came to be branded as terrorists.”
* Here’s most of the dirt the feds claimed it had on Guerra, provided by a single informer who is now in the witness protection program.
* The government claims in this section that Geurra and his cohorts’ silence has “given the FALN a free hand to engage in terrorist bombings with no questions asked and with impunity — which is exactly what they intended.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** From Abby Ottenhoff…
I talked to Steven about the questions you posed. Below is my response based on his answers…
Not only does he renounce violence and criminal activities by FALN, but he has never been involved with the organization. The only suggestion that he was involved or had knowledge of the group came from hearsay statements made by a convicted felon. If there was any factual basis to those claims, the federal government would certainly have pressed charges. There were no facts and there were no charges.
He served his sentence for not cooperating, and he doesn’t regret his decision to follow his conscience.
*** UPDATE 4 *** From U.S. Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez…
“For more than twenty years, Steven has worked hard to ensure that our community has access to quality healthcare and good schools. He has done excellent work at numerous community based organizations in Chicago, and has been an effective and exemplary employee of the State of Illinois. I know that Steven will continue to build on his strong track record of public service.
“Nearly a quarter-of-a-century ago, Steven made what he considered a principled decision, and he paid a heavy price for that decision. He was never charged with involvement in any criminal activity, and, in the subsequent years, he has worked tirelessly and selflessly to build and better our community. I have known Steven for a long time. He is a good man who cares about making our state a better place to live.”
*** UPDATE 5 *** From CBS2…
State Rep. Greg Harris, vice-chair of the Homeland Security House Committee, is calling for an investigation.
“I’m not an attorney,” Harris said. ”I want to be very sure of the legal grounds upon which we stand, but there’s clearly enough here for cause for concern and for us to pursue it in some depth.”
And click on this photo for the Sun-Times’ Saturday follow-up…
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:25 am
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My favorite line in the story begins: “When asked whether the governor would want employees under his watch to testify before a federal grand jury if called…”
Disinclination for grand jury testimony sounds like the perfect selling point for an Illinois government resume.
Comment by Greg Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:30 am
Rich, this does look bad, but when I read this I was curious about the paperwork that Congressman Gutierrez submitted when he lobbied president Clinton for Clemency. Do you think it might tell a story different from that of the sentencing memorandum? What was the official line from the White House in 1999?
Comment by wndycty Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:33 am
Further proof that Blago is, in fact, a
“mole” for the Republicans……
Comment by Esteban Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:35 am
Previous administrations engaged in the practice of “wood shedding” potential employees to detemine if there were any skeletons in their closet. I guess no more business as usual means they don’t do that anymore.
Comment by one of the 35 Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:38 am
Stop snitching movement mascot!
I know why Blago has this guy around, he won’t cooperate with the feds. Maybe Blago is angling for a VEEP spot with HRC.
Comment by Wumpus Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:40 am
Rich this is some more of the way the state is being ran including all state agencies. The motto is “We don’t know and we don’t care”.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:44 am
Sounds just like the kind of guy Blagojevich should have on his staff. Someone who will fall on his sword rather than talk.
Comment by driver Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:47 am
For the record, a referendum on Puerto Rico’s future was something like 50% to stay a commonwealth, %47 to become the 51st state, and %3 to break away from the US. After that vote, FALN became irrelevant.
Comment by Crimefighter Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:48 am
A guy who has a felony for not talking to a grand jury. Sometimes the jokes write themselves.
Look for him to be out of the administration next week.
Comment by OneManBlog Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:03 am
This brings me back to the government investigation of how chapter one money was stolen from needy students at the Roberto Clemente high school in Chicago. The FALN had placed as principal a man who was convicted of armed robbery and hijacking of Wells Fargo truck to finance the Chicago bombings. Thousands upon thousands public dollars were used to finance several terrorist activities. For over 10 years the American flag was forbidden to be raised in that school. There were bi-partisan legislatives hearings on the matter several years back where these and many other findings were discovered.
Comment by Ay Caramba! Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:05 am
Is this guy eligible to vote?
Where did he work for the last 20 years?
Comment by Shelbyville Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:10 am
Maybe he can work for Todd Stroger as head of security.
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:13 am
Rod “the untouchable” Blagojevich will ignore this and nothing will come of it. ANd investigation is needed, but it won’t happen. if it does, it won’t conclude until his term expires. All these points about problesm with him and corruption are meaningless without the potential for actual action to remove him from office if problems with this guy are established.
Comment by Ghost Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:22 am
Where else but in the good old USA can an ex-Felon with terrorist ties end up working hand in hand with a state governor?
Thats the great thing about this country. Over the past twenty years, we have stopped passing judgement, even on criminals. All a criminal has to do is claim that he was persecuted unfairly, got an unfair trial, was really innocent, and victim’s rights groups start throwing manna at him.
We can’t function as a society that refuses to demand accountability, and turns everything into a political statement to argue over.
Lets give him his respect. He is an adult with adult responsibilities. He made an adult decision to work with the FALN committing terrorist bombings. He made an adult decision to be a terrorist. We shouldn’t reduce him to a child or claim he is mentally impaired - he is a man, and we should respect him and his decisions.
As a result, he should also accept responsibilities for his decisions. He got a second chance after jail time served by becoming a free man again. What a lucky break for him, isn’t it? So, he has had society give him a second chance - now we want him to take recognition of the fact that we don’t want someone who makes adult decisions such as the ones he made - we don’t want that kind of person in government.
Thats our right for giving him his second chance for freedom. We let those we deem acceptable to serve us in government. Everyone as a citizen has a right to serve in government. This guy did too, but he decided to serve FALN first. So, his decision to become a terrorist doesn’t make him qualified to be a governor’s ANYTHING.
Now, regardling Blagojevich - hiring someone like this guy shows a utter lack of common sense. There are 12 million people in this state, but you had to pick the old terrorist?
Not everything should be decided by politics, because politics sucks. Politics allowed this guy this job because politics said it would be good to have a Puerto Rican in this job. Politics didn’t see this guy for who he was - politics saw him for WHAT he was capable of being used to accomplish politically. Consequentially, we ended up with a Puerto Rican ex-Felon terrorist in government.
You are a fool Governor for allowing politics to become more important than common sense!
