* A reader forwarded me Cindi Canary’s resignation announcement yesterday…
After long and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to explore new professional opportunities and will step down as director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform in June 2011. It has been extremely difficult for me to make this decision, because of the enormous satisfaction I have had in working with you and so many others in our effort to improve the ethical climate in Illinois government. When Paul Simon asked me to help him establish ICPR in 1997, it was a great honor, and I could not be more proud of this organization’s many achievements.
I am working closely with ICPR’s board of directors and staff to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Over the years, we have developed a very talented and dedicated staff and board, and I feel confident that our operations are healthy and focused. I plan to continue to work with this wonderful organization in some capacity, and I will continue my commitment to government reform issues.
In my time at ICPR, I have built robust relationships with nonprofit, community, foundation and civic leaders whose passion for these important issues is immeasurable. Before my departure, I look forward to personally thanking my friends and colleagues for their vision, leadership, passion and commitment to our work here.
I encourage you to join me in continuing to support ICPR. The organization’s work is more important now than ever.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, is criticizing Wisconsin Republicans. Wisconsin’s governor says he’ll sign legislation to limit collective bargaining rights for some public workers. The bill passed the Assembly Thursday after Republicans used a procedural maneuver to approve the measure.
On Thursday, Quinn said the Republicans are trying to rough-house public unions.
“When somebody tries to take away your right to band together and organize, that’s not healthy,” Quinn said. “And it’s very bad. And I think what went on in Wisconsin yesterday is something that the governor there, really, should be ashamed of himself.”
* Quinn also talked about the Wisconsin situation on Fox Chicago. Watch…
* Meanwhile, Republican legislators in Indiana created a very clever music video lampooning the House Democrats who’ve fled their state for Urbana, Illinois. Have a look…
* Lyrics…
74 bring them home to the place they belong, Indiana, not Urbana, take them home 74.
Pat Bauer, lost his mind, took his caucus, ran across state lines.
Right to work, PLA’s, bunch other stuff, made them run away.
74 bring them home, to the place they belong, Indiana not Urbana take them home 74.
School reform, was our plea rather than debate it, they all chose to flee. When they come back, time will tell, if they don’t, they can go to (slap).
74 bring them home to the place they belong, Indiana, not Urbana, take them home 74.
Unemployment, who steps up? We got elected, stop acting like you won. When they show up, you know who, just like Noah’s ark they come back two by two.
74 bring them home to the place they belong, Indiana, not Urbana, take them home 74.
* Related…
* Indiana union workers come together, but parties remain far apart: House Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer, a South Bend Democrat who stayed in Illinois during the rally, said whether this protest changes the debate is “up to the Republicans, whether they are moved.” But, he said, the rally “shows the public the strong, wide and deep support working people have” for the Democrats’ stand.
* In Illinois, reaction to Wisconsin union vote ranges from applause to ‘assault on working families’
