* The bizarre boosterism by local newspapers on behalf of their casinos - whether proposed or already existing - continues unabated. For instance, here’s a recent Rockford Register-Star editorial…
More and more people are jumping on the Rockford casino bandwagon.
Last week Loves Park Mayor Darryl Lindberg, Machesney Park village President Tom Strickland and Pecatonica village President Shawn Connors joined Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey and Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen to show their support for bringing a casino to Rockford.
On Friday, the Rockford Casino Coalition met with Gov. Pat Quinn. “We really appreciated that he took as much time as he did to meet with us,” Morrissey said. “I’m hopeful. I wish I could, but I can’t tell you that I got any signs.”
The number of people who have signed the online petition at rrstar.com has risen to 1,341.
Um, wait. The newspaper is sponsoring an online petition drive for a new casino? Really? Yep, here’s the link on the paper’s home page…
If you go to the petition page, you’ll see a handy link to the paper’s casino coverage along with this language…
The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation that would allow for five more casinos in Illinois, including one in Rockford. Gov. Pat Quinn seems reluctant to approve anything other than a Chicago casino. Let the governor know that a Rockford casino is wanted and needed in this city by signing the petition below.
We the undersigned, citizens of the State of Illinois, do hereby petition that you, Gov. Pat Quinn, sign SB0744 to bring a casino to Rockford.
* On the opposite end of the spectrum is the East Peoria Times Courier, which is flacking hard for its local casino…
East Peoria is one of those cities that needs relies on the funding from its casino. With the cost of the Bass Pro Shop and downtown project, the city needs the Par-A-Dice to continue bringing in a consistent amount of tax revenues to the city.
However, the city could seriously be crippled if the bill passes and attendance at the casino drops dramatically. While this issue goes beyond East Peoria to all the casino communities in Illinois, the average state politician doesn’t appear to care.
It would be nice to see politicians do the right thing and put the state’s interests in front of their own.
However, Illinois isn’t a political utopia and it appears to be business as usual with the state’s politics.
So, the “state’s interests” are now whatever is in the best interest of East Peoria? Somehow, I don’t think that works.
* Des Plaines has a fab new casino and the publisher of the local paper dutifully gushed all over the grand opening…
I knew something special was occurring all around me late Monday morning when the little lady, a desperate look on her face, tugged at my hand and asked, “Where’s the 1 and 2 cent slot machines?”
Like Ralph Kramden, I responded, “hum-ah-hum-ah, hum-ah…straight down there, I think.”
A moment later, longtime Des Plaines resident and Maine Township Highway Commissioner Bob Provenzano had a similar experience when an elderly man asked him, “Where’s the crap tables?” “Down there, keep walking,” responded Provenzano. We kind of felt like staff. [Emphasis added.]
Sheesh.
* Meanwhile, Mike Riopell critiqued some of the stories that have popped up in the wake of a Common Cause report on campaign contributions from gaming interests…
But just suggesting gambling interests were pushing for expansion via campaign contributions misses a bunch of the story. Sure, places like Arlington Park gave to candidates and were also pushing for expansion.
But, remember. The biggest opponent of expansion is the existing casino industry in Illinois. They think increased competition from a Chicago casino and slots at Arlington Park could be devastating to their revenues.
Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi, a Joliet Democrat, received more than $57,000 from gambling interests over the 10-year period, according to the study. He voted against expansion. The two casinos in Joliet are staunchly against the idea.
Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia of Aurora got about $39,000 from gambling interests in the last 10 years, including from Penn National Gaming, owners of the Hollywood Casino in Aurora. They, of course, oppose gambling expansion.
That’s what makes gambling interests in Springfield particularly interesting. Lots of industries make big campaign donations, but they also often have common goals.
The stories, particularly in the Tribune, suggested that the contributions were behind the latest expansion plan. On the contrary, many of the contributions were designed to persuade legislators to vote against the plan. The Tribune’s lede…
Nearly three-fourths of the lawmakers who voted on doubling the number of Illinois casinos accepted political contributions in the last 18 months from the gambling industry — a practice several states ban.
Yeah. Except that some of those legislators voted “No.”
* Riopell also noticed this buried nugget in a Peoria Journal Star story about the gaming bill…
“That bill has not arrived at my desk [said Gov. Quinn]. “The Senate is holding it. I’ll analyze it. I was told it will come Aug. 26. I will listen to supporters of the bill and opponents.”