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:36 am
Ever since he was appointed to the Gov’s office, Steven has been pushing for equal access to social services for Latinos. This obviously isn’t being well received by African-American community reps at higher levels of State Gov’t so they dropped an “anonymous” call to the CST. Some are former supervisors of Steven’s who now have to report to him, other’s don’t like that he demands that DHS et al give a fair share of funding to Latino programs as they do to African American programs.
The “terrorist” angle will scare a whole lot of folks who may even call for his resignation - exactly the result hoped for by whomever made the call.
Then they can go back to doing things they way they were always done.
Comment by HV in HP Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:53 am
“Steven Guerra has a distinguished 30-year career in human and community development. He has served and worked in the city and state government, social services, and the foundation communities” (*the bio shown in IL Dept of Human Services executive committee under the Governor’s statewide community safety and reentry working group)
30 years ago would be 1977. I feel this brief bio is misleading as part of those 30 years the gentleman was in prison.
Comment by Princeville Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:54 am
SO how many convicted felons has Blago appointed now? And I remember the press conferences that Blago said it was all those republican state hacks that were the corrupt ones. HMM
Rich, you are right on the money! The little people deserve to know if the DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF of the STATE of ILLINOIS is now, was then, or in any way, in ANY way supportive of Terrorism against the USA.
I am sorry ABBY, but simply serving a bit of time for your crimes does not excuse terrorism against our country. He refused to cooperate and now he is the NON Voting-DEP. Chief for BLAGO!??! Amazing. I have said that blago could not surprise me anymore but sadly I was was wrong again
Comment by Larry Mullholland Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:54 am
Just did a Google search from “Steven Guerra” Illinois -
Looks like this guy was at DHS for a while. Director of Community Health and Prevention it looks like.
Illinois Prevention Resource Center in the 1990s.
(Drug prevention)
That’s all I found so far.
Comment by s Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:55 am
Convicted felons get their right to vote restored in Illinois.
Comment by Princeville Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:58 am
Rich: You’re right on the mark. The questions your raised SHOULD be asked not only of this guy but of his major sponsor, whoever s/he is. I suspect his major sponsor is either a state or US elected official. And I am willing to bet the sponsor still holds some of the beliefs this guy still believes in, and has not changed how he views the US government in general. Keep in mind this guy refused to tesify against a terrorist group who supported a group of radicals who were sent to jail for shooting into the floor of the US Congress from the Chamber gallery!
Comment by ChicagoDem Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 10:21 am
Let’s not jump to conclusions about how he currently feels, OK? The governor’s office has my questions. I’m awaiting answers.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 10:26 am
There are quite a few members of government with radical Puerto Rican group backgrounds. They seem to have moderated their positions, however, back in the 70’s and 80’s they were heavily influenced by Marxism.
Most still lean toward socialism which is what the Governor seems to be in favor of. It does not surprise me that he hired an activist with Mr Guerra’s political views. He is probably a good organizer in his community and assists in advancing the Governor’s social programs.
Comment by Garp Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 10:37 am
Is his position Rutan-exempt? I assume that qualifications for (legal) patronage jobs are different, at least in practical terms, from those who are hired under civil service. Looser.
But these jobs are legal and it seems pretty clear that the Blago administration knew his background before they hired him. I would assume
he was hired because of his connection to some
advocacy group–the leaders of that group should be the ones complaining. Surely they have other leaders with less controversial backgrounds.
Overall, though, I think Blago’s and his Dem allies’ ongoing crusade to dumb down Illinois civil service (thus making more positions easier to get for a range of political hires) is more serious in terms of impact on the quality of our state government than the occasional stupid political hiring decision. And you can’t just blame this on the Chicago Machine crowd. The do gooder lakefront liberals are among Blago’s biggest supporters.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 10:43 am
Rich:
I only think how he feels; I have no proof. However, anybody willing to go to jail for refusing to answer questions…(rat), certaily has deep-rooted beliefs that can be discarded too easily, and probably still justifyies his actions now as he did then. However, fair is fair. Let’s wait and see how the Governor spins this one.
Comment by ChicagoDem Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 10:44 am
The question is Rich, in your heart of hearts, do you really believe the governor’s office to be truly truthful with you?
Comment by Sounds from the ground Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 10:51 am
What I’ve asked for is an answer from Guerra.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 11:04 am
IDOT’s new spokeswoman recently quit. She had a DUI on her record and had driven on a suspended license.
And now this comes out.
When is the governor’s office going to either vet higher-level job candidates or at least move to a more merit-oriented hiring system for some top officials? At some point, politics and “loyalty” have to stop being the only reason to hire people.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 11:04 am
Steven is a good guy. He did some good work at DHS. That being said, doesn’t Blago have someone minding the store? Isn’t anyone on the second floor vetting issues for this guy? Or have they all gotten out of Dodge because this administratrion is a tidal wave of diappointment?
Comment by Ilrino Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 11:09 am
23 months in a Federal Prison is not a misdemeanor, not a small thing at all but it is a resume enhancer. Maybe it’s even a requirement to get close to this administration.
Rich, go into any state or federal prison/detention facility and ask the inmates if they solemnly renounce all violence, all bad things and only seek out goodness and puppies and they’ll all solemnly swear affirmative on a bible/koran or stack of Capitol Faxes.
Many IL State agencies have prohibitions against employees associating or having any contact with convicted felons or those deemed to bring discredit to that branch of government. Does this branch have such a prohibition??
“And he’s had an excellent record in the social services community for nearly 20 years since then” …… clock started with 23 months in the social service community of other convicted Federal inmates….
Weren’t many Democrats screaming daily because Scooter Libby was convicted of a non-violent; non-terrorist federal charge? Even with no jail time, our governmental leaders were pretty vicious about how bad it all was and reflected on the administration…. Obama and Durbin were the most vocal…. will they speak out again now? Did Governor Blagojevich have any words of wisdom about having someone, like Libby, who violated federal law in his administration???
Comment by North of I-80 Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 11:18 am
But yet, how many hundreds of ex-Illinois State employees lost their jobs for doing nothing wrong? The only thing they were guilty of, was not being affiliated with Governor Blagojevich or his administration.
