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*** UPDATED x1- “I’m not resigning” *** Dunkin isn’t going away
Thursday, Jun 7, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller * Today is the first Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board meeting since former Rep. Ken Dunkin was appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner. Rauner called on Dunkin to resign yesterday after Tim Mapes whistleblower Sherri Garrett said Dunkin told her and another woman “I want to take both of you home and see which one will be the naughtiest.” Dunkin had quite the reputation in the House, and not exactly a pristine one, either. From yesterday…
* Today…
Word is that he’s throwing a party for himself after the meeting. *** UPDATE *** Dunkin talked to reporters today and called Sherri Garrett’s allegations “100 percent baseless.” He said he had talked to Gov. Rauner and that Rauner had asked him to resign, but said “I’m not resigning”…
…Adding… Statement from Dr. Shundar Lin, at-large candidate for MWRD…
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- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:50 am:
Well that’s completely and totally expected.
- Exclamation Point Deleted - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:51 am:
Is it a pocket square party?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:51 am:
===Word is that he’s throwing a party for himself after the meeting.===
Raunerites…
He’s all yours. Congratulations.
- Cubs in '16 - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:52 am:
===Word is that he’s throwing a party for himself after the meeting.===
Ken Dunkin is his own biggest fan. He’ll probably ask himself for an autograph.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:54 am:
Ken is president of his fan club.
- Kyle Hillman - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:54 am:
This is one of the posts I need to learn how to use a .gif for.
- Cubs in '16 - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:54 am:
Maybe Obama will make an appearance and tell him to “sit down”.
- Michelle Flaherty - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:56 am:
Did he walk in with his sleeping bag?
- Baggs McCoy - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:56 am:
“Mr. Paychecks McPocket Square” ain’t going anywhere. He relishes the spotlight. This will be fun to watch but for all the wrong reasons.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:56 am:
==Ken is president of his fan club.==
Thought that was Maze?
- Jocko - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:57 am:
==Gov. Rauner on Wednesday asked him to resign from board.==
Bruce should have a serious talk with whoever appointed him. /s
- Exclamation Point Deleted - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:57 am:
I take it back. It will be a slumber party with his trusty red sleeping bag.
- Colin O'Scopy - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:58 am:
=he’s throwing a party for himself=
By himself. That way, he’ll be surrounded by the people who love him best.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:59 am:
For those reporters who wish to ask Rauner a question. From Article V of the Illinois Constitution:
SECTION 10. GOVERNOR - REMOVALS
The Governor may remove for incompetence, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office any officer who may be appointed by the Governor.
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)
- Colin O'Scopy - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:01 am:
=any officer=
I don’t believe the definition of “officer” extends to vacancy appointments to elected offices. But who knows? Worth a shot.
- Baggs McCoy - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:03 am:
360 D,
I think that only applies to officers of the Executive Branch.
- Violet Seepage - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:06 am:
Sad to say that I don’t see how Mr. Dunkin’s loutish behavior rises to the ‘Removal…” stipulations that 360 Degree shared with us. Unless I’m reading it wrong, the malfeasance must occur in the office in which the governor appointed him. Please relieve my angst and tell me if I’m wrong, but it appears the gov’s hands may be tied.
- Amalia - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:08 am:
protest. someone please arrange.
- Grand Avenue - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:11 am:
They should take away the power of the Governor to appoint to fill MWRD vacancies. A 9 member board can survive with 7 or 8 members until the next election. Vacancies should go unfilled (like for Lieutenant Governor) until the next election
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:13 am:
===Word is that he’s throwing a party for himself after the meeting.===
Well he’s still got a lot of Bruce Rauner’s cash in his campaign account so I’d expect it to be a swanky affair.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:14 am:
Colin and Baggs,
I don’t know enough about the term officer to answer. It is worth asking the governor’s office for their interpretation. And Violet, I would agree with your interpretation. Dunkin is going to be a millstone on Rauner.
- TopHatMonocle - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:16 am:
MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos just made a statement during the meeting regarding the Dunkin allegations. Dunkin responded by saying they’re baseless and politically motivated. Of course he did.
- Cog - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:16 am:
With respect to the awkward position that this puts the govenorr in, I am reminded of the folktale that ends with the line “You knew I was a snake when you picked me up.”
- Juvenal - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:20 am:
In Ken Dunkin’s defense, Rauner knew that Dunkin had a history of abusive treatment toward women when he appointed him.
And even if he did not know about this particular incident, according to the victim the incident was properly adjudicated and addressed by Madigan.
To Dunkin, it seems like double jeopardy, and it is a fine argument.
But as i pointed out on another thread, these are extrajudicial proceedings.