August 26th? Hmm. Riopell’s take…
So what’s the significance of Aug. 26?
Sixty days from Aug. 26 is, approximately, Oct. 26.
Lawmakers are expected to return to Springfield to deal with Quinn’s vetoes on various legislation Oct. 25.
This would give them a chance to act on whatever Quinn does.
They’d have that chance to act whenever Quinn acted on it, unless there is some sort of agreement by the governor to hold the bill until veto session begins. I couldn’t get a decent explanation out of the Senate Democrats yesterday, but I’ll let you know if one comes along.
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Question of the day
Tuesday, Aug 2, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The setup…
In a potential shift in attitude, Chicago police may begin issuing citations to people caught with small amounts of marijuana instead of booking them and locking them up, Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said Saturday.
The superintendent’s remarks came after Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle highlighted last week how people arrested for possessing small quantities of drugs often clog up the system, only to have their cases later dismissed by judges.
McCarthy said he talked about the issue with Mayor Rahm Emanuel as far back as May. He insisted police will continue to arrest people for marijuana offenses, but said the arrestees might get a citation or a court summons, rather than being booked. […]
n any case, people caught with marijuana whom police suspect of more serious crimes or who have outstanding arrest warrants will continue to be processed, McCarthy said.
* The Question: Do you agree or disagree with the CPD’s possible new marijuana arrest policy? Take the poll and then, as always, explain your answer in comments, please. Also, please try to stick to the question at hand. Thanks.
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Old Pat Quinn vs. New Pat Quinn
Tuesday, Aug 2, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The governor is trying to have his cake and eat it, too…
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn won’t say whether he thinks the state tollway should increase rates.
The Illinois Tollway says the plan is necessary to pay for a $12 billion project to repair and expand Chicago-area expressways. When pressed by reporters, Quinn refused to take a stand on the issue.
More…
Tollway board members, who are appointed by the governor, are floating the hikes as a way to pay for a 15-year road plan. Projects would include the region’s first new tollway since the opening of the Veterans Memorial Tollway, a new interchange in the south suburbs and rebuilding the 50-year-old Jane Addams Memorial Tollway to Rockford.
The toll increase plan is a tricky one for Quinn. He fancies himself a consumer advocate who initially fought to keep predecessor Rod Blagojevich’s idea of free public transit rides for seniors. Quinn also helped push through a major income tax increase in January that has Illinois taxpayers handing over more of their earnings to cover the costs of state government.
But Quinn also refers to himself as the “jobs governor” and shepherded through the state’s first major public works plan in decade, saying it was vital to help Illinois’ economy. And Quinn already promised various interest groups over the last year that key parts of the tollway’s blueprint would be built.
Details…
The toll would increase 35 cents for I-Pass users at a typical mainline toll plaza, with cash-paying passenger vehicles continuing to pay double the I-Pass rate. I-Pass users comprise 75 percent of the tollway’s 1.4 million daily users.
The hike would be the first toll increase in 28 years.
Officials said the proposed increase — typically from 40 cents to 75 cents — would bring the cost of a car trip on the tollway system for an average I-Pass customer to $1.18. That’s up from today’s average of 63 cents per trip and an increase of $2.75 a week, or $11 a month.
* Whatever the governor said - or didn’t say - yesterday, he’s on record supporting both the Elgin-O’Hare west bypass and the new interchange connecting 1-57 to the Tri-State. From a July press release…
Governor Pat Quinn announced today that the Elgin-O’Hare West Bypass advisory council has submitted its final report. The Governor created the council by Executive Order last fall to assist in the planning for extending the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway east and building the west bypass around O’Hare International Airport to connect Interstates 90 and 294, with space to accommodate mass transit. The council determined that the project will create more than 78,000 short-term and long-term jobs, maximize the potential of an expanded O’Hare International Airport and strengthen the economy throughout the Chicago region for decades to come.
“This report will be extremely helpful as we move forward with the Elgin-O’Hare West Bypass, which is a priority of my administration,” said Governor Quinn. “This important project will create thousands of jobs and serve as a major economic engine for northeastern Illinois.” [Emphasis added.]
Quinn is also on record strongly supporting that new 1-57 interchange. Those two projects are by far the most expensive, along with the much-needed rebuild of I-90 out to Rockford.
* But, as is so often the case with Pat Quinn, his former life as a gadfly reformer has crashed into his new role as somebody who has to actually lead…
As state treasurer, Gov. Pat Quinn was a critic, threatening in 1994 to block the agency from issuing more bonds unless it changed how it did business.