Comment by Wacker Drive Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 11:32 am
North, not to excuse anything, but Libby was busted for things he did while he held a position of public trust. Apples to apples, please.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 11:39 am
I think there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for all of this.
You see, when the staff went in to tell “22″ that they were going to hire a convicted terrorist as a Deputy Chief of Staff, the Elvis music was turned up a bit too loud in the campaign, er, Governor’s Office, and he thought they said “Conflicted Tourist” and signed right off.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 11:47 am
(*from NY Times 15 Feb 1983 relating to the 5 summoned) “They said they could not help the grand jury because it would damage their standing as community leaders. They also said the Government was harassing them because of their political beliefs. ”
Call me a simplton today, but why would sitting on a stand -stating I know nothing, I have no information, I can’t help you-risk your standing as a community leader? I would think a community leader would come forth and at least appear to be as helpful as he/she is able, even if it’s simply saying ‘I can’t help’ . I don’t look at this as a reporter that goes to jail for failing to reveal his/her sources. I am interested in what Rich’s hoefully forth coming anwers from Mr Geurra will be. Would he do things differently today if he could turn back the clock? I’d also be very interesting in learning what Mr Geurra has done in his current postions with our state. His bio was so short, surely the gentleman must be doing good things and items to be included in a bio clip to give us an idea of what we are paying him for.
Comment by Princeville Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 12:05 pm
Why am I not surprised that the apparently very political Mr. Guerra used to work for DHS. That place is a total jobs farm for whatever political party is in power.
And it’s expensive to run, too.
It should be privatized.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 12:20 pm
Oh, come now, you guys are shocked by this, yet nobody has been keeping after the previous story about the Human Rights Commission and the “sister” appointed to it it who was tight with Farrakan. Yes, what ever happened to that story? Well, Blago just stonewalled until the press lost interest. I expect the same thing here.
Where is the outrage? Looks like it took a nap. All the bad guys have to do is wait us out and they win every time. Don’t let them get away with it.
Comment by Gregor Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 12:39 pm
Why does Guerra need Abby speaking for him? Nice whitewash job, case closed!
Comment by Sounds from the ground Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 12:56 pm
I’m with Princeville in that I want to know more about what Mr. Guerra accomplishments and current duties.
An earlier comment said that the AA community is out to get him because he is too strong of an advocate for Latinos. That is a legitimate concern. Unless I’m missing something, his history indicates that he is clearly first and foremost out to support the Puerto Rican community. It may be appropriate to hire him as a liasion to the PR community, but not as Deputy Chief of Staff for Community Services.
My opinion is going to jail for not testifying shouldn’t mean that the person should be banned from government employment. However, this case is different. The FALN were truly a terrorist group killing innocent people in random manner without warning to spread terror. It would be one thing if he refused to answer specific questions, but to refuse to testify at all is a different ball game.
Comment by Objective Dem Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 1:05 pm
Why was not cooperating a decision of conscience?
Did he have an issue with the Feds, how they got their information?
Did he have an issue with the fact it inovlved the FALN and he agreed with their goals if not their methods?
That’s the questions..
Comment by OneMan Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 1:10 pm
The refusal to testify about alleged FALN activity happened nearly a quarter of a century ago. It’s literally ancient history. Guerra stood by his personal principles/conscience and paid the price for his refusal to testify to the grand jury. It hardly seems like the crime of the century. If I recall correctly, Luis G had some involvemnt with the FALN here in Chicago.
It’s obvious to me that Mr. Guerra has been rehabiliateed since serving his time. I can’t recall any terrorist incidents committed by the FALN in Chicago or elsewhere in the US in recent decades. I think Guerra’s past is irrelevant to his present job in the Blagojevich administration.
I agree completely with the tenor of Abby Ottenhoff’s reply to Rich Miller. No disrespect to Rich Miller is intended, but this seem like a witchhunt to me. I hate to say so, but calling for a legislative investigation to dredge up information about some alleged past affilation from such a long time ago,without any evidence of any recent illicit activity or impropriety, seems reminiscent of the McCArthy era. I don’t see any real issue. Quit hounding the guy unless there is some evidnce of current wrongdoing!
Comment by Captain America Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 1:15 pm
===seems reminiscent of the McCArthy era===
All I asked for was answers. Hearings, as I wrote, are only desirable if we don’t get those answers, which is why I wanted to know about his repudiation of violence and whether he would do it all over again, among other things. Discovering that a deputy chief of staff did two years in the pen for refusing to testify against the FALN requires answers, don’t you think? Particularly since the feds were apparently convinced he was one of them.
We’re not talking about a Hollywood screenwriter who was accused of attending a Communist Party meeting decades earlier. We’re talking about a guy who refused to cooperate with a terrorism investigation and was imprisoned.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 1:24 pm
The issue of rehabilitation is complex. I wouldn’t want someone convicted of embezzlement twenty years ago working for me as my book-keeper. We can all think of countless similiar situations. Guerra is not in charge of the state’s homeland security or something that clearly would be out of line. But likewise his job is also not a regular front-line worker which would be fine. There are legitimate questions about his background and current position.
Comment by Objective Dem Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 1:35 pm
Had he testified, he may not be walking around today. Either imprisoned or dead.
Comment by Just a thought Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 1:36 pm
I’m wondering why, if he was not a member of FALN, and if he had nothing to do with them, his decision not to cooperate with a grand jury investigation into FALN was “his decision to follow his conscience.” If he never agreed with FALN tactics, if he never supported FALN in any way, then how would it be a matter of principle not to tell that to the grand jury? I must be missing some crucial point here.
I would not be thrilled to learn that any high ranking government official was formerly involved with a terrorist organization, or that they took the principled route of refusing to tell a grand jury that they don’t know anything about such an organization. I don’t begrudge the man a job. I am just not comfortable so far with the explanations of how he came to spend time in the federal prison system. His principles, apparently, are very different from mine.
Comment by Curious About His Principles Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 1:43 pm
Right, Captain, Rich and McCarthy are up to their old tricks. How dare the public request further information about the criminal background of a top state aide. Much like Nazi references, McCarthy references are usually hyperbole.
Witches were fake. FALN crimes weren’t. So let’s learn more about his role.