- Give Me A Break - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:24 am:
Too bad the District board is so small, otherwise he could start a new Century Club.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:27 am:
It would be interesting to see if MWRD has any sexual harassment training that Dunkin had to go through.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:29 am:
How are harassment complaints handled at MWRD?
- Flynn's Mom - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:30 am:
It’s another sad, embarrassing day for Illinois. I’m not surprised. How will Rauner put a spin on Dunkin not resigning?
- JS Mill - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:30 am:
Of course he won’t step down. He is owed this freebie I’m his mind.
We will find out how serious Rauner was about stepping down based on his actions now. Just waiting for the Rauner Party/GOP outrage statements. I won’t hold my breath.
- Handicapper - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:31 am:
I see the law suit coming, it’s rolling round the bend…
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:32 am:
Upon review of Article V, and particularly sections 9 and 10, if I were wearing robes I would find it only applies to Executive Branch appointments, especially given Article V is “Executive.”
- Ben Gazzara - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:32 am:
It must be awesome to not have any shame. I’m jealous.
- Macbeth - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:37 am:
This is karma in action.
J.B. says: thanks, ken!
- Henry Francis - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:54 am:
Throwing a party? Reminiscent of Billy Ray Valentine after the Duke boys gave him a sweet job.
Ken always did like the movies.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:59 am:
If the accusations are “baseless”, then why did Tim Mapes resign?
- Board Watcher - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:01 pm:
I mean come on folks, is anyone surprised at Dunkins refusal to do the right thing?
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:01 pm:
I think a FOIA request of all documents related to Ken Dunkin’s appointment to MWRD would be in order.
- walker - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:04 pm:
Whom do you believe, Sherri Garrett or Ken Dunkin?
I’d love to see that question brought to the House floor — Ken would get another “Century Award” from his former colleagues. (100 votes against).
- Anon - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:07 pm:
Garrett’s name is popping up everywhere, even on the metal detector Kenny D has to walk through. Not a good omen for him.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:08 pm:
“I’m not in charge” - Bruce Rauner.
Rauner shoulda put Dunkin up in his apartment in Manhattan with an expense account thru 2020. Would be politically cheaper?
- view from the cheap seats - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:14 pm:
Best part of the video…George Blakemore.
- Norseman - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:16 pm:
Why should Dunkin listen to Rauner. Remember that Rauner is not in charge.
- Albany Park Patriot - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:25 pm:
We need more women in office and in positions of power at every level, both parties, period.
- Aldyth - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:32 pm:
Rauner did say that he wasn’t in charge and Dunkin decided to prove it.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:35 pm:
==And Violet, I would agree with your interpretation. Dunkin is going to be a millstone on Rauner.==
Why in the world would either of you think that? Any voter who pays enough attention to state politics to even know who Ken Dunkin is won’t back Rauner anyway. And those willing to back GovJunk at this point either won’t care or will fall in line. Orgs will fall in line too, Rauner got the CoC to back Dunkin even though their rating of him was like 25%. Not a peep was heard from any of the members. Wishful thinking to say dunk is a millstone.
- Rabid - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:36 pm:
Rauner pinned a donkey on is tail
- Trapped in the 'burbs - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:37 pm:
Finally, Dunkin is helping the democrats.
- Digger O'Dell - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:43 pm:
What will it take for KD to pack it in ? ” I’ll take Manhattan the Bronx and Staten Isle “
- JS Mill - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:45 pm:
To the update- that video is priceless and is sure to pay dividends for the Pritzker campaign if they are on their game.
Here is what I really do not understand, the Raunerites and far right like Ives have been all over Madigan (he earned it without a doubt in my opinion) but crickets here. Is this the new consrvativism in the Trump mode? The hypocrisy is obvious to everyone, why not jump on this? Politically it is a winner, but it seems they just cannot do it, including some of the people who regularly comment here.
I am not saying Madigan is handling things well, totally the opposite. He needs to go and that has been true for a long time. This seems like the issue that could force him out. But the GOP just doesn’t seem to be interested in handling business and has it ever been more apparent that Rauner is as ethically corrupt as any politician? He appointed Dunkin, who was ostensibly a self serving member of the ILDP to a cake position and of course there were many issues with him and now he cannot get rid of him? Sheesh, just not in charge at all.
- Perrid - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:49 pm:
“360_Degree_TurnAround@11:59, come on, even if Mapes was innocent (highly unlikely) he would have been “directed” to resign. Don’t be intentionally obtuse.
- Northsider - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:06 pm:
Digger O’Dell @ 12:43:
Just don’t ask for baubles, bangles and bright, shiny beads; you’ll be laying yourself wide open for another phone call…
- Flapdoodle - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:16 pm:
@ Northsider 1:06 —
Yes — a Stan Freeberg reference
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:19 pm:
Happy to see at least one candidate with strong moral ethics, thanks for speaking up Dr. Lin.