Quinn also called for setting a final date for all tollways to become freeways.
Oops.
So, passing the buck onto the tollway board that he appointed - as well as his hand-picked executive director - allows Quinn to skirt this historical conflict with himself, at least for now.
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* This wasn’t necessarily a huge piece of legislation, but it is quite unusual in that it defies the national trend on a very hot-button issue…
Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday signed a measure into law creating a privately funded scholarship program for documented and undocumented immigrants, a move supporters hailed as a civil rights victory as other states have recently moved in the other direction on immigration.
The Illinois DREAM Act creates a nine-member commission that will oversee the scholarship fund, which is aimed at removing one of the biggest barriers to higher education for immigrants: cost.
“It is a special day, a historic day, a landmark day where we in Illinois, the Land of Lincoln … we say to all people of our country and our state, we want everybody in, and nobody left out,” Quinn said during a bill-signing ceremony in the Pilsen neighborhood.
The measure narrowly passed the House and easily passed the Senate. Some opponents said they worried such a law would encourage illegal immigration to Illinois, while others said they were reflecting voters’ opinions back in their districts.
* More info…
Immigrant children here legally and illegally can qualify if they attend an Illinois high school for at least three years and have at least one parent who immigrated to the United States.
Private scholarships are among the few ways that illegal immigrants can pay for college because they don’t qualify for government financial aid. Illinois already offers in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants at public universities.
The new law also lets anyone with a Social Security number or taxpayer identification number to enroll in state-run college savings programs. It also requires high school counselors to provide college information to immigrant children.
The state’s far Right was initially outraged by the legislation. But top Democrats were all jumping on board yesterday…
“Immigrants are a driving force in our city’s cultural and economic life, and opening the way for all Chicago students to earn an excellent higher education will make our city even stronger,” Emanuel said in a statement.
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who was invited to the signing, was called to Washington for a debt vote.
“I am disappointed that I missed the opportunity,” Gutierrez said. “I was really looking forward to it.”
“Because our immigration system has been in a shambles for almost three decades, individual states and localities are having to pick up the pieces,” he said. “Illinois has been and continues to be visionary in its approach to including immigrants into the fabric of our communities.
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*** UPDATED x1 *** Better never late
Tuesday, Aug 2, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
*** UPDATE *** The debt is finally paid…
“I’ve been a Bears fan all my life, and this is not easy,” a grimacing Quinn said as he donned the hated green and gold shirt at the Shalom Center Food Pantry. “I’ve never worn a Packers jersey and I hope I never have to wear one again.”
Quinn lost his bet with the Republican cheesehead when the Packers beat the Bears 21-14 at Soldier Field in January.
He tried to soften the blow by picking the number 75 jersey of Packers tackle Bryan Bulaga, who Quinn said “had the good sense to be born in Illinois,” and by wearing a signed number 40 Bears jersey underneath.
“Gayle Sayers is closer to my heart,” Quinn joked as he peeled back the Packers jersey to reveal Sayers’ autograph, momentarily provoking a panic among onlookers afraid that he might continue to strip.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* Wisconsin is learning what just about everybody in Illinois already knows. The state is always late paying its bills. This time, though, it wasn’t for lack of funds, but lack of will…
Gov. Pat Quinn will trade his normal suit and tie for a Green Bay Packers jersey when he travels to Kenosha today to settle a losing bet that the Bears would win January’s NFC Championship game.
The state’s Democratic governor made the wager with Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker nearly seven months ago, but it’s taken Quinn a while to pony up. Wisconsin has had labor unrest and mass protests under Walker.
Instead of just making the usual bet over state foods and beverages, Quinn decided he’d go all dramatic and require that the losing governor would appear at a food bank in the winning state wearing the winner’s jersey. But, he’s still not backing away from his team…
Quinn joked about his predicament shortly after declaring today Richard Dent Day in honor of the former Bear, who will be enshrined in the football Hall of Fame the same day Quinn fulfills his bet.
“If you are going to the Hall of Fame, you can say a prayer for me,” Quinn said to Dent.
The football star said he’d be happy to oblige, but suggested Quinn use his situation to inspire the team to do even better this season
Quinn took it one step further, channeling the powers of his office.
“We almost made it last year to the Super Bowl, and this year we will make it, and we will win,” Quinn said. “That’s my executive order to the team.”