Comment by Greg Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 1:46 pm
“It’s obvious to me that Mr. Guerra has been rehabiliateed since serving his time”
Rehabilitated? If Mr Guerra had nothing to do with anything ‘wrong’, how was the gentleman rehabilitated by serving this prison time? He may have been punished for failing to cooperate, but rehabilitated in this case would seem a strange term.
From Ms. Ottenhoff’s statement :”He served his sentence for not cooperating, and he doesn’t regret his decision to follow his conscience.”
And I resent the run of thinking along the lines that if one has done nothing wrong recently that we should not bother him/her with questions now. Some things have no time limits and this should be considered one of them. Nobody said pitch the guy out, hang ‘em high, nor anything of said manner. We’re asking questions and not unjustified ones.
Comment by Princeville Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:06 pm
Here’s a decent litmus test to use in this instance, even if you don’t believe government should be run like a business:
How many Fortune 500 companies would have put him in such a high-level position?
Many companies are starting to force their white collar workies to take a urine test. Some companies even demand hair follicle tests.
The state should improve upon the way it hires top advisors and personnel. It would be much easier (and maybe cheaper) to do that and not hire bad apples than face the bad press and possible expenses associated with these embarrassments.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:06 pm
Abby stated that…”The only suggestion that he (Guerra was involved or had knowledge of the group came from hearsay statements made by a CONVICTED FELON”
Is she suggesting that convicted felons are not to be trusted? All felons, except the Governor’s appointees I guess. wow
Blago and his troops prove once again their hypocrisy knows no bounds.
Comment by Larry Mullholland Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:09 pm
For full disclosure -
I was convicted of public urination in 1981.
Comment by s Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:10 pm
I didn’t think convicted felons could be employees of the State of Illinois.
Comment by Felony Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:15 pm
so the gov emmployees a convicted felon who supports terrorist blago appreciates people that know how to keep there mouths shut when the feds come a calling.maybe blago learned from this guy and thats why he wont discuss all the federal subpeonas into his administration.
Comment by FED UP Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:16 pm
**FBI claims it has “received information from a person who was spoken to by a person actually present” (kind of a stretch) that Guerra said at a meeting, “The right of our country to its independence, was not to be discussed with words, but with bullets. For believing this, we came to be branded as terrorists.” ***
Steven Guerra is of Mexican descent; that country is already free.
Comment by Woe is us Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:18 pm
Rich, I know people who have had prior records that was DENIED employment for that reason. Does the state have a policy on this that the Governor’s office is ignoring?
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:31 pm
Captain America Wrote-
“The refusal to testify about alleged FALN activity happened nearly a quarter of a century ago. It’s literally ancient history. … I don’t see any real issue. Quit hounding the guy unless there is some evidnce of current wrongdoing!”
Okay, tell that to the State Police when he attempts to get a FOID card!
Comment by Healthcare Worker Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:35 pm
Dawn DeFrates has been hit harder for her non-crime than this guy has been for his real one by an administration systemically incapable of understanding right and wrong.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:37 pm
What a crock! I am sooo sick of the Governor’s office spin. How do they work up there! It is absolutely ridiculous. If we had a republican governor they would have been fired…well if it wasn’t under George Ryan! Maybe that’s why few in the legislature wanted to sign onto the Governor’s healthcare proposal because felons working there crafted it.
Comment by dumbdumb-24 Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:39 pm
Wow, I’m glad Abby cleared that up…because she’s never been one to repeat the lies coming out of the Governor’s office…wink, wink.
Comment by Ike Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:41 pm
“Abby stated that…”The only suggestion that he (Guerra) was involved or had knowledge of the group came from hearsay statements made by a CONVICTED FELON”
“Abby stated that…”The only suggestion that he (Blagojevich) was involved or had knowledge of the bribery and extortion came from hearsay statements made by a CONVICTED FELON”
Hmmmm…it’s gotten so bad for Gov. “22″ that they have to recycle spin.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:46 pm
Don’t forget what those times when the FALN was founded were like for the people in Puerto Rico. There was a general witchhunt about for anyone who advocated for independence and the CIA was frequently involved just like they were in the dirty wars down in Central America. The FALN’s struggle wasn’t just to obtain independence but also to draw attention to the colonial conditions of Puerto Rico. And conditions did improve from then to now. I can see why he would have chosen silence rather than be intimidated into being a rat. Before condemning him, at least understand conditions at the time. This was not Al Qaeda, but an indigenous independence group. Several members who had not killed anybody had their sentences commuted by Clinton in 1999.
Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:57 pm
What were Steven Guerra campaign contributions to Governor Blagojevich?
Were there any undisclosed gifts given?
Comment by He was Godfather to my kids Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:57 pm
“He is a good man.” - U.S. Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez
Funny how a guy who hung around a terrorist group, refused to testify against them regarding their bomb plots in Chicago and New York, can get a US Congressman to give him a personal reference.
If Mr. Guerra was an old Klansman convicted of the felony of not testifying with his fellow Klansmen regarding a bomb plot, would Mr. Gutierrez call him a “good man”?
Mr. Guerra isn’t an addled moron child and the FALN wasn’t a Puerto Rican soccer league, so lets stop pretending his conviction or the crimes involved wasn’t a big deal. Mr. Guerra is not the victim here. Credibility in government, especially what little is left of Mr. Blagojevich’s is the victim. Time to stand up and tell Mr. Guerra he isn’t wanted in this government capacity due to his crimes - OK?
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:59 pm
I gues this means in the Blagosphere that it’s a badge of honor to go to jail rather than say anything about suspected terrorists. Just how many buildings and how many people had been killed by this organization by the time he refused to answer a few questions? A real stand up guy wouldn’t say anything about suspected al quaeda members either apparently in his world.
Comment by Inquiring Mind Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 2:59 pm
Wouldn’t his application for state employment contain a question like “Have you ever been convicted of a felony?” Wonder what his answer was…. and I am sure that his personnel file is intact and secure.
Comment by North of I-80 Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 3:07 pm
cermak_rd,—— please read some history about the FALN so you can give an educated opinion. Please do yourself a favor and read about the blind NY police officer, or the other officer who lost his hand and fingers because of an “indigenous” bomb placed by the FALN.
