* The more things change, the more they stay the same…
When ousted 36th Ward Ald. John Rice started a new job recently in Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration, Rice said he did not rely on clout but rather applied for the $84,420-a-year position after seeing it posted online.
But Rice’s job application was not filed until the same day he started his new job with the Illinois Department of Transportation in November, according to state records obtained by the Chicago News Cooperative. And the management opening was never posted, the documents show. […]
Rice’s hand-written application was dated Nov. 21 – the same day that his appointment became effective.
One of three references that Rice listed on his application was Mark Altman, a Chicago Fire Department captain who was accused of assaulting a police officer as police and fire marine units rescued two men from the Chicago River in November.
Gov. Pat Quinn’s office has denied the governor was involved with the hiring. IDOT blamed Michael Stout for the decision. Stout, who has since resigned, denied he hired Rice.
* Way back in 1980, this is how Quinn’s tenure during Gov. Dan Walker’s administration was described…
“His only problem was that he loved power and was vicious in doling out patronage and taking it away. He is not politically naive.”
Quinn has always been a patronage guy.
- Anon - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 11:26 am:
Rice needs to lose this job, end of story. Lie after lie after lie.
He found it online? No, it was never posted.
No one will admit to hiring him?
He filled out an application the day he got the job?
$86k a year?
If he doesn’t lose this job there should be an uproar. Doesn’t matter what side of the aisle you are on, he needs to be out.
- MrJM - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 11:31 am:
I have a serious, no snark intended, question: As opposed to who?
– MrJM
- Fed up - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 11:33 am:
What is sad is that Rice wasn’t even smart enough to backdate the application. That shows a level of incompetance that should justify his firing.
- Kerfuffle - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 11:38 am:
Gov. Quinn can always claim he had no hand in the hiring as long as he let someone else make it happen for him.
- Leave a Light on George - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 11:38 am:
Fumigation on steroids.
- oh boy. - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 11:40 am:
Thank goodness that Quinn is one of the “good” guys!
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 11:44 am:
Gadfly or hypocrite?
The answer hasn’t changed.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 11:47 am:
You want a cynical eye to this;
1) At least backdate the application, if you just plum hired the guy.
2) Actually post the job, after Rice accepts, and look to narrow your “candidates” by specific criteria only Rice can have.
3) If it is Rutan Exempt, still have anyone at CMS find a similar spot to compare as “needed” position.
4) Have someone at IDOT … AND … CMS “interview” Rice and stamp ANYTIHNG on the application showing an “interview” took place.
5) “Test out” for the spot - see if Rice ever tested at CMS or a special credential to the spot, add it as a “criteria”, even if that criteria had nothing to do with the position, it makes Rice an even better candidate.
6)CMS and IDOT should have chosen his “references” for him … say a Mayoral Aide … or his acutal “Chinaman” for the spot give one of his/her guys up as the “reference”.
Just a few suggestions … Thompson’s patronage crew was “pretty good” at this …
Again, this is the cynical view, doesn’t mean I am condoning it, just looking at it from the other side.
- Retired Non-Union Guy - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 11:48 am:
Nothing to see … move on …
Actually, just business as usual at a certain level in State government.
- mokenavince - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 11:51 am:
Quinn would not accept nobody sent by nobody.What nonsense. He must feel the people of Illinois are complete dummys.Some reformer.
- Retired Non-Union Guy - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 11:52 am:
Oswego Willy,
That list looks familiar … Just goes to prove the current bunch still hasn’t mastered the paper trail basics. All the personnel people must have retired in 2000
- Shemp - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 12:03 pm:
I hear the leading candidate for the forthcoming IEPA director position is anothe Quinn crony and Chicago alderman that of course has no experience with the EPA. Why hire competence when it’s needed more than ever? Citizens don’t deserve qualified leaders, politicians deserve patronage (and apparently they all agree since it is allowed to continue). So much for fighting for the little guy.
- one day at a time - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 12:04 pm:
Why worry?…Now the blame is on Stout who is no longer there to take any heat. See, problem solved.
Circular finger pointing works every time. lol
- Stones - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 12:11 pm:
Thanks for posting this Rich. Actions speak louder than words. Anyone who thinks PQ is a reformer is just kidding themselves IMHO.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 12:18 pm:
-R.N.U.G.-
You know how it’s said, its not the crime that gets people, its the cover-up … same can be said about the paper trail.
