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UPI/Washington Times has an excellent analysis of Comptroller Dan Hynes’ refusal to pay a $2.5 million bill for 256,000 unused flu vaccines from Europe. (If the link doesn’t work, just copy and past this into your browser: http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20050201-031000-4302r.htm )
An attempt by Illinois’ governor to obtain unapproved flu vaccine directly from Europe at the height of last fall’s vaccine shortage has backfired, turning into a statewide embarrassment. […]The signed contract with Ecosse didn’t reach the comptroller’s office until Jan. 24, and with flu season half over. Hynes wants to know why the deal was signed.
“Perhaps there are side agreements that we don’t know about. Perhaps they have verbal assurances that we don’t know about,” Hynes told Chicago Public Radio. “All I can work under is the written contract and I don’t believe we owe the money.”
Hynes said common sense showed the vaccine deal was bad from the beginning. Ecosse will have to sue for payment for vaccine it never shipped. Hynes, a former U.S. Senate candidate who plans to run for re-election in 2004, denies his stand is political. […]
“Why are we assuming the risk (when) the federal government doesn’t approve of the vaccines being imported?” Hynes asked. “And then, worst of all, why are we assuming the risk for supplying flu vaccines for citizens of other states and cities?” […]
Was the vaccine purchase a political gamble by a publicity-seeking first-term governor that didn’t pay off? Had the winter of 2004-2005 produced a horrible flu season Blagojevich would have said that he did everything he could to protect the people and was thwarted by a foot-dragging FDA.
Because millions did not get sick the governor has egg on his face. Some think the comptroller is rubbing his nose in it.
Heh.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 2, 05 @ 4:20 am
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I am sure that Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes did not enjoy having to do what he did, but I applaud him for showing fiscal restraint. As the state’s chief fiscal officer, he showed good judgment. In order to reduce the state’s $2.5 billion deficit public officials are going to have to step up to the plate and make these kind of tough decisions.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 2, 05 @ 9:31 am
Someone oughta explain to the gov that he’s not the only one who gets to make the “tough decisions.
But I’m cofused. Is stiffing a European vendor considered “business as usual?”
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 2, 05 @ 9:42 am
I do not believe I could purchase a regulated commodity (cigarettes for example) outside of Illinois and resell in Illinois without state approval. Why would the Governor believe his position exempts him from Federal regulations? Sounds like PR ploy to me and if PR, then perhaps the Gov’s campaign fund should pay the bill. He could also buy the books for underprivileged children that he promised.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 2, 05 @ 2:02 pm
The problem with the flu-shot fiasco is that the governor bought into the mass hysteria hype of “deadly flu season.” Instead of being statesman-like and urging folks to relax, use common sense, and simply take care during the flu season — he (or one of his advisors) decided to jump on the mass hysteria bandwagon. It was PR, too, I’m sure — look at me, I’m the only governor in the nation attempting to protect my citizens, blah blah blah.
I’m surprised, though, his advisors don’t urge him to be more of a statesman and less of a politician. I suspect this was how Blago operated in law-school, too — sort of off-the-cuff, hyper, and jumping from one issue to another without any follow-through.
But I’ll bet folks liked him then — just as they (appear) to like him now. He’s got that “breath of fresh air” thing going, I guess. Very weird.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 2, 05 @ 3:41 pm
Although if (probably more like when) Ecosse decides to sue, guess who’s going to be putting in all the man-hours to defend the state, the AG’s office. A huge amount of time and reasources taken away from serving the people of Illinois to work on something stupid. And then if the state loses, we still have to pay $2.5 mil. Screwed if you do, screwed if you don’t.
Props up to Dan Hynes. Makes Milorad look like a fool.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 2, 05 @ 5:05 pm