Go to this website and enjoy the pictures of the dead people killed by the bomb:
http://www.nycop.com/Mar_00/Terrorism_in_NY/body_terrorism_in_ny.html
TERRORISM IN NEW YORK
It was noontime, Friday, January 24, l975. The tavern was filled with patrons. It was soon to be the scene of a bloodbath.
The explosive device had been placed near an unused exit door of the Angler’s and Tarpon Club next to the historical Fraunces Tavern at the corner of Pearl Street and Broad Street. The famous tavern was built in 1719 as a private residence and converted into a tavern in 1762. It was a favorite of General George Washington. On December 4, 1783, Washington gave his farewell to the officers of the Continental Army in the tavern and then left for Annapolis to tender his resignation as Commander-in-Chief. It was and is an important historical building.
Police Officers George Toth and Henry Petersen, Truck One, Emergency Service, were patrolling near City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge. They had just decided to get lunch when the call came over the First Division Radio. They always monitored Citywide Frequency and also the particular Patrol Division radio that they were patrolling.
“What car for a report of an explosion at Broad Street and Pearl Street in the First Precinct?” The voice of the dispatcher betrayed a sense of urgency.
The cops listened for the precinct sector cars to acknowledge as they flipped on their emergency lights and siren. The wail of the siren echoed off the buildings. Pedestrians barely cast a glance at the cops as they desperately drove the truck through the traffic. The blasé New Yorkers were used to the sight of police cars racing to calls. Toth and Petersen muttered and cursed to themselves as the reluctant drivers lazily pulled out of their way. The police radio was filled with static as multiple calls began to flood the frequency. As seasoned street cops, they knew what that meant. This was for real.
They were the first cops on the scene. These are the moments in the career of a cop that they find out that they are made of the “right stuff”. For cops who work in the Emergency Service of the NYPD, there are many such moments. It was later learned that the terrorist organization that has since become known as the FALN had claimed responsibility for planting the device. No one has ever been charged with the bombing.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 3:20 pm
I knew the McCarthyism commnent would get a response. Truly, no offense was intended.
Just for the record I never met Guerra in my life, and I don’tknow him form Adam, and I don’t have any friends or acquaintances that know him.
However, it still looks like Rich Miller is persecuting Mr Guerra to me, absent any evidence of specific wrongdoing. Guerra has a right to a private life and legal political activities,including the advocacy of Puerto Rican independence, even though he is on the public payroll. I see nothing in his background, given my premise of rehabilitation, that would disqualify him from a responsible postion in the public sector. Luis G’s commnents appear to support the premise that Mr Guerra has been rehabilitated and has effectively served the community for many years therdafter. Mayor Daley saw fit to hire an armored car robber,”Quarters Boyle”, who subsequntly betrayed the public trust, without any public outcry.
William Ayers and Bernadine Doehrn both did time for their activitise as Weathermen. They went underground, surfaced in the 80s, served their time, and are “rehabiliated”. They are now both respectable members of the Chicago community: Ayers teaches at UIC and Doehrn is a laywer affiliated with Northwestern.
I see no practical difference between them and Mr Guerra. All appear to be “rehabilitated”. I can’t see that Ayers,Doehrn, or Guerra are a potential threat to Illinois or national security,despite their past activities, associations and current sympathies.
I have read nothing that suggests a legislative investigation of Mr. Guerra is warranted, even if Guerra refises to respond to inquiries from the press. I think he would be smart to respond directly to Rich Miller, simply to defuse a tempest in a teapot.
If there is a story here, I fail to see what it is. I think Rich Miller should be ashamed of himself - publicly pilloying someone simply because they declined to respond to his invasive questions about something that happened nearly 25 years ago.
If Rich Miller has any evidence that Mr Guerra is doing or has done anything illegal,since his refusal to testify 24 years ago, then he should say so. Otherwise, he should spike this story.
Comment by Captain America Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 3:21 pm
Anonymous,
I knew about the policeman before, and I knew the FALN had bombed items in the mainland US. However, I also know about the CIA’s dirty wars and have no faith at all in anything done by the US government beyond our borders in that time frame.
By indigenous I mean they were created, staffed and funded entirely from within the US (Puerto Rico as a commonwealth thereof would be considered part of the US). Yes, innocent people died, they frequently do during political struggles. However, Mr. Guerra in no way seems to have been involved in any direct act of violence.
Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 3:40 pm
“A principled decision” to refuse to help the government investigate terrorists? No such thing. Can this mope!
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 3:45 pm
Captain:
It was on the front page of the Sun-Times. How could Rich not cover it?
Comment by Greg Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 3:46 pm
“From U.S. Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez…”
ANY ringing endorsement from ‘U.S. Rep. Luis V.’ ought to give one pause.
Comment by hello? Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 3:48 pm
“Several members who had not killed anybody had their sentences commuted by Clinton in 1999.”
Bushie commuted Libby; that doesn’t mean much, does it?
Comment by to cermak_rd Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:01 pm
- cermak_rd …I knew it. Its always a CIA conspiracy…ok you got me there. And as far as Mr. Guerra’s involvement in any direct act of violence. Here is a quote from Mr. Guerra’s sentencing memorandum:
“….On June 16, 1982 the defendant Steven Guerra traveled to Puerto Rico where he attended a cross section of terrorist……….” “…the discussion at the meeting included details plans fro the ambush of police officers and the destruction of dams through the use of explosives. The meeting also focused on the murder of a police officer who was killed even though he wore body armor, because he was shot with an Israeli-made Uzi automatic weapon, several of which are in the hands of Puerto Rican underground.”
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:03 pm
- North of I-80 -
That is a reasonable question - Falsification of an application to a position in state government has always been grounds for immediate dismissal. If, however, he did not lie on the app AND fully explained his “record” then that is a different issue - one resting more with the gov’s judgment or the glaring lack of judgment!
Comment by A Citizen Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:09 pm
From the Suntimes Dave Mckinney’s article:
Finally, Guerra “advocate(d) the violent overthrow of the United States government” in Puerto Rico during a speech before a university audience in California, the memo stated.
“The right of our country to its independence was not to be discussed with words but with bullets. For believing this, we came to be branded as terrorists,” the memo quoted Guerra as saying, citing a principle he said he had been taught.
