More reform and renewal
Monday, May 19, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* AP…
An Illinois Department of Transportation administrator has resigned amid an investigation into his time at the agency.
Agency spokesman Guy Tridgell said Monday that Carmen Iacullo retired April 30.
That was about the time Tridgell says the department turned over information about Iacullo’s tenure to the Office of the Executive Inspector General. Tridgell would not elaborate. […]
Tridgell says the investigation is not connected to an agency scandal in which as many as 200 people were hired without following rules barring political hiring decisions.
* More…
A former colleague described Iacullo as “a kingmaker” at IDOT’s Schaumburg district, having a big say in who was hired and how new employees were assigned.
“He would drop [new hires] in the bureau and say, ‘Find him something to do,’” said Patricia Casale, a retired IDOT clerical secretary.
Casale said one of her roles was to type up lists of questions to be asked of prospective employees during interviews. She said she personally handed the lists to Iacullo prior to interview sessions.
In 2006, Iacullo testified about his time at the Chicago Department of Transportation during the corruption trial of Robert Sorich, patronage chief for then-Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley before being convicted of rigging the city’s hiring system to favor candidates with clout. During the trial, Iacullo talked about attending meetings with Sorich, where “Iacullo would recommend candidates, including individuals from his [Democratic] political group, for promotions,” according to court records.
- 47th Ward - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 1:29 pm:
“Human beings aren’t perfect and we’ve hired thousands of people and sometimes their behavior isn’t what it should be,” Quinn said.
- Sir Reel - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 1:32 pm:
IDOT hiring procedures are the same as CDOT’s. Hire connected person, find them something to do, e.g., “community liaisons.”
- A guy... - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 1:55 pm:
===Tridgell says the investigation is not connected to an agency scandal in which as many as 200 people were hired without following rules barring political hiring decisions.====
To which the response would be: “What’s the big deal about 200 measly jobs. That ain’t nuttin”
And the beat goes on. Oy.
- Looking back - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 1:57 pm:
Iacullo and red light John Bills where both playing these games 20 years ago in streets and sanitation in Chicago. Nothing changes.
- VanillaMan - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 1:58 pm:
Quinn the Reformer - LOL!
- SkeptiCal - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 2:28 pm:
During her lifetime, Mary Lee Leahy took depositions about hiring and the answer about the Rutan interviews always was a denial that candidates were ever given help. No one was ever investigated for lying during those depositions.
- Leave a Light on George - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 2:48 pm:
From the original article.
“Tridgell downplayed Iacullo’s role in IDOT hiring, saying “he did not play a significant role.”
Do you think we are that stupid Mr. Tridgell?
- the Patriot - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 3:06 pm:
Quinn should have, and Rauner definitely should offer all state employees a pardon for state crimes related to their employment in return for their resignation. You will let a few crooks go, but it will save a lot of time and money.
When your resume prior to state employment reads…”worked on a political campaign.” You may not be the most qualified person for the job.
- steve schnorf - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 3:41 pm:
Pat, the law doesn’t require you to be the most qualified, it requires you be qualified. What sorts of “crimes” are you referring to?
- Demoralized - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 4:00 pm:
==Rauner definitely should offer all state employees a pardon for state crimes related to their employment in return for their resignation.==
So they’re ALL guilty of crimes now? That’s a pretty dopey statement.
- wordslinger - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 5:06 pm:
–“Human beings aren’t perfect and we’ve hired thousands of people and sometimes their behavior isn’t what it should be,” Quinn said.–
LOL, am I the only one catching this?
- Chicago Cynic - Monday, May 19, 14 @ 5:08 pm:
Word - just read that comment from 47. Pretty darned funny stuff. And for those that missed the subtlety, that was what Rauner said in the Charles Thomas piece about GTCR companies.
- was there - Tuesday, May 20, 14 @ 10:16 pm:
Go Patty @IDOT take down the RAT that took down Sorich…..