I just read the press release. In the PR, the Governor praises Filan as having been instrumental in ensuring that more people have access to quality health care. Of course, I’m not sure that sentiment is shared by those FamilyCare folks who appear to have lost their health coverage due to the mis-handling of the legislative and administrative rules process. Or by the healthcare providers who are getting stuck with the unpaid bills.
Think of the Blago era as such:
Day One, he is smiling with shovel in hand and hair (helmut) in place….in successive pictures you see him digging himself into a deeper and deeper hole. Now all you see is the tip of the shovel as it reaches its apex (Filan announcement). J.J.Jr. appointment= won’t even be able to see the shovel anymore.
“Access” to health care is not the same as having it. It’s akin to an internet ad offering “free downloads” of spyware, but then you suddenly realize that the software is not free, just the download. What Blagojevich and Filan and others did with FamilyCare is tragic. They basically gave them an ATM card but didn’t give them a PIN number. The card is flashy and cool, but practically useless. I’ve said it before and, with Rich’s blessing I’ll say it again: this administration is all flash and no film.
- Master of the Oblivious - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 2:16 pm:
Take care of your own while you still can. The Blago indictment must be very close.
fly day - there are some bills in the House that require Senate concurrence. Both chambers should be around, although cancelling the final day of the second week is at least a 50-50 probability.
The biggest issue is the spending bill that passed along with the special funds bill. The governor has yet to act on it. If he does veto it in the next few days, both chambers may have to act in concert or by passing another spending bill. (SB 1103)
- Just My Opinion - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 3:33 pm:
This might as well have been announced as an “interim position” for Filan. Surely Governor Quinn would not keep him in this position for very long. My my, they are all scrambling aren’t they?
==Just saw John yesterday getting fitted for a new suit. Now I know why ==
As the lifeboats were lowering from the listing frigate, a homely middle aged lady appeared before the captain and inquired as to whether the boat had enough room to hold her. Mildly recognizing this passenger, the Captain scowled and answered affirmatively. As she sqeezed her large frame into it’s safety and the lifeboat was lowered, she lifted her wig and waved to the sailors as the oars hit the water. “See you boys in Davey Jones’ locker!”, Mr. Filan shouted.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 5:26 pm:
AA thinks the fox just changed henhouses.
In other news, Deloitte Consulting, Mesirow Financial, and Maximus all announced major layoffs today.
Surprise, surprise. Another appointment and the first thing we ask about are qualifications. Same as other appointments - none but being a kissa– of Blago (KAOB).
Just My Opinion - to use an old expression, “Are you nuts?” When Blagojevich was at Steinmetz High School, Filan was working in the Walker Administration - with Pat Quinn.
He was picked after extensive research and deliberation by the same blue-ribbon panel that’s working on the Obama replacement job. When you live in a carnival funhouse, all your windows are mirrors.
- Rep. John Fritchey - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 12:34 pm:
Just saw John yesterday getting fitted for a new suit. Now I know why
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 12:34 pm:
What are his qualifications?
- Reality Check - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 12:36 pm:
Is this an added post, or in place of his current portfolio? The announcement does not make that clear.
- Moderate REpub - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 12:41 pm:
Really? I didn’t see his contribution to Blago. I will save my rejoicing for after the new Director is named.
- Amuzing Myself - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 12:42 pm:
…from the people that brought you our current, sparkling state budget. Wonderful.
- Mark W. Johnson - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 12:45 pm:
Qualifications? Seriously you jest VanillaMan.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 12:55 pm:
Be still my heart…
- Budget Watcher - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 1:06 pm:
I just read the press release. In the PR, the Governor praises Filan as having been instrumental in ensuring that more people have access to quality health care. Of course, I’m not sure that sentiment is shared by those FamilyCare folks who appear to have lost their health coverage due to the mis-handling of the legislative and administrative rules process. Or by the healthcare providers who are getting stuck with the unpaid bills.