Comment by How about this too Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:10 pm
I find myself in the rare position of defending Gov. Blagojevich from accusations of turpitude. But at the heart of this debate is whether or not ex-offenders deserve a second chance. On on this issue, I have to defend the Governor’s actions.
Steven Guerra, no matter what his past crimes and nefarious associations, has paid his debt to society. Whoever he was 24 years ago, he is clearly a man who is dedicated to community service today. These are the kind of people we need in public service in all levels of government.
The questions we should all be asking is “What is he doing for state government, is he doing a good job, and is he qualified to do it?”
Unless Mr. Guerra is a ghost-payroller, a screw-up, or an unqualified hack (and an accident/incident waiting to happen), I see no reason why he shouldn’t be in the post he’s in.
Lord knows the Governor and the offices under his authority have had plenty of all three. But I don’t think there is any evidence yet that Steven Guerra is one of them.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:11 pm
I don’t know anything about the FALN, but he did his time. I don’t think that somebody should be prevented from working if you do your time and stay out of trouble afterwards.
Besides, he’s far from the only (accused?) member of an extremist group from back in that day working in government. Bobby Rush, I believe, is a former black panther, and there are a number of other former panthers in government. Rich, has Bobby Rush disavowed his former membership in the Black Panthers? Did he ever get arrested?
It doesn’t look like Guerra was ever accused of or convicted of a violent crime. He refused to testify. Whether he should have testified or not is a different question. He basically engaged in civil disobedience and did his time.
And he’s certainly not the only person in government to have ever been convicted of a crime of any sort.
There are plenty of reasons to chastise and tear this administration down, but this seems to me like much ado about nothing. And for the record, if you’re a leader of a minority group that advocates an agenda unpopular with the government, then cooperation with the government would undermine your status as a community leader. To put it in organized crime terms, it would make him a Rat, if he did know anything about FALN’s activities.
Comment by jerry 101 Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:17 pm
Of course Mr. Guerra deserves a second chance–but not at the highest levels of State government.
Comment by Come on Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:19 pm
I would not call Ayers and Doehrn “respected members of the Chicago community.” They are controversial members who are not respected by many people including me. I can also give them a slight break because they are in academia where there is suppose to be a dialogue of diverse viewpoints.
In a different matter, there was a lot of outrage and press coverage regarding “Quarters” Boyle and I don’t think he should have ever worked for the city after his conviction.
Back to Guerra. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff should be held to a higher standard than most employees due to the symbolism involved in the position. Refusing to testify before a federal grand jury investigating acts of terrorism is about as serious offense as I can think of. And as pointed out, it wasn’t a McCarthy like show trial regarding mythical crimes.
Comment by Objective Dem Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:22 pm
Rich, move on to another topic. This was settled over 20 years ago, by the Federal gov. Kudos to him for stating that he was not a member of the FALN terrorist group who killed innocent people and refused to be coerced into testifying in an investigation he had no knowledge of.
All of this sounds a little too familiar, oh yes, that’s right ….it happened when national security was at its peak (9/11) and some of my Muslim (PhD students) friends were racially profiled and held by the feds for weeks and accused of be linked to terrorist groups as well.
Comment by JUG Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:26 pm
There’s much we don’t know about this, so I would think we would be very premature to judge.
Some have assumed the Governor’s office didn’t know about this when he was hired. Some have assumed that he wasn’t vetted. Perhaps he simply lied. Perhaps the Governor’s office was fully aware and felt he had served his time for something that happened MANY years ago, and that today he was a very qualified person for this job.
We stress rehabilitation in our corrections systems, and I think it would be hypocritical for any administration to refuse to consider criminals who had served there time and were deemed rehabilitated. We certainly hope that private industry will hire them.
If the Governor’s office knew the background and decided this was a good person and they would hire him, good for them and I hope they’re able to take the heat. If they were mislead as to his background, shame on whoever misled them. If they simply didn’t vet him, then they need to look at their procedures.
Comment by steve schnorf Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:34 pm
Ok, then there have been several priest indicted for child molestation who have done their time. Most of them with several human service related degrees, perhaps the Blagojevich should hire them as well…since they did their time anyways.
Comment by To Steve Schnorf Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:44 pm
JUG,
I don’t know the details of the case of your Muslim friends who were detained after 9-11. But this isn’t a case of profiling. My understanding of this case is the equivalent of Muslim activists traveling to Afghanistan, likely meeting with Al-Quaida affliates, and then refusing to testify before a federal grand jury about what they knew. I wouldn’t want them to serve in the Governor’s office after they were released from jail, even twenty years later.
Or lets take another example. Someone is active in Sinn Fein’s Chicago branch. There are a number of random bombings in Chicago related to the IRA. The person is identified as a member of the IRA by a member of the IRA. They then refuse to testify before a federal grand jury regarding IRA bombings and serve two years in prison. Again, I don’t want them in one of the most senior positions making funding and policies decisions for the State of Illinois. It doesn’t mean they can never work again, but the nature of the crime means they should not hold a position of significant public trust.
Comment by Objective Dem Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 4:46 pm
Regarding Deputy Chief of Staff Guerra:
I have known Mr. Guerra since 1995 and in those twelve years I have never met a person who is more dedicated to community building and true to his convictions- it means everything to him. Today’s Sun Times article mentioned one very important fact, “Guerra was not charged with any of the group’s attacks or plots.” That he made a decision as a young man, long ago, not to participate in an investigation he opposed on moral grounds, there is no doubt, he has dealt with the consequences of that decision. And, it appears some want him to continue to pay.
Our government’s informant made allegations, but anyone can allege in our democracy. The fact is that since then Mr. Guerra, has led and exemplary career in community human service work and in government.
Ric
Comment by Ric Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 5:01 pm
I am writing to share my support for Mr.Steven Guerra. I am the executive Director of a community base orgaization that works in the area of preveton and intervention on Chicago’s nortewest side. I have know Steven for over thirty years. We grew up inn the same neighborhood on halsted and Armitage. I have never known him to be nothing but a good person, a postive role model, and a man of character. This attempted attack on him at this time seems to me a indirect way of getting to the Governor and the issues the current budget fight. What he stood for when he was held in contempt was his principles and he had the courage to take a stand against what he believed was an injustice investigation. Steven complied with the governments actions and move on with his life. He has been one of our community leaders, for over 20 years he has served in various capacities with many social services agencies always looking to improve the conditions of those less fortunate. For those with doubt about this man i say, dont let the media drive how you think, look at what a person has accomplished before you pass judgement. Steven is a good honest man and well deserving of the role he has in state government. He has created change where it has been needed, and most of us a just plain scared of change.
