Question of the day
Thursday, Nov 8, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Illinois Public Radio…
“Campaigning is easy. Governing is a lot harder. So, any person becoming Governor of Illinois has to really kind of come to that job with that understanding. Being the governor is a hard job. (You’ve) got to work at it every day.” […]
“We definitely have to raise the minimum wage in Illinois, it’s far too low,’’ [former Gov. Pat Quinn] says, “The current governor has failed to do that. That should be job one for the new governor.” […]
“Honor and respect the process, as well as honor and respect those people who make up the process,” [former GOP Sen. Pam Althoff] says. […]
“Many governors of both parties lost sight of the fact that Illinois is an extremely diverse state, and it’s very important for us to continue to carry on dialogues; to learn what we do have in common and what our concerns are,” she says. […]
“The governor’s job is to come in with his own agenda and collaborate, and say, ‘This is what I would like to see. How is it we work together to achieve this?’”
* The Question: Your own advice for the next governor?
…Adding… In case your advice is “live at the mansion”…
“I intend to live at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, but I will of course be commuting as often as possible.” [Pritzker] said the children would continue schooling in Chicago, but “there will be a lot of travel back and forth by all of us.”
“I am looking forward to spending time in Springfield, as I have during the course of the campaign,” Pritzker said. “I think it allows me not just to get to know people in Sangamon County better, but also to get around Central and Southern Illinois easier. That’s something that’s been really important to me during the course of the campaign — just listening to people who live in different areas of the state than where I live.”
…Adding… And if you want him to “listen” he says he’s already heard you…
He was asked about what tax rates he would propose, as he often had been during the campaign. Pritzker said his administration will have to work with lawmakers on specifics.
“We need to make sure that we’re listening,” Pritzker told reporters. “I know that you all don’t want to accept that, but in order to get something done, we need to listen to all parties. It is a difficult process to get a constitutional amendment passed.”
- Just Observing - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:22 pm:
Less [government] is more.
- Informed Mom - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:24 pm:
Listen to people with disabilities and lean into their issues. It’s time.
- DeseDemDose - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:24 pm:
Continue to display Empathy and Compassion for others.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:25 pm:
Read CapFax religiously, but skip the comments.
- NotRich - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:27 pm:
Review Pat Quinn’s 6 years.. take note.. and do the exact opposite.. I also thought former Sen. Althoff’s quote was spot on…
- flea - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:27 pm:
don’t trust anybody and try to keep your mouth shut about it.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:28 pm:
Good start on talk of bipartisanship and finding common cause. Follow that talk with deeds.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:28 pm:
Be religiously and unfailingly honest. No sweetheart deals, no pay to play.
I’m sick and tired of IL governors embarrassing the rest of us.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:32 pm:
Listen to Jim Edgar. And Mike Lawrence.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:33 pm:
===Read CapFax religiously, but skip the comments.===
* Except right here where I hope you read this comment to skip the comments.
Sorry. Had to.
To your advice - 47th Ward - I’ll say this in a piece I’d give…
Comments that seem too pointed to what’s going on need to be read far more as what others are seeing, “observing”, reading, or feeling. Rich (not speaking in this instance about myself) has many commenters with incredible experience, endless institutional knowledge, and a knack at seeing something, and with one line of thought, give insight you may not see.
It’s tough to take criticism, it’s easy to welcome praise but both must be taken with temperance, not letting either eat you up inside.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:34 pm:
Back to basics of core state responsibilities: infrastructure, K-12, higher ed (including community colleges and vocational training), health and public safety.
Skip the snake oil about “transforming the economy” and giveaways for “job creation.”
- Anonymous - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:37 pm:
Talk. Listen. Have productive dialogue with the legislature and govern the state.
- Moby - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:38 pm:
Don’t wear silly Village People costumes when you go out in public. And for crying out loud…pronounce your G’s.