* Quinn also had some harsh words for our neighbors to the north last month…
“We’ll pay the bet, and this year the Bears will beat the Packers twice and go to the conference championship and win, and then hopefully win the Super Bowl,” Quinn said. “But we’ve had enough of these cheeseheads.”
Ouch.
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Rep. Ron Stephens resigns
Tuesday, Aug 2, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Subscribers knew this would happen yesterday…
State Rep. Ron Stephens, the senior GOP member of the Illinois House of Representatives, said Monday he’s resigning for personal reasons.
“It’s something that I need to do for personal reasons,” said Stephens, a Greenville Republican. “I regret it that I’m not able to finish my term, but I am resigning.”
Stephens, whose term would have expired in January 2013, said he is submitting his resignation Tuesday. He has served 27 years in the House, representing parts of the metro-east. His 102nd House District covers all or parts of Bond, Clinton, Madison, St. Clair, Effingham, Fayette and Shelby counties.
A pharmacist, Stephens in 2001 admitted publicly that he was addicted to painkillers. He said pain from a Vietnam War injury led to his addiction. In March 2010, he was cited for drunken driving in Decatur.
“No, it’s nothing to do with that. My life is very much in order,” Stephens said. “I just won’t be able to finish my term. Let’s leave it at that.”
* More…
Stephens, 63, has battled substance addiction problems in the past, but said in an interview that wasn’t what drove his decision. One factor, he said, was a new Democrat-drawn district map that puts him in the same district as fellow Republican Rep. John Cavaletto of Salem.
“That made the decision a little easier,” said Stephens. “I could run against Cavaletto, or run in the new district. Neither of those choices was palatable.”
The 27-year veteran of the House, a decorated Vietnam veteran-turned-pharmacist, Stephens has been a fervent conservative in a state where Republicans tend to be more moderate. He frequently gave voice to hard-right sentiments on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage and taxes.
Stephens’ often abrasive personality means that some of you might want to kick him on his way out. Try to resist that temptation, please.
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* One benefit of my vacation was avoiding DC’s debt ceiling nonsense. But now that Congress and the President appear to have struck a deal, my main concern is how this will impact Illinois. There isn’t much out there about the impact on states at the moment. I received this statement from Gov. Pat Quinn’s budget office, which hopes to have more later today or tonight…
We are pleased our leaders in Washington have reached a compromise as to avoid any disruption of government activities. We continue to closely monitor and prepare for the final results and are working with agencies to evaluate the potential outcomes that could affect job creation, Medicaid and our infrastructure.
Yeah. Not much.
* Most of the stories regarding the deal’s impact on the states are now outdated because they were filled with pure speculation. The deal itself was finally released to the public today and you can read the full text by clicking here.
* There are hints, but the actual cuts apparently won’t be known for some time. From Bloomberg…
States received about 35 percent of the $1.62 trillion spent during the 2010 budget year from the federal government, according to the National Association of State Budget Officers. The money is used for programs such as Medicaid, public works projects, and public schools. The debt-ceiling agreement requires Congress to cut $2.4 trillion from the federal deficit, including more than $900 billion in the next decade. […]
The debt-ceiling agreement doesn’t spell out how cuts are to be made, and much of that decision-making is left to a bipartisan congressional panel.
* CNN breaks it down…
Outlays for discretionary programs, which include defense spending, would be cut by $741 billion.
On top of that, $156 billion would be saved because of reduced interest costs on the country’s debt. And $20 billion would be cut from education loan initiatives and by curtailing waste, fraud and abuse in other mandatory programs.
In terms of education spending, the bill would increase funding for Pell Grants by $17 billion between 2012 and 2015. It would also cut student loan funding by $22 billion over 10 years.
The spending caps in the bill would result in $21 billion in savings in the first year, and grow annually from there. By 2021, outlays would be reduced by $112 billion.
States get money from those “discretionary programs,” but, again, there are no details as of yet. States did get one spot of good news, assuming this thing passes…
Moody’s Investors Service said last month it was reviewing the top credit ratings of municipal borrowers, including the states of Maryland, Tennessee and South Carolina, because of the tussle over the federal government’s finances.
Michael Bird, who tracks federal affairs for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said that may be averted should the compromise pass.