Comment by Freddy Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 5:07 pm
I agree with Objective Dem.
If Guerra’s crime indicates nothing else, it indicates he was willing to go to any lengths, legal and possibly illegal, for “the cause”. If his cause now is steering money towards hispanic groups, is that really the attitude you want in that position?
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 5:09 pm
Wonder if Abby can show us the paper that proves he told everyone about the slam time. I’m guessing they just made all that up when they got nabbed by the paper.
And Ric can you give just a few more details about how this guy kept himself busy?
Was he helping Uncle Tony with the real estate or …..?
Comment by CuervoCritic Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 5:15 pm
Okay….honestly, isn’t there bigger business at hand? If the Feds haven’t been compelled to prosecute Guerra for being a member of FALN then I guess we can always count on the Media to do the job. Steven is a dedicated public servant, he’s committed to making government work for the people. People at high levels of government should be held to a higher standard – and Steven, even amid today’s news coverage, exceeds that standard. The Governor is lucky to have him in that position – he’s principled and courageous. Stand tall, Steven!
Comment by Panza Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 5:34 pm
Steven is a person of integrity, I know Illinois is very fortunate to have a fine and outstanding public servant. He has supported children and families and continuse to show his committment to helping individuls and families become self sufficient. I I have know Steven for over 17 years and in that time he has shown to be a person of high calibur, well respected. I often wonder why those who do positive things for children and “the least of thee” are pointed out, ridiculed for doing such. Here stands a time for all of us who believe in doing the “right thing” to stand up and say so..Steven Guerra is good for communities and individuals. Let not get wrapped up in these issues, lets stay focused on the prize..children and families..Steven is and has been doing that!
Comment by Tracy J Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 5:45 pm
I suppose this gives hope for Scott Fawell and Mike Tristano should they decide to return.
Comment by Budget Watcher Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 5:46 pm
Dear Friends it very clear that this is just another excuse to attack Latinos.
The only charge brought against Steven by the federal government was for refusing to testify before a grand jury. He is a man of principles. We respect him and support him because all the work he has been doing for the community for the last 20 years.
Please stop attacking a good man.
Comment by Joven Binacional Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 5:46 pm
All the “good government” types go home at 5 p.m.? Public service doesn’t punch out at the end of the day - I bet Steve is hard at work right now - working to improve access to health care and education.
Comment by NSDEM Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 5:54 pm
The governor isn’t paying Mr. Guerra’s salary. We are.
The issue is not whether he’s a nice man or not. Who cares. He’s not doing this for chump change.
We’re paying him $120,000 a year plus the usual
nice state perks, making his total compensation package $150,000+. That’s a lotta money out here in the real taxpayer world, although perhaps not to the wealthy Democrat libs. The issue is…does the state hire convicted felons…yes, no, maybe. I’d say no but if the current regs say maybe, then end of story. If they say no, fire him now. No matter what Luis Gutierrez says.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 5:56 pm
It is my opinion that the Governor’s Office knew of Guerra’s crime. However, the Governor didn’t care because Guerra could deliver to the Governor Hispanic votes.
Comment by Herself Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 5:58 pm
It’s wrong to ask to shut down this story/thread, he’s doing nothing more than every newspaper I’ve viewed so far today. I was a bit ago reading posting on this issue in US Today. One can not stop the news just because one does not like the topic.
I’m seeing two things going on in these posting. Some are defending Guerra with the attitude of ‘what cares what he did or didn’t do years ago’. This approach is only bringing out examples to defend that we should care about what people do years prior.
The next thing I’m seeing is the ‘he was never charged with a crime’ ( except not testifying) which really gets us nowhere either. We all know many ‘bad boys’ are guilty as sin and never get convicted of anything.
I did like the posting of Ric @ 5:01 where he tries to explain a bit about Guerra’s life since his release from prison.
If Mr Guerra has done nothing wrong, is sincere in his efforts in his position with the state and can withstand our snooping around and sticking a match towards his toes , so to say, then he has nothing to worry about. Trying to hush us all up and make the stories/news reports go away would only sharpen our interest into why.
I do admit the timing of this news seems off. The gentleman has worked for the state since 2003. Why has it taken 4 yrs to bring this to light?
Comment by Princeville Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 6:00 pm
Herself: Guerra is in his position today because of this long history of public service. Votes? Hispanic voters have supported Blagojevich because of his committment and his stance on issues of education, healthcare and economic development. Guerra never hid his past from the Blagojevich administration - instead, he choose to stand on his acomplishments as a community leader.
Comment by independent voter Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 6:02 pm
Good last point, Princeville. We all know the media isn’t capable of digging up this story on thier own…meaning someon fed it to them. Four years after he’s been working for the administration…politically, who do you think would have an interest in creating a stir like this focused on the Governor’s office?
Comment by etn pundit Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 6:08 pm
Is Steven Guerra Puerto Rican?
Comment by BlackBerry Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 6:15 pm
Yeap!
Comment by To Blackberry Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 6:56 pm
State officials back aide jailed in 1980s terror case: here is the ABC report
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=politics&id=5645473
Comment by ABC Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 7:02 pm
Steven Guerra is not Puerto Rican - he’s of Mexican decent. The “facts” get mixed up real easy some times, don’t they?
Comment by Panza Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 7:29 pm
Birds of a feather. Gutierrez was FLAN.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 7:49 pm
Sorry FALN. This is always been known in Chicago. Where have you people been ?
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 7:52 pm
It’s still an open federal case so if he wants to end it all, all he needs to do is testify about the activities. If he claims that he didn’t know anything, then he served 23 months in federal prison for refusing to admit he did NOT KNOW ANYTHING ??? Then he surely IS qualified to hold the top IL job that he does.
Comment by North of I-80 Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:04 pm
Congressman Luis defends him, what a surprise. Why are we forgetting the Clinton pardon of FALN terrorists (to help his wife’s Senate campaign), and Congressman Luis’ role in that.