- Duopoly (Not blocked lately) - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:38 pm:
=“I want to take both of you home and see which one will be the naughtiest.” Dunkin had quite the reputation in the House, and not exactly a pristine one, either. From yesterday…=
This is the company the “Because Madigan” Raunerites keep.
- Jbender - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:06 pm:
MWRD Board of Commissioners are trying to decide what to do with their Executive Director, David St. Piere, who has also been accused of harassment and other shenanigans. He has been placed on leave for now.
- The Dude Abides - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:11 pm:
Rauner knew of Dunkin’s bad history with women before he gave him his appointment just a few weeks ago. Now he’s asking him to resign. I guess the appointment was a bad decision. This Governor has made a lot of bad decisions.
- Ok - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:18 pm:
When is the fundraiser for Dr. Lin? He might be a little busier…
- Precinct Captain - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:28 pm:
Is Ken Dunkin considered part of the Best Team in America?
- Rasselas - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:32 pm:
I used to have Dunkin at the top of my pool for legislators most likely to be next indicted. He should probably just be center square at the MWRD.
- Stumpy's bunker - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:41 pm:
Gov. Rauner’s unholy alliance with this guy is a jacket he’ll have to wear for the election, and deservedly so.
- Smitty Irving - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 3:02 pm:
Hit me with your best shot!
Fire away!
- DuPage Bard - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 3:29 pm:
Kenny is glad his name came up. Puts a big old spotlight on him.
You can see in the video he loves this.
- m - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 4:02 pm:
=The hypocrisy is obvious to everyone, why not jump on this? Politically it is a winner, but it seems they just cannot do it, including some of the people who regularly comment here.=
I think they just don’t care (maybe just speaking for myself), especially with the Mapes stuff and foaming at the mouth over Madigan.
The MWRD is just one more board, commission, panel, etc… How many people paid attention to it before the news of the appointment? Plus, the positions are elected and one would assume he’ll be out then at the latest.
If he was still a lawmaker they’d be all over it. If he was part of Rauner’s administration and Rauner could fire him, they’d be all over it. Rauner asked him to resign. That’s the end of the recourse from Rauner’s end. Maybe the board has a way to kick him off, but that’s out of Rauner’s hands.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 4:07 pm:
===that’s out of Rauner’s hands.===
“Bruce Rauner, Governor, That’s Out of Rauner’s Hands.”
Explains the last 3 1/2 years perfectly, and Rauner’s gross negligence too.
Never thought Ken Dunkin was such a big metaphor.
- JS Mill - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 4:42 pm:
=I think they just don’t care (maybe just speaking for myself)=
So, when it comes to sexual harassment, you just don’t care and maybe the rest of the GOP/Raunerite faithful feel the same way.
Makes for a good commercial.
=“Bruce Rauner, Governor, That’s Out of Rauner’s Hands.”
Explains the last 3 1/2 years perfectly, and Rauner’s gross negligence too.
Never thought Ken Dunkin was such a big metaphor.=
Restaurant quality right there.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 5:11 pm:
The governor could call special session tomorrow to insert language into the act allowing any gubernatorial appointment to be rescinded within 60 days.
If he was serious.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 5:34 pm:
Was there any reason for Rauner to select Dunkin in the first place, other than quid pro quo payback for his House votes?
- A guy - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 5:43 pm:
== “What makes Ken Dunkin qualified for the Water Reclamation job?”==
Because Hannah. “Water is Naughty”
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 6:53 pm:
My partner &I (both female)were at the Capitol lobbying for civilian unions a few years back. We were standing in line to be admitted into the rotunda when Ken Durkin passed by. He stopped and remarked he was all for civil unions- especially for women because he liked watching two women together. The tone and inflection made it clear he was referring to sex. I was shocked he’d be so bold & in front of so many people. We did not complain because we needed every vote to get the civil union bill passed. He’s a lying pig.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 6:56 pm:
^ civil unions- not civilian unions & Ken DUNKIN not Durkin. My anger got the best of me. BTW Ken- you should probably resign now before more of us go on the record.
- Anon221 - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 7:19 pm:
He’s a Lame Dunkin. Highly doubt he will win a seat on MWRD after his appointed to term ends this year. One more failure for Dunkin’s portfolio.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 7:19 pm:
Meanwhile, the failure-in-chief giftwrapped JB’s response ads on MJM’s #metoo issues…
- Joe Bidenopolous - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 7:26 pm:
Yo - Lester Holt’s Mustache -
You think the Rauner/Trump base is going to be accepting of the “governor’s” appointment of a black man from Chicago who sexually harassed a white woman? If so, let me tell you about this sweet bridge I have for sale….
- Rabid - Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 8:23 am:
Rauner thought he was less offensive