- The Doc - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 1:32 pm:
For those tree-huggers who claim that us Chicagoans don’t recycle…
- You Go Boy - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 1:57 pm:
Think of the Blago era as such:
Day One, he is smiling with shovel in hand and hair (helmut) in place….in successive pictures you see him digging himself into a deeper and deeper hole. Now all you see is the tip of the shovel as it reaches its apex (Filan announcement). J.J.Jr. appointment= won’t even be able to see the shovel anymore.
- DzNts - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 1:59 pm:
“Access” to health care is not the same as having it. It’s akin to an internet ad offering “free downloads” of spyware, but then you suddenly realize that the software is not free, just the download. What Blagojevich and Filan and others did with FamilyCare is tragic. They basically gave them an ATM card but didn’t give them a PIN number. The card is flashy and cool, but practically useless. I’ve said it before and, with Rich’s blessing I’ll say it again: this administration is all flash and no film.
- Master of the Oblivious - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 2:16 pm:
Take care of your own while you still can. The Blago indictment must be very close.
- Downers Delight - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 2:18 pm:
How dare ye question the qualifications of Galileo.
- Fan of the Game - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 2:22 pm:
Wow! That’s all one can say. Wow!
- fly day - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 2:27 pm:
I’m told the Senate has cancelled Friday. Anyone heard whether or not they’ll come back next week?
- A Citizen - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 2:59 pm:
Guv probably put him there to prepare the state’s 10 billion dollar bailout request to BHO. Just you wait and see!
- Capitol View - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 3:24 pm:
fly day - there are some bills in the House that require Senate concurrence. Both chambers should be around, although cancelling the final day of the second week is at least a 50-50 probability.
The biggest issue is the spending bill that passed along with the special funds bill. The governor has yet to act on it. If he does veto it in the next few days, both chambers may have to act in concert or by passing another spending bill. (SB 1103)
- Just My Opinion - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 3:33 pm:
This might as well have been announced as an “interim position” for Filan. Surely Governor Quinn would not keep him in this position for very long. My my, they are all scrambling aren’t they?
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 5:00 pm:
==Just saw John yesterday getting fitted for a new suit. Now I know why
==
As the lifeboats were lowering from the listing frigate, a homely middle aged lady appeared before the captain and inquired as to whether the boat had enough room to hold her. Mildly recognizing this passenger, the Captain scowled and answered affirmatively. As she sqeezed her large frame into it’s safety and the lifeboat was lowered, she lifted her wig and waved to the sailors as the oars hit the water. “See you boys in Davey Jones’ locker!”, Mr. Filan shouted.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 5:26 pm:
AA thinks the fox just changed henhouses.
In other news, Deloitte Consulting, Mesirow Financial, and Maximus all announced major layoffs today.
- Disgusted - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 5:48 pm:
Surprise, surprise. Another appointment and the first thing we ask about are qualifications. Same as other appointments - none but being a kissa– of Blago (KAOB).
- REJECTED - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 6:33 pm:
Judge Amy St. Eve says NO to Rezko new trial. Hey; look over there, is that more writing on the wall?
- Smitty Irving - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 7:15 pm:
Just My Opinion - to use an old expression, “Are you nuts?” When Blagojevich was at Steinmetz High School, Filan was working in the Walker Administration - with Pat Quinn.
- A Citizen - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 7:29 pm:
Maybe this is Filan’s version of the Witness Protection Program?
- Gregor - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 7:39 pm:
He was picked after extensive research and deliberation by the same blue-ribbon panel that’s working on the Obama replacement job. When you live in a carnival funhouse, all your windows are mirrors.
- fact checker - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 7:45 pm:
“John Filan is the new chairman of the IL Finance Authority”
According to the press release, Filan has been named the “Executive Director” of the authority. Presumably a full time paid position…??
- Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 9:43 pm:
Oh look, a kitty!
- Wumpus - Wednesday, Nov 12, 08 @ 11:01 pm:
So the Senate cancelled Friday? All Fridays or just this Friday? What about the dinner plans I had? DO they move to Sat?
- Anon - Thursday, Nov 13, 08 @ 7:45 am:
Thank goodness they found a place for him. The thought of state government without John is just so sad.
- Fan of the Game - Thursday, Nov 13, 08 @ 8:29 am:
“…and they ate Robin’s minstrels, and there was much rejoicing.”