* Gov. Rauner spoke to Chicago reporters shortly before he left for Israel on October 27th. The subject of sexual harassment was brought up by numerous reporters, but let’s focus on this question…
Mary Ann Ahern: There’s even allegations within your own staff. Obviously, they’ve not surfaced to the point where we can talk publicly. But some have literally said to us that you have not been as outspoken as perhaps you could’ve been about someone in your staff that you absolutely know who I am talking about. And is no longer there. And absolutely there are allegations and what happened to the internal investigation now that that person is no longer a part of this…?
Gov. Bruce Rauner: Mary Ann, if there were allegations, they would be dealt with. I am very strong on this. Zero tolerance. Zero tolerance. And there are not allegations. Um, and, uh, I have addressed this proactively long before any letter, long before these national headlines. Making sure that sexual harassment, sexual misconduct is addressed. We have zero tolerance and we have training to prevent it and to deal with it if and when it occurs.
OK, that question from last month was about a former staffer. But then today…
* From today’s Rauner press conference…
Tina Sfondeles: Are you aware of some of your staffers being interviewed in an OEIG investigation into someone in your administration?
Gov. Rauner: Well, I’ll say this. Um, the inspector, the Executive Inspector General operates completely independently, in confidence, they have their own rigorous process. I and members of our administration are not involved in it whatsoever. Um, and I, there, there have been lots of rumors circulating. I’ve heard some, I’ve heard some from the members of the media. I don’t comment on rumors, I don’t think it’s appropriate to comment. But, we have a rigorous process. And I have been a strong advocate, as I say, from the earliest days in my administration. Did an executive order, make sure we had a code of personal conduct, make sure we have training for every employee against personal, um, um, unethical behavior and sexual harassment, sexual misconduct. We are making sure that’s a process that’s enforced.
Amanda Vinicky: Governor…
Spokesperson: Last question.
Amanda Vinicky: Are you or anybody, you are aware of, not rumors, are you aware of [inaudible] you been interviewed by the Office of Executive Inspector General for any cases related to wrongdoing within your office, particularly that relating to sexual harassment by high-ranking employees?
Gov. Rauner: I have not been interviewed by anyone in the Office of the Executive Inspector General, I have had no contact or questions from them about this. And they operate completely independent of me and members of our administration.
No speculation and no rumors in comments, please. Don’t get yourself banned for life.
* Meanwhile, in other developments…
Senate President John J. Cullerton issued the following statement regarding next steps to address ethics and sexual harassment complaints now that the Illinois Legislative Ethics Commission has an inspector general.
“I want to make it clear that there should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment and intimidation in any workplace, and the Illinois General Assembly is no exception.”
“With an inspector general in place, it is incumbent upon the General Assembly to give her the tools to do the job. The first thing needed is an extension of the statute of limitations to ensure the pending complaints can be investigated. The next step is to make sure there are clear standards in place regarding the professional conduct of members of the General Assembly and a direct and secure avenue for victims to come forward with confidence to report complaints.”
“I anticipate swift action to resolve these issues this week.”