Quinn wanted Rice, not a crime. Covering up, or lack of covering your bases, not too good.
Cynical eye, not condoning …
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 12:30 pm:
But, ya gotta admire the governor’s complete transparency on the hiring of sycophants.
- Its Just Me - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 12:34 pm:
To answer MrJM: the republicans. Hahahaha.
Seriously though, I hate patronage jobs more than anything else in this State, maybe more than corruptly drawn district maps. Not only does it rob the “people” of an honest government, it robs people who really want to work as an honest public servant of a full filling career. Makes me sick.
- Anon - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 12:47 pm:
One possible explaination for the application date. Sometime applicants for non-code State jobs will submit a traditional resume rather than the form application. The hiring decision might be based on the resume. Then, when the person reports to work, HR will point out that CMS needs the official form for its records and have him or her fill it out. Not to say that’s what happened here, but that does happen.
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 1:11 pm:
Rutan Who???? Why do you think they ripped the PSA Option 1 and 2 out of the union? More jobs.
- King Louis XVI - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 1:16 pm:
Quinn is a phony reformer. Period.
- Wassup... - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 1:18 pm:
This doesnt surprise anyone, IDOT has “The Sopranos” department. You have Carmie, Mike, Dante and now John, at IDOT and all have affiliations with the outfit in one form or another. This is crazy, PQ should have fumigated all of those guys when Madigan gave him the opportunity.
- TwoFeetThick - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 1:19 pm:
Anon@12:47 is correct at least in one case I know of personally: my own. I was hired based on my resume. I filled out the CMS application as a formality my first day at work. And I didn’t know nobody, and nobody sent me.
- disgruntled - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 1:19 pm:
Rich, this isn’t the only bogus personnel move by the Quinn admin.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 1:28 pm:
- TwoFeetThick -
Remember, you are not an ousted Chicago Alderman, who, appearance-wise, gets a job the day he fills out an application, and a reference on the application was involved in an assult of a police officer.
That being said …
I, too, had seen the CMS form “show up” on soneone’s “1st Day” for very legitamite reason, and with no shenanigans … not uncommon at all, and I wasn’t going to post that until you posted, so I will collaborate that.
It’s the perception. The rules versus the perception, especially in “state jobs” will always go to the negative story.
How many stories do read that begin, “He/She applied, went through 3 interviews, and was by far the best qualified after a 3 person panel went through all the candidates and the screenings”.
Hadn’t heard that too often.
- sal-says - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 1:33 pm:
Here’s another recent IDOT one. Apparently it’s not easy finding quality staff.
“Former Mob Bookie on State Payroll Despite Troubled Past”
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/investigative/former-mob-bookie-on-state-payroll-despite-troubled-past-20100923
- Evidence - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 1:48 pm:
Soooo, your accusation of loving patronage is based on A) the word of a guy who has resigned from office, B) one piece of paper, and C) a quote by Mike McClain (way to not attribute that quote, btw)?
I’m glad that innocent until proven guilty has never applied to gossip blogs. More and more that’s all CapFax is becoming.
- ManAtTheScene - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 2:38 pm:
Mr. Rice openly touts his ‘friendship with his buddy, Pat’ . ( He likes to leave his door open when he is on the phone) He also has been the cause of great friction due to his habit of smoking in his office.
- Justcause - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 3:05 pm:
Id like for someone to interview this Rice guy and find out how a parking lot attendant (equivalent to a Dominicks shopping cart collector) has the ability to inspect School buses ? Does directing them to park over dare’ qualify?
- phocion - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 3:23 pm:
Patronage is when the other guy hires his friends.
Quinn is not above this, of course. Just check out his new hire to run the Department of Insurance. Actually check out how much his mother and mom’s friends like the Pritzkers doled out in campaign contributions.
Governor “Do as I say, not as I do” Quinn
- Springfield Skeptic - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 3:26 pm:
Is it just me or has this type of thing increased since the Chicago Democrats took over state government with Blago’s election. I know it’s always gone on to a certain degree but since in the last several years it seems to have greatly increased.
- ManAtTheScene - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 3:42 pm:
Lots of retired Chicago employees here since Blago election. All on the ‘ Friend of the Governor’s Office’ plan. Most in Union now, who needs Rutan jobs when you can get in the Union. Someone should look in the 60 day emergency hires here.. Every 60 days same people, new title.
