* From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Each of us advances the cause of liberty in our own special way.
For some of our amazing team members at the Illinois Policy Institute and Illinois Policy Action, that means taking on a new challenge to improve government from the inside out.
It is with great pride that I share the news that the following individuals will be putting their talent to work on behalf of the people of Illinois with Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration.
Brian Costin, who served as our director of government reform, will begin as policy director for Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti.
Donovan Griffith, who served as our manager of government affairs, will serve as legislative liaison at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Jane McEnaney, who served as our manager of government affairs, will transition to chief legislative liaison at the Illinois Department of Revenue.
We are honored that the new administration is looking to our team for talent.
We wish Brian, Jane and Donovan the best of success as they continue their work to write the next chapter of Illinois’ comeback story.
Kristina Rasmussen
Executive Vice President
Discuss.
Hat tip to a commenter.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:41 pm:
Are they to keep the Raunerite Caucus in line?
Thinking out loud…they going to help persuade 23 Democrats?
Just asking…
- Gooner - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:41 pm:
So the Lt. Gov. needs a policy director? A person who has no task other than keeping healthy in case Rauner suffers tragedy needs staff?
As an outsider, I find that fascinating.
- Anonymous - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:44 pm:
“Brian Costin, who served as our director of government reform, will begin as policy director for Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti.”
Slip en Sue & Government Reform
- Nick Naylor - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:48 pm:
=will begin as policy director for Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti=
Right after he milks the state-owned bulls.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:49 pm:
If Evelyn has staff paid for by the State, as an ELECTED official, I’m sure she can start answering a question or two…
- haverford - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:49 pm:
Dear lord.
So many of these appointments beg the question: What do you call ‘feeding from the government trough’ when you’re the one doing it?
- Norseman - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:49 pm:
Methinks these folks wanted more money and a better pension.
- Corn Cob - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:51 pm:
Good for Jane & Donovan for getting out of there. Both are nice people and I wish them best. Now they can actually impact public policy instead of taking credit for others work! What a silly irrelevant organization.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:53 pm:
===…these folks wanted more money and a better pension.===
I would concur.
It’s about the long term and short term benefits.
- AnonymousOne - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:53 pm:
Haverford @ 2:49
Now, now. Do as I (Rauner) say, not as I do. Only the little people need to sacrifice.
- Pyrman - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:53 pm:
These appear to be patronage hires! I thought Brucie said there would be no patronage in his administration.
- Nick Naylor - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:54 pm:
=will begin as policy director for Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti=
OK, “Governor” Sanguinetti, for our chief policy objective today we are going to run three miles, do 15 mintutes of “planks”, some light weight training followed up by some lunges. Are you ready>
- anonymous - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:54 pm:
Pay to play Illinois Policy Institute. Rauner gives $$$$ to Illinois Policy Institute. Illinois Policy Institute does joint press appearances with Rauner during the GOP primary. Rauner wins and voila! hires Illinois Policy Institute hacks.
- Obamas Puppy - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:56 pm:
Ahh hypocrisy - so sweet!
- PublicServant - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:56 pm:
Memo to Mike Madigan and John Cullerton. Don’t wait too long before isolating the Rauner administration ideologues before their austerity attitude creates a second Kansas in Illinois. Because if the situation in Illinois gets worse, they’ll just blame it on 100 years of failure in spite of their valiant efforts at supply-side economics and right wing talking points. Forget meeting Rauner half way because he’s so far to the right, half way is way to far to the right…WAY to far.
- ??? - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:57 pm:
Gooner, past Lt. Govs have operated various programs out of that office, such as the Illinois Main Street program. Former Lt. Gov Corinne Wood was the chair of a task force to look at family/children’s issues. Having policy staff in that office is not new.
- chi - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:57 pm:
Pensions are bad! (Thanks for the pension)
Public Employees make too much money! (No pay cut for me please)
- Gooner - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:58 pm:
A few weeks ago, Oswego Willy and I had a back and forth about the Lt. Gov. answering questions.
Willy argued that she should, given that she was an elected official.