* Related…
* Lack of pay for regional superintendents threatens start of school
* Illinois 50 out of 50 in 2010 for state deficit
* Metra: Capital fund in worse shape than operating fund
* Trading Hostages: Why Lobbyists Are a Key Part of the Debt-Limit Deal
* The Four Big Problems With — And Four Silver Linings Around — The Debt Limit Deal
* Debt Ceiling Deal—Less Than Meets the Eye
* The Fine Print on the Debt Deal
* Treasurer: Illinois investment funds remain safe
* Rutherford readies
for debt-ceiling crisis
* As protests brew, Walsh still has Republican support
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* Rod Blagojevich’s sentencing hearing will start October 6th. The Sun-Times reports that Blagojevich plans to testify. For his sake, I certainly hope his lawyer’s comments are not a preview of that testimony…
Blagojevich was “a good, honest governor who tried to help the people of Illinois,” Sorosky said. “He cared about the ordinary guy.”
Unrepentant testimony like that could add more years to his sentence.
* This won’t help him much, either…
In Blagojevich’s case, sentencing at the hands of Judge James Zagel will also come on the heels of a 158-page motion, where the former governor and his lawyers argued that Zagel had his “thumb on the scales of justice” and that the judge’s rulings skewed heavily in favor of the prosecution.
“The motion basically states that we believe that many of Gov. Blagojevich’s constitutional rights were violated at trial, and that therefore he should receive a new trial,” Sorosky said.
Indeed, Blagojevich and his lawyers said categorically that Zagel had reneged on a promise to let Blagojevich testify to his own good intent. In his motion for a new trial, Blagojevich filed an affidavit stating that had he known he would not be allowed to make such claims, he never would have taken the stand.
“His defense to these charges is that he was operating in good faith at all times,” said attorney Lauren Kaeseberg. “And he should have been able to testify to that effect, tell the jury that he operated under good faith and the reasons that he believed he was operating in good faith.”
“And he wasn’t able to do that, and we believe that was not fair.”
* The hearing could last two days…
The sentencing hearing could last two days, U.S. District Judge James Zagel said in setting the sentencing date, depending on the number of witnesses Blagojevich’s lawyers call to testify to his character and his accomplishments as governor.
That list of character witnesses can’t be very long. And since the disastrous fiscal impact of his gubernatorial reign will be felt for years to come, those who testify about his “accomplishments as governor” could be violating their oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
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* Is he running for Congress or just paying off old debt? That’s the big question here…
State Sen. Chris Lauzen R-Aurora is considering a run against former Congressman Bill Foster in Illinois’ newly drawn 11th Congressional District.
In an undated fundraising letter, Lauzen invites supporters to a Summer Night in Chicago on Friday at the Union League Club featuring U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh, R-McHenry.
“Someday, if my neighbors agree, I hope to enter the national debate in Congress,” Lauzen’s fundraising letter states.
“The first requirement is for me to raise $150,000. It’s a gruesome amount of money, but it represents only a down payment against the millions that Foster has already spent and will spend to win.”
Lauzen says he still has about $135K in old federal debt from his 2008 congressional bid…
“No matter what I do in my future, I have to pay back for the past,” Lauzen said. “I’m saying I’m exploring it [a congressional run] but if there is any future opportunity, I have to take care of that past obligation.”
It’s possible that Judy Biggert could run in the 11th, which would set up an interesting primary if Lauzen decides to get into the race. Lauzen, however, is also looking at running for Kane County Board Chairman. He says he’ll make his announcement at his annual fundraiser on August 13th.
* Meanwhile, state Rep. Karen Yarbrough wants to be slated for countywide office…
State Rep. Karen Yarbrough, whose 7th District includes Forest Park, confirmed that she is planning to run for the Cook County recorder of deeds when the 2012 election rolls around.
Yarbrough told the Forest Park Review on Friday that she is looking to be slated by the Cook County Democratic Party as a candidate for the office, which has been held by Gene Moore since 1999. Yarbrough, a 10-year state representative, sits on the executive board of the county’s Democratic Party; but a party representative would not confirm Yarbrough was being considered.
“It’s certainly a rumor,” said Kelley Quinn, a spokeswoman for the county’s party. “Everybody will be heard and considered.”
Quinn said it was way too early to be thinking about slating and noted the process doesn’t even begin until October. […]
Furthermore, rumors have circulated that Moore will be retiring, although his office did not return calls for confirmation. Yarbough said it was her understanding that he would be leaving the position. His Maywood home is currently under foreclosure and he owes some $78,000 in back payments the Chicago Tribune reported last month.