- DuPage Saint - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:38 pm:
Dress like a governor and actually do what you promised: head down south. This is a big state with lots of viewpoints some even make sense. Listen and learn
And good luck. Hope you do so great win re-election by a landslide
- Rutro - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:40 pm:
Hire mangers, honest people who know how to manage people, you have a great opportunity to enact change. Don’t let a needless or poorly handled scandal derail you.
- Al - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:40 pm:
1. Get a dog.
2. Listen a lot, nod your head occasionally and when others stop speaking say “I understand.”
3. Do not use email at all.
4. Get a balanced spending plan done before June.
5. Stop using telephones.
- DuPage - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:41 pm:
Try to undo the damage Rauner has done. Rebuild the capabilities of our state universities and community colleges.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:45 pm:
There’s no place to go but up.
- JoanP - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:47 pm:
Your transition teams are bi-partisan and reach out to around the state and to diverse constituencies. Keep doing this.
- Keyrock - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:47 pm:
Use math. Not magic beans.
- John Amdor - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 2:59 pm:
Read “Engines of Democracy” by Alan Rosenthal and “Preface to Lawmaking” by the Legislative Research Unit.
- A Jack - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:00 pm:
Avoid as much as possible hiring people from the Blagojevich and Quinn administrations for your staff. In the end, your political opponents will use those staff to say your administration is just an extension of those administrations.
- Cubs in '16 - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:01 pm:
Give LP a hug. He probably needs one right about now…
- Skeptic - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:05 pm:
Play it honest and on the up-and-up. If there’s a reason why you need to hire your buddy’s consulting firm, make sure it’s a real reason, not a wink-and-a-nod.
- Angry Republican - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:06 pm:
Remember that each governor since George Ryan has made the public wish the previous governor was still in office.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:08 pm:
Don’t lie, and get a thick(er) skin. People are already blaming you for the Illinois economy, so it’s not going to get better.
I have to second wordslinger on no giveaways. Wisconsin’s Foxconn deal is already starting to smell rotten. Be grateful we dodged a bullet with Amazon’s second HQ. Good luck Crystal City. You’ll need it.
Take care of the veterans. Finishing the Veteran’s home in Chicago would be helpful.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:12 pm:
From what I’ve observed, my advice…
The man in the commercial talking about his mother.
The man in the closing argument to vote.
Be that person, every day. It will guide you to do right, and keep Illinois in your thoughts.
I wish you and Juliana well.
- SOIL M - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:15 pm:
Listen. Especially to those you disagree with. It helps you to at least understand why they think like they do before you ignore their suggestion or demand. Listening only to the people in you inner circle gives a far too narrow view of the world. Listen to all sides of an issue. But in the end, make a decision and then stand by the decision you make. A wise old Chief instilled in me many years ago that their are lots of opinions in any department that need to be heard, but in the end there is only one Chief. You Governor are now that Chief.
- dbk - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:16 pm:
(1) Remain as you have begun, i.e. bi-partisan.
(2) Be honest in your relations with government stakeholders + citizens.
(3) Work with the GA to fix the pension obligation and lock in the fix.
- Norseman - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:16 pm:
Keep up the effort on bipartisanship. Madigan will be a problem in that effort, but discuss your priorities ahead of time with Cullerton and Madigan so you will hopefully learn ahead of time where those problems are and respond accordingly.
Do better in responding to the media. They’ll be a pain, but being above board will serve you better. Mea culpas are not tragic, be honest with them.
Remember that good governance is good politics.
- Anon - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:18 pm:
Be bold, build consensus, and lead.
Illinois has had politicians, governors included, that have spent decades focused on telling folks what they wanted to hear. Tell us what we need to hear.
P.S. Fire every single senior public service administrator. It might be okay to keep a few, but the Rauner toxicity ran deep.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:21 pm:
=Listen to Jim Edgar. And Mike Lawrence.=
and MSI
- Publius - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:29 pm:
Realize that we cannot fix the “whole” in the pensions and make it law that the fund be paid annually no less that it spent the previous year. Ask the math people when will the fund run out of money doing that .
Never is the answer
- Truthteller - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:31 pm:
The biggest problem you confront is taking care of the pension debt. For the last eight years everything has been tried and failed.