I argued that there was no point, given that her only task was to continue breathing.
Well, Oswego is right. She’s got staff, so she must have something to do. She really ought to start telling us about the hard work she’s doing.
- flea - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 2:59 pm:
From my experience, it seems the IPI folks are shallow, like sound bites, and lacking real hands on experience when it comes to analyzing any state agency’s budget. Wow..
- Gooner - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:00 pm:
???,
I’m not arguing that it is new.
I’m arguing that it is a waste, particularly from a guy who ran to shake things up.
He apparently is limiting his shaking up to those making $75,000 or less.
- A. Nonymous - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:02 pm:
Failing up.
- Demoralized - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:02 pm:
None of these positions will have any influence on anything substantive. Legislative liaisons do the will of the boss and the Lt. Gov’s Office is a nice resume item but isn’t a seat from which anything of substance will come.
- walker - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:03 pm:
I’ve given a pass, including some good grades, to Rauner on all his appointments up to now.
These are absolutely ridiculous. Shameful. Stupid. Literally nauseating for someone, who was still hoping for the best from Rauner.
Who is he trying to impress or pay off with these appointments — the national GOP superfunders who created IPI as their puppet?
And how much are the taxpayers paying to advise Sanguinetti on policy — for which she has no role?
- Ghost - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:04 pm:
If your gonna shake… Go for broke.
- AnonyTwo - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:04 pm:
The Lt. Governor’s office does operate programs that require policy experts. Simons policy director for the environment was instrumental in helping us get our marina back.
- ??? - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:08 pm:
Gooner, I would argue that it’s not a waste IF, in fact, some substantive programs are going to be run out of that office (such as AnonyTwo @ 3:04). But if her office isn’t going to be given much to do by the Rauner administration, then, yes, it would be a waste.
- ??? - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:08 pm:
I meant to say “such as AnonyTwo @ 3:04 mentioned.”
- Jorge - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:09 pm:
Pathetic. Horrible placement by Rauner and company. Hiring hacks who spew false information and lies. This is going to be a long 4 years. The honeymoon is over and the Rauner nightmare has begun. State employees its time to dig in and get ready for trench warfare with this right wing nut administration.
- John A Logan - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:10 pm:
Shocking. Rauner is appointing conservatives. Shocking. /snark
- Gooner - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:11 pm:
Really, ????
That’s great news. Now tell us about those programs. Or perhaps the Lt. Gov. can tell us about those programs.
Until they do, many of us are going to conclude that despite his pledge, it is business as usual.
- out of touch - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:16 pm:
If Rauner had hired 1 person from the Policy Institute because he felt that they had demonstrable skills or were the “best and brightest” we might cut him slack. But he hired 3 people, at high levels, reportedly at the same time. This smacks of a “deal” or a reward. Not to mention that hiring three sends the message that he endorses their policies and wishes to further their cause. We should already have know that, though, due to his past contributions to IPI.
- ??? - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:20 pm:
Gooner, no need for the sarcastic tone. As far as I know, there are no programs that the Lt. Governor’s office is statutorily required to administer. Coming up with something just to justify an office budget and staff would be a waste. So, yeah, there are no super critical programs in that office that, in these tough budget times, we couldn’t live without.
But I think it’s silly when people keep saying, “But I thought he was going to “Shake up Springfield’ and do things differently!” every time this administration does ANYTHING that previous administrations have done. Should he not have appointed any agency directors just because previous governors have? Look, I get it if you have a beef with his picks and think they’re hacks; I just am a bit puzzled by why you think appointing a policy director is so offensive.
- Chicago Cynic - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:22 pm:
Hiring IPI people for anything significant would be cause for great concern. Fortunately, these are not particularly important jobs so we can all breathe a sigh of relief…
- Precinct Captain - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:24 pm:
==- ??? - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:20 pm:==
What is the Lieutenant Governor doing on a daily basis? Is she helping craft Rauner’s budget proposal? Is she acting as a liaison to certain agencies/constituencies? If so, which ones? She is apparently doing nothing, so that is why people are questioning this.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:30 pm:
===The honeymoon is over===
Yeah. I’m sure he had a honeymoon with you.