* I was talking with a Republican last night about the paucity of potentially strong Democratic candidates to run against GOP Congressman Tim Johnson in the newly redrawn 13th District. That the DCCC is apparently recruiting a candidate from tiny Greene County seems a bit odd…
Greene County State’s Attorney MATT GOETTEN is looking at a possible a run for the U.S. House in the new 13th Congressional District, which includes much of Springfield.
Goetten, a Democrat, said he hadn’t been considering a run until he was contacted by someone from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee within the last couple of weeks.
Now, said Goetten, 39, of rural Carrollton, “I have been giving it some serious consideration.”
Goetten comes from a politically involved family. A younger brother, BENJAMIN GOETTEN, is Jersey County state’s attorney, and their father, NORB GOETTEN, was not only Greene County state’s attorney from 1972 to 1991, but director of the Illinois State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor from 1991 to 2008. He continues to practice law.
* A Washington Post blogger has christened Congressman Danny Davis’ new district as the “Beavis eating pizza” district…
Heh.
* Related…
* 2nd Illinois congressmen says he’ll vote against debt deal
* WHIP COUNT: House leaders in both parties seek votes to pass debt-limit deal
* Joe Walsh, Jesse Jackson Jr., Luis Gutierrez, Randy Hultgren: On the default deadlocked Congress
* UAW endorses Koehler in 17th District race
* If Yarbrough moves up, area pols line up for 7th District seat - Village commissioner and Proviso school board president
* Redistricting no mystery to General Assembly scientist
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Question of the day
Monday, Aug 1, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a Pantagraph editorial…
Another day passes; another appointment is made by Gov. Pat Quinn of someone with powerful connections.
The latest appointee to raise eyebrows is Jennifer Burke, who Quinn selected for a seat on the Illinois Pollution Control Board, where she’ll make $117,043. […]
The name “Burke” might sound familiar to those of you who follow Chicago politics. Her father is the powerful Chicago Alderman Ed Burke. That raises the question of whether the daughter of an alderman should be working in a well-paid position for the city, but we suspect he’s not the only alderman with a relative working for the city — and our concern is the state of Illinois. […]
The Friends of Edward M. Burke campaign fund has donated $52,000 to Quinn since he became governor in January 2009 and loaned Quinn’s campaign $200,000 during his race for governor last year. Quinn said the campaign contributions had nothing to do with his decision.
* The Question: Do you think gubernatorial appointments like Burke’s are corrupt, or is the media overreacting? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please. Thanks.
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Stermer fined $500 for one tiny infraction
Monday, Aug 1, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Executive Ethics Commission has released its ruling on Gov. Pat Quinn’s former chief of staff Jerry Stermer…
A senior adviser to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has been fined $500 for sending a political email from a state telephone. […]
Stermer was the Democratic governor’s chief of staff in January 2010 when he reported that he’d sent the questionable emails the previous month.
The commission determined one email from his state phone was to campaign staffers. The other two were sent from a private computer on a Sunday.
One campaign e-mail that Stermer reported himself, not the three that Stermer initially believed. Stermer’s disclosure led to an eight-month investigation by the Office of Executive Inspector General, who looked at every e-mail the guy ever sent. Stermer resigned when the results of the investigation were apparently leaked by an inspector general who was about to be replaced.
I sure hope the OIEG’s office has learned something from this ridiculous case.
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CME Group: “Our tax situation is untenable”
Monday, Aug 1, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This didn’t get a lot of play during my break, but CME Group sure seems to be sounding more serious about moving out of Illinois…
CME Group Inc. is evaluating whether to move some operations to other states from Chicago to reduce its taxes, but it has not decided on an exact timeline, CEO Craig Donohue said Thursday.
“Our tax situation is untenable,” Donohue told Reuters, noting that CME is taxed more heavily than any of its global competitors. The company is talking with at least three states — Texas, Florida and Tennessee — about relocating some of its business to take advantage of lower tax rates there, Donohue said. […]
CME has no specific time frame for moving, Donohue said, and does not plan to shut its Chicago-based trading floor. But he said the possibility of moving other operations is real.
“I don’t think CME group is different from other companies” that relocate to more “hospitable” business environments, he said.
Oy.
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Caption contest!
Monday, Aug 1, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I’m blatantly stealing this idea from Illinois Review….
Winner gets nothing but recognition.
I know I don’t have to say this, but keep it clean, people. Thanks.
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