Like every other debt, it must be paid. Not seek a phony unconstitutional remedy. They have been tried and failed.
The sooner a debt is paid the cheaper it is.
Figure out a plan (CBTA) is a good place to start and do it
- the Patriot - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:32 pm:
Get a surf board, and find some red waves.
Chicago has a majority of the votes and to the victor go the spoils. But you will not unite this state if you continue to push the Chicago way or the highway mentality.
People in Chicago assume people in the South do not want their rules and policies because they are ignorant and need to be brought in line.
Having a culturally different way of life is not ignorant. Rural people are ok with less government help, but they want less interference as well.
Rauner tried the Carhartt thing and was phony. Trump wears a $5,000 suit but is embraced because he respects the different way of life, even it its not the one he chose or understands.
Rauner never comprehended it is the grease, sweat, and blood that makes the work coat, not the label.
Be who you are JB, but lets go deer hunting together. I have a stand waiting for you.
- LakeCo - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:33 pm:
See that the budget is passed on time and don’t destroy anything.
- Norseman - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:38 pm:
Also, sell the State, not sell out the State as Rauner tried to do. Illinois has a lot of good things going for it. Unfortunately, the GOP and especially the duck governor focused on trashing the new State.
- Matts - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:51 pm:
Be guided by one principal - ‘I will do what’s best for the state as a whole’. Win some, lose some. When you decide on an issue, after appropriate study, state you decision and why its the best for the state. You are in a po$ition to look toward your legacy, and not worry about money. Grow in office, and turn this disastrous political slag heap into something to be proud of - you, your family, the citizens.
- Scamp640 - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 3:55 pm:
The bar to measure success is now set so low. Don’t go two years without a budget.
- Earnest - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 4:00 pm:
Put good people to work effectively managing the state agencies. These past four years even good, experienced state employees have had a hard time being effective due to poor leadership. The wasteful DoIT fiasco has been an impediment as well. This kind of thing doesn’t make headlines if done well, but your best employees and everyone who does business with the state will value this greatly, just as so many voters appreciate Jesse White’s effective management of the SOS services.
- Angel's Sword - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 4:04 pm:
Don’t try to cheat people out of the pensions they earned. Don’t be afraid to look for less popular, but more morally sound methods to balance the books.
- Anon - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 4:10 pm:
Pay the AFSCME workers the step increases and backpay they’re legally owed.
- Soccermom - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 4:11 pm:
A Jack — I disagree.
- Wheels Keep Turning - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 4:14 pm:
Totally agree with Earnest and add that he take appointments to Boards and Commissions seriously as well.
- Montrose - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 4:16 pm:
Be honest.
Avoid spin.
Deal with problems when they first come up.
Be transparent.
Embrace running the state with the same excitement you had running for office.
Bring in smart people and give them the space to do good work.
Give other people credit even if you are the one that deserves it.
Be kind.
- SOIL M - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 4:19 pm:
Earnest @4:00 reminded me of something else and would like to add to what he said.
Take a look at all Departments, Agencys, Boards under your control. Find where you can eliminate from top heavy overly Administrated ones to make them work more efficiently for those they are supposed to serve. Start with IEMA. That is a bureaucratic nightmare that only works to serve the bureaucrats who work in Springfield who really know how to have meetings. Not much else tho.
- A Jack - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 4:20 pm:
Thank State employees occasionally and they will help multiply your achievements.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 4:27 pm:
Before he goes to Italy, make sure Rauner gives you all those phone numbers from all those business owners planning to move to Illinois./s
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 4:39 pm:
Don’t remove the toilets.
- Blue Dog Dem - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 5:05 pm:
Wordslinger@2:34. You are IMO correct. Back to basics.
- Timmeh - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 5:06 pm:
While you’re looking at the Illinois Constitution, consider reversing the Cutback Amendment. Sell it as bringing a wider range of voices into the General Assembly and giving rural Democrats/city Republicans a seat at the table.
- 312 - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 5:07 pm:
Hire people smarter than you,. and listen to them — NOT Pat Quinn.