Look, folks, part of the issue here is what Terry Cosgrove said when word went around during the campaign that George Ryan (his endorsed candidate) might hire a prominent pro-life activist if elected: I’d mucb rather have her inside government where there are constrictions on what she can say or do. (Paraphrased).
- Responsa - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:33 pm:
Is it possible–just possible that Gov. Rauner would like the LT Gov. to take a more active role in IL state government that the nearly invisible Sheila Simon did? Might that be possible?
- vole - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:35 pm:
Asian Carp Czar.
- Gooner - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:37 pm:
Responsa,
If she’s going to take an active role, then why is Rauner hiding her from the press?
- YNM - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:40 pm:
So … previously Rauner paid these folks’ salaries (indirectly) via contributions to the IPI. Now he gets to pay them (indirectly) via the taxpayers. Maybe that’s why he is choosing to go without the Gov’s salary. He’s still coming out on top.
- Walter Mitty - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:40 pm:
I have absolutely given a pass on appointments. This, makes no real sense. What’s the staff size at IPI? Is there work so impact-full he had to hire half of their staff? Seriously, no snark. Maybe one now one later? 3..Today. Seems odd.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:42 pm:
===Maybe that’s why he is choosing to go without the Gov’s salary. He’s still coming out on top.===
That money is gone. It’s paying for $100K First Lady CoS.
Can’t point to money already spent abd claim “savings”
- Walter Mitty - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:43 pm:
Gooner… Bingo… Yes, the honeymoon is over as well. That has been earned.
- Wordslinger - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:43 pm:
Rich, quite a delicate paraphrase. I thnk LBJ originated the phrase you’re referring to when he was asked why he didn’t fire J. Edgar Hoover.
Still, sweet government payday for the IPI folks. So many special ways you can advance liberty.
- Gooner - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:43 pm:
???, you wouldn’t get a sarcastic tone if you dealt with facts.
You argued that the appointment was justified because the Lt. Gov. will have some great duties.
So far though, those duties are being kept top secret.
As such, hiring staff for a (second) person with no official duties seems ridiculous.
- Secretariat - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:44 pm:
He won.. He gets to appoint those he feels comfortable with. In time we will see how this all works out. The Gov is going to need a ton of help getting his 47/20 in line wth his program.
- ??? - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:49 pm:
Gooner, for God’s sake, if you read my posts, you will see I never said she WILL have some great duties. I just said IF she does, a staff person overseeing them would not be out of line. I further said that if she DOESN’T, it would be wasteful.
Look, I got it. You hate Rauner and his administration. But stop letting that hatred twist your interpretation of my words.
- Del Clinkton - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:49 pm:
Maybe he’ll bring in someone from the Illinois Family Institute to tell him how awful the homosessuals are!
- YNM - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:50 pm:
Oswego … I should have included the tag.
- YNM - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:51 pm:
Oswego … I should have included the “sarcasm” tag. And, Secretariat, he can appoint who he wants and feels comfortable with, and we can all call him out for his hypocrisy.
- Ahoy! - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:52 pm:
I am a free market republican and so disappointed in Rauner. I realize I shouldn’t judge someone based on where they worked, but if someone worked with the IPI, they should be heavily scrutinized.
I would be very very careful before hiring someone from that organization.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:52 pm:
My only real “beef”…
If the LG has staff, and is elected…lets see ya answer the press’ questions.
Otherwise, wish them the best, tough being a LL, coming from IPI might be a challenge(?)
- Jorge - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:54 pm:
It was quite a honeymoon. Ken Griffin helped pay for it.
- CircularFiringSquad - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 3:55 pm:
So if BVR hires 3 big wigs from America’s only zero depth think tank who will be left to work as life guard when Tilman back strokes around?
Big worry
But it is a lot cheaper to let taxpayers fund IPI than the Rauner Family Foundation.
- Western Ave. Doug - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 4:27 pm:
==My only real “beef”…
If the LG has staff, and is elected…lets see ya answer the press’ questions.==
Riopell of the Daily Herald. Wait, that doesn’t count for Willy.