- TCB - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 3:43 pm:
@ Skeptic =Is it just me or has this type of thing increased since the Chicago Democrats took over state government with Blago’s election. I know it’s always gone on to a certain degree but since in the last several years it seems to have greatly increased. +
When you’re not in power for 30 years, you tend to accrue a lot of favors.
- Used To Be At the Scene - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 4:01 pm:
If Mike McLain said it, he ain’t wrong, and he was there. The stories were almost legendary, but now almost 40 years later are not all that relevant. While PQ has probably always talked a way different game than he has played, just like Rod his true self was always pretty obvious and somebody voted for him…soooo…. We got him and need to get used to it.
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 4:09 pm:
Hey Evidence, looks like plenty of “evidence” here that your boy (boss?) Quinn likes patronage. Oops, it’s after 4:00 so you are probably gone for the day.
- cassandra - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 4:12 pm:
I think we all understand that some positions in state government are exempt from Rutan rules and can be filled via political patronage. It’s the law in Illinois.
In a perfect world perhaps all civil servants would be Rutan certified and hired on the basis of competitive examinations. But that seems unlikely to happen in the near future. And sometimes political appointees, especially those in higher positions can cut through the bureaucracy and get this done that need to be done because, well, they have the power.
I do think that Rutan-exempt hires should be able to be fired at will, not granted four year terms, and not allowed to slip down into the regular civil service bureacracy ahead of other outside candidates, as I suspect happens frequently, especially at the end of a guv’s term.
But doing something about that could be difficult. It is Illinois after all.
- Sinister - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 4:47 pm:
Not so smart there, Mr. Gov! IDOT is the clout dumping ground for the state, SMH.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 4:55 pm:
@Evidence,
CapFax a gossip blog? Cheap shot.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 5:24 pm:
Who doesn’t love patronage? It’s good work, if you can get it.
- Dawn G. - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 5:55 pm:
IDOT hires and moves deputy director type positions at will when the right people call. Sometimes the teamsters get them in the union. Nice that they blamed it on Stout after all the years they claimed he was so great.
- Justcause - Tuesday, Feb 7, 12 @ 6:07 pm:
@Evidence, you couldnt keep your mouth shut when you lost the election either. Hey I can yell “park it overdare” can i be your assistant deputy assistant to the assistant traffic coordinators assistant or is that Deleos next gig?
- Sick of It All - Wednesday, Feb 8, 12 @ 2:28 am:
Pat Quinn is a collosal disappointment on so many levels. I love the way he announced on Chicago Tonight this week that “we cleaned up State government”…if only that was true. How he could say that with a straight face is beyond me. Patronage has ruined this State. These hires of Quinn’s make him look really bad, duh!
- TCB - Wednesday, Feb 8, 12 @ 7:53 am:
I don’t understand all the anger here…..this guys is an at will employee, correct? That’s the very point of these at will positions…..Governor’s (all governor’s) give them to people who will be their eyes & ears in the agency….if they aren’t loyal, can them & find someone who is. Maybe it’s because we’re Illinois, but I don’t see anything wrong with this unless this is a union position. When you take an at will job, you take it knowing full well that you can be fired & replaced at a moments notice.
Also, it is important to note that no all at will employees are politically connected. But Mr. Rice is & there is nothing wrong with that.
- Sinister - Wednesday, Feb 8, 12 @ 8:24 am:
@ TCB…perception is reality in today’s toxic political environment. If all parties involved were honest and upfront about the whole process, then fine. But, the inconsistencies of what was filled out when, and if the job was posted does not exhibit ‘transparency’ of the situation. Hence, portraying a negative perception which causes doubt and hints of corruption. Just imagine what goes on behind closed walls.
- Dawn G. - Wednesday, Feb 8, 12 @ 9:09 am:
TCB: just because a position starts at will does not mean he couldn’t find his way into a lateral move union position. Unions are sucking up more and more titles especially at IDOT.
- Helpless - Thursday, Feb 9, 12 @ 12:32 pm:
Why?
- H - Thursday, Feb 9, 12 @ 12:32 pm:
?
- . - Thursday, Feb 9, 12 @ 12:33 pm:
.
- Jb4hope - Friday, Feb 10, 12 @ 12:39 pm:
Look at his wifes state job with sec of state. Big$$ to answer phones and schedule appointments. Mary jo rice