- A Jack - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 5:27 pm:
Please let us know which agency still doesn’t have computers since Rauner never did tell us.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 5:44 pm:
Don’t listen to the IPI.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 6:16 pm:
–Chicago has a majority of the votes …–
No, it does not. Not even close.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 6:26 pm:
Listen to Ralph Martire’s proposal for solving the pension problem.
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 6:27 pm:
I think you’ll do fine at the governing thing without AA’s sage advice. What I would tell you is to work as hard as Dad as you are as Governor. Your kids are at the age where they don’t “need” you around, but want you around, even if they don’t say it. If that means spending more time in Chicago, do it. People understood when Thompson basically lived up north because he was honest about why. The guys who never were straight about it took the rap from the townies here in SPI.
Oh, hire Soccermom. She’s the goods.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 6:34 pm:
Buy and use a state airplane. I get the politics and the state budget problem but the role of Governor requires you to be around the state. Taking 5-6 hours to drive I-55 between Chicago and the Metro East is not a good use of time.
- FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 6:34 pm:
Be a true leader, don’t blame others, just lead and take care of issues as they happen. Even if the problems occurred before your watch.
Be smart, be fair to all and be without impropriety. We don’t need any more Governors in prison.
- Norseman - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 6:35 pm:
AA, good point.
- capitol view - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 9:35 pm:
read up on the last elected Jewish governor, Henry Horner. Ran against both corrupt parties during the Depression when residents of Illinois needed a responsive state government. Brought in many honest businessmen and Jews who helped him really clean up state government. After he died in his second term, it took Illinois over 30 years to get scuzzy again.
- CharlieKratos - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 10:07 pm:
Talk to RNUG about pensions
- revvedup - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 10:11 pm:
1.Remember your election night speech. Make us proud again to say we’re from The Great State of Illinois. Not just from Chicago, but from Watseka, from Cairo, from Godley, from Springfield, from East St.Louis.
2. Avoid “g” dropping, not being in charge, blaming Madigan for everything, and hiring BTIA refugees.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Nov 8, 18 @ 11:16 pm:
Don’t spend the first year just taking a victory lap around the state like Blago did.
Figure out what the “legacy”project is that people will associate with your term of office long after you’re gone. That’s usually infrastructure and capital projects but can also be major policy shifts. Leave a lasting mark that’s positive. In your case it sounds like the Progressive tax shift or a tax swap might be it.
I don’t mind paying more in taxes as much when I feel like you’re being good stewards of my money and I can see practical results. Push the stewardship and transparency as much as you can, invite the comptroller and treasurer to check your work. Be merciless and swift where corruption is found; no cover-ups, no stalling.
Hire agency heads that are experts first and political animals second.
Rauner didn’t kill off =all= the institutional knowledge: look for the old timers with seasoned experience and take their counsel.
Solve the union problems fast and up-front, so you have a happy and committed workforce ready to implement what you want to do for this state. You don’t have to give away the store, but just don’t be the (redacted) that Rauner and Quinn both were to the union. Fix the unpaid back-pay and steps. Repudiate RTW and the other Rauner gambits, and just work with the union to find a workable compromise - show how fast it can be done when it’s not a blood sport.
Consider the macroeconomy of this region. Instead of competing with neighboring states, think of that Milwaukee-Chicago-Gary corridor as one zaibatsu, one intra-state combine that works as a team to profit collectively and make the entire region richer and better for the citizens in each state.
Fight every day that narrative of “Chicago” versus “downstate”; never give it a chance to fester. The only way we survive and thrive is together.
- NorthsideNoMore - Friday, Nov 9, 18 @ 6:10 am:
Find some folks that know how state government acutally is supposed to work… Hire them.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Friday, Nov 9, 18 @ 8:59 am:
Be more aggressive in helping downstate counties that are struggling. What would be helpful would be a state bank as proposed by Mary Flowers, like the one in North Dakota, to help farmers and small businesses. Right now private banks invest state money everywhere, little of it go back to Illinois.