Comment by former faln hostage Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:17 pm
For the Governor of Illinois to be involved in this is sickening.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:20 pm
To be a public servant is not easy; you have to have the heart to want to do the right thing and you have to have the desire and the passion to bring it to fruition. I know Steven personally and can vouch for his good heart and his passion to bring to the Latino community the “much needed services”. The Latino community is in dire need of a leader like Steven Guerra.
It is very unfortunate that now Steven has been put in the position to defend what happened 23 years ago…why should he? If his convictions and moral compass made him not testify and he went to jail for it why should he now have to divulge his reasons? If his moral compass didn’t allow for him to do it then chances are it won’t allow him to speak freely about it now.
Yes. Public Servants should be held to higher standards; yes public servants should be held accountable for wrongdoings but this has nothing to do with his current job or the job that he has done at DHS. He has — without a doubt — PROVEN to the Latino community that he is their advocate in every sense of the word and he has proven that he is more than capable of doing his previous job at DHS and his current job as Deputy Chief of Staff for Social Services.
In politics there will always be people who are out to get you; Steven has enemies and no doubt these enemies were the ones that plotted and brought out this information. He is a strong man and will prevail amongst all this negative press that he is receiving.
Maybe it would be a good thing for Steven to give a comment that would appease all of the people who believe he should do this but should be coerced to do it? It should come because he wants to make a statement. If he chooses not to, then we should respect that as well. It is on Steven to let us know what he wants us to know. Like someone else stated he is entitled to his privacy and he has chosen to take that path; at least for now.
Until it can be proven that Steven has done something wrong while he has held his position as public servant; I say let him do his job in peace. He does it well and he does it because he knows that the right thing to do is to defend Latinos; be it of Mexican descent or Puerto Rican, Guatemalan, Salvadorean, etc. Steven doesn’t know any boundaries when it comes to Latinos. He is not only Mexican, he is of Latino descent and he cares deeply for all nationalities and cultures. He fights the good fight for Latinos across the board.
I say let him continue to do his job in peace and if he deems it necessary to make a statement then we will see one in the coming days; if not he has paid for his disobedience and we should accept the fact that there is nothing of reproach to his character since he started working for the Blagojevich administration.
Comment by public servant Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 8:23 pm
The Blago people are out in full force on this one. Wonder what they’re worried about.
They make this guy sound like a saint.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 9:33 pm
Yes, the state does hire persons with felonies. Failure to disclose can cost you a job, but you’re ok for most jobs if you disclose.
Comment by HV in HP Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 10:52 pm
Steven Guerra is a convicted felon, who associated with the FALN terrorist organization. Taxpayer money should not be used to pay for his salary. This dishonors all victims of terrorism everywhere four days before 911. The governor’s office should be ashamed of themselves for this scandal and cover-up.
Comment by Blogless Friday, Sep 7, 07 @ 11:37 pm
===However, it still looks like Rich Miller is persecuting Mr Guerra to me, absent any evidence of specific wrongdoing… I think Rich Miller should be ashamed of himself - publicly pilloying someone simply because they declined to respond to his invasive questions about something that happened nearly 25 years ago.===
As others have pointed out, the Sun-Times broke the story, not me. But, claiming McCarthyism because I’d like to know more about where this guy stands now is a personal affront. Unlike others, I haven’t called for his resignation. I just want to know more. And I’m not ashamed of that in any way.
So bite me.
Also, there’s no such term as “pilloying,” but I think you mean I pilloried him, which is patently ridiculous.
Comment by Rich Miller Saturday, Sep 8, 07 @ 6:24 am
it’s time for a recall.
Comment by Sprinflield Watcher Saturday, Sep 8, 07 @ 6:52 am
I like how his supports claim that he made a “principled decision” and as a result went to jail. If he had nothing to do with the organization, and detests their violent methods, then why didn’t he testify? If he was truly not a part of it and knew nothing about it, what could he testify? To refuse to testify and deny knowledge of the group is contradictory. Then there’s the picture of the upraised fist with the group….
Comment by Sahims2 Saturday, Sep 8, 07 @ 7:55 am
As a provider and state contractor, I believe Steven Guerra has been a breath of fresh air compared to the entrenched bureaucrats who I have encountered in state government in the past 20 years. He has been an advocate for some of our poorest communities and at-risk youth…and he has made a difference. He is a good man.
Comment by Non-profiteer Saturday, Sep 8, 07 @ 9:01 am
Rich:
I have to say that Steven’s blog is the first one that made me want to share my thoughts and my comments. I read your blog on a daily basis and enjoy it because not only is it informative but I read the comments that span from pro-administration to anti-administration; the anti’s of course winning the battle every time. But that’s ok because we all have a right to express our content or our displeasure. And I do have to say this blog is a lot more controlled than others I’ve seen.
We all have different opinions and we all have different reasons as to why we think Steven should come forward and speak or not. I agree with you. I have never seen you indicate once that you want his resignation; you just want answers; as any citizen would who is interested in following this story.
However, reading today’s paper I don’t think you or anyone else who wants answers are going to receive any. Steven refuses to talk. I stand by him. I do think in the near future he might not have a choice but to talk or walk away from his post. I do wonder what he will do if it comes to that. If I were a betting person I would have to say that as much as he has done while being in State Gov’t I think he will walk away from the job before opening himself for any interrogation.
I anticipate seeing comments on this board stating that if he keeps quiet it’s because there is something to hide or he can incriminate himself even more but I choose to believe that if Steven held himself to such a high moral compass then; two decades plus later he is that much stronger in his will to not speak and most importantly I think it speaks about his character more than any alleged affiliation with FALN.
Comment by public servant Saturday, Sep 8, 07 @ 9:47 am
Keep Standing Steven
I have known Steve Guerra for over 18 years, his integrity and commitment toward improving the lives of Illinoisan youth is without question. The issue is why now are these statements coming forward, and to what purpose are they aimed at or used to destroy a good mans name?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated that the “ultimate measure of man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”`
Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963
Keep Standing Steven
Comment by Rev. Charles W. Collins II Saturday, Sep 8, 07 @ 1:07 pm