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20150130/news/150139946/
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 4:30 pm:
- Western Ave. Doug -
Dated 1/30/14. So….
I am excited for you, and for her!
- Western Ave. Doug - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 4:32 pm:
==Dated 1/30/14. So…==
2015 Willy. I know you live in the past, but…
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 4:34 pm:
Now you see why I am not allowed to write checks! (2014)
At least she excited someone HIRED her.
- Western Ave. Doug - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 4:34 pm:
Willy,
There goes you “only real ‘beef’”
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 4:37 pm:
- Western Ave. Doug -,
You mean besides that Slip and Sue is void of the ability to run the 5th largest state in America…
Besides that…
- Ginhouse Tommy - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 4:45 pm:
One comment about the LG. That office holder is like the Vice President in that they are a heart beat away from being the Chief Exec. God forbid anything happens health or otherwise that Rauner cannot serve out his term then the LG is in charge. Is she up to the task? Legit question I think. If,God forbid, that should happen she won’t be able to hide from the limelight. I think some people in the administration need to start taking stock of what’s going on and get real. Time for the LG to grow into the job and stop being an afterthought.
- walker - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 4:58 pm:
The best we can say for with these IPI payoff recipients, is that none of the three will actually have anything to do with governing the state.
- sal-says - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 5:12 pm:
== Look, I got it. You hate Rauner and his administration. ==
Hmmm; maybe. But it sure looks like Gov Ego is trying to earn it early and often.
- 1776 - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 5:32 pm:
Donovan is a solid choice. Former House staffer who left for IPI and decided to bail on them.
While Jane is nice, she is in way over her head. I’d love to be a fly on the wall in her first meeting with BFC to talk revenue issues.
- truthteller - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 5:42 pm:
Imagine the outcry from Rauner if a Dem governor hired three IEA or three AFSCME staffers in one day. That would be pay to play, but whatever Bruce Pure of Heart does is, well, pure of heart by definition.
We sinners just don’t understand.
And what are the government haters from the IPI doing feeding from the government trough?
- Pot calling kettle - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 5:42 pm:
==The best we can say for with these IPI payoff recipients, is that none of the three will actually have anything to do with governing the state.==
I’m not so sure. When the bill negotiations begin, the LL’s will be at the table working on the language that will reach the floor for a vote. That’s a concern if you want to protect the environment.
- Anonymous - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 5:51 pm:
West Ave Dave….
She wasn’t “asked” anything of substance.
She’s going to be “traveling” and “delivering his (Rauner) message.”
She said she’s not yet ready to unveil what her top priorities outside of Rauner’s will be. She said it could be health, as she has multiple sclerosis. “I do not know what my pet project will be,” she said.
kinda our freaking point here.
Rauner has been running for Governor for 3 years now….and hasn’t said anything of substance. Of course he can speak which puts him ahead of Palin, I mean uniquely qualified Sanguinetti.
- walker - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 6:14 pm:
@Pot Calling Kettle? Really?
It’s optimistic to think these LL’s will have much impact on bill language that might reach the floor. You could be right though.
- Former Merit Comp Slave - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 6:57 pm:
Popcorn almost done
- anon - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 7:07 pm:
Costin ran for mayor of Schaumburg four years ago. After losing, at least his 3rd electoral defeat with no wins, he moved to Buffalo Grove.
- DuPage Dave - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 7:43 pm:
The early days of the Rauner Era are looking great from the right wing perspective…
- RNUG - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 8:08 pm:
=== Methinks these folks wanted more money and a better pension. ===
Perfect summation - Norseman -
- RNUG - Monday, Feb 2, 15 @ 8:11 pm:
=== Is it possible–just possible that Gov. Rauner would like the LT Gov. to take a more active role in IL state government ===
Remember, Rauner is an “in and out” kind of guy (and I’m not talking about the hamburger chain in Caifornia). If I was a cynic, I’d say he wants her up to speed so she can take over in a year so, after his success in turning Illinois around, he can run on the national stage.