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This just in… DoC cleans house of director’s foes

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[Bumped up for visibility.]

* 2:35 pm - Reports have circulated for weeks that Dept. of Corrections Director Michael Randle would be fired soon. Randle, of course, was responsible for the botched early release program that let hundreds of violent prisoners out of confinement, some of whom went on to commit more crimes.

Instead, it appears that a handful of people who stood up to Randle internally were shown the door today. From a DoC spokesperson…

As of today Executive Assistant to the Director Sergio Molina; Chief of Staff Jim Reinhart; and Northern Regional Supervisor Jack Charlier are no longer State of Illinois employees. Since this is a Personnel issue the agency cannot comment further.

I’ll have more for subscribers on Monday. There are lots of conflicting rumors out there about Randle’s immediate future, so try to keep those in check while commenting, please.

* 5:38 pm - Tribune…

Asked if his departure had anything to do with the early release debacle, Molina said: “Director Michael Randle stood with the governor and took full responsibility for the early release program, and that’s precisely where the responsibility lies, with Director Randle.” […]

The news of Molina’s dismissal came as a shock to state Sen. William Delgado. The Democratic lawmaker from Chicago’s Northwest Side said Molina was being used as a “scapegoat” to cover larger flaws within the department that were brought to light following the prisoner release scandal.

Delgado said Molina represents years of institutional knowledge and proved to be a value to the corrections community by earning the respect of several administrations, Democrat and Republican alike. But Delgado said Molina was “isolated” almost immediately after Randle was put in place in May 2009. Delagado, a former parole officer, said he believes the release “blunder could have been prevented” if Randle had properly consulted with Molina.

“What an atrocious decision by the administration of Quinn,” Delgado said. “Because he brings in a new director who institutes the release program, (Molina) gets pushed out. It’s shameful.”

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:56 pm

Comments

well the firings were either going to be just randle and no staff or all staff and no randle. Looks like he’s staying to me.

Comment by randle Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 2:43 pm
Why am I not surprised?
Maybe due to the fact that I never thought he should have been selected by the Governor or approved as Director.

(Shhhh!
It’s Friday!
It’s Friday!
Watch the heads roll!)

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 2:45 pm
Reinhart is a good man, and I doubt he is responsible for this debacle in any way. I’m sure he will land somewhere good.

Comment by anon Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 2:45 pm
Sergio Molina is one of the finest persons I’ve ever met. A travesty and a huge mistake, IMHO.

Comment by unclesam Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 2:59 pm
I have to agree with Unclesam, I’ve worked with Sergio for years now and have NEVER known him to be anything other than honorable and forthright. I wish him and his family well and hope that justice will someday be served.

Comment by in the know Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:02 pm
If Jac Charlier is among the fired people, something is seriously wrong. The man is the straightest of straight shooters. Randle should have been gone months ago.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:03 pm
I wonder if PQ could ever bring himself to fire anyone? What a milquetoast.

Comment by dupage dan Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:04 pm
Hmmm….I was hearing that there is a Blago holdover that was key in the debacle and I don’t see that name here so this could be scapegoating or hushing the truth tellers.

Comment by Hoping for Rational Thought Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:04 pm
Been out of it too long to know most of the players, but Molina was always a good person

Comment by steve schnorf Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:07 pm
I still wonder if perhaps the early release program was implemented poorly by long-time staffers–perhaps deliberately, in resistance to change.

We don’t hire agency directors to give speeches
and collect a large paycheck. We hire them to implement change, something that can be extremely difficult with a long-term entrenched civil service bureaucracy–difficult for the change agents, difficult for the bureaucrats who have been doing the same things the same way for sometimes decades. But often change has to occur.

There are many other agencies in Illinois state government which are badly in need of major change. If Mr. Randle is capable of implementing that change at DOC–and he certainly has had a trial by fire–than he may have to, and should, make some personnel changes in order to get there. So should his peers in other state agencies.

Comment by cassandra Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:08 pm
===I still wonder if perhaps the early release program was implemented poorly by long-time staffers–perhaps deliberately, in resistance to change.===

By law, the director has to sign off on all of those early releases.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:08 pm
===a Blago holdover that was key in the debacle===

More bunk.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:09 pm
It’s a chess game. I look for all three to land in better jobs with better pay. Quinn gets the political benefit of firing “holdovers” but still gets to parachute them into the Golden Traffic Island in the sky: IDOT. I’m taking bets.

Comment by Torts Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:14 pm
But he still had to rely on lower level employees.
He couldn’t possibly have the time to investigate each one himself.

Comment by cassandra Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:15 pm
Sergio will land on his feet. He should have been Director the last time the job was open. Good luck Sergio. If I had a job, I would hire you immediately.

Comment by yikes Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:16 pm
===I still wonder if perhaps the early release program was implemented poorly by long-time staffers–perhaps deliberately, in resistance to change.===

That is just a stupid statement.

Comment by RJW Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:17 pm
How likely is a lawsuit gonna hit over this like there was when the state was beaten in court by the CMS Two ?

Comment by Segatari Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:52 pm
This is everything wrong with the Quinn administration. There is a lack of decisive action. If Quinn believes that prisoner release was a bad idea, heads should have rolled right away. If he thought there was too much disent within the Dept. those responsible should have been gone earlier. But to wait months and then do it? It is a lack of leadership. Blago called Quinn a eunch. Hate to say it, but Blago may have a point.

Comment by Skeeter Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:54 pm
They FIRED Jac Charlier??????????
They must not want the job done properly. The guy is a by the book guy. He is honest, he does the job with integrity, he is what the public should want in a public servant.
He is a responsible man. He is a good man. He does not deserve to be fired. More than the job, he is there for his people.
Someone will be lucky to get his services. They will be better for it.

Comment by Richard Afflis Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:56 pm
Jim Reinhart is a good decent man. He left IDOT after only being there for a few months as he wasn’t going to be a part of the Republican head chopping material reorganization that ended up in a lawsuit. Good luck Jim - DOC just lost a great man.

Comment by Cecil Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 3:58 pm
You are dead on Richard. He’s a class act.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:05 pm
Sounds like there was a crisis and the early release program was a mess. They hired some people to come in and clean it up. Those people fired the good people. Now Corrections is better off?

Comment by Old Milwaukee Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:05 pm
Cassandra, your analysis couldn’t be more wrong. This is one of those stories that will come out in time and it will be pretty obvious who should have been fired. Here’s a hint…it’s not the people they fired today.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:16 pm
Chicago Cynic and others who say PJQ got it wrong on who was fired-if not these ones, then who are the right ones to fire (other than presumably Randle)??

Comment by Sally Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:26 pm
cassandra- FYI, you’ve got it all wrong. Maybe you shouldn’t wonder, but wait for the facts.

Comment by Knows better Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:27 pm
Cecil, you are right that Reinhart is a good guy. But you are wrong about why he left IDOT. He left because Blago saw him and knew him to be a Vallas guy and nearly lost his toupee. They then had to move him. Let’s not rewrite history in our desire to praise Mr. Reinhart.

Comment by Jonie Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:33 pm
I am deeply concerned regarding the announced firings and how this appears to be playing. I personally know that Jac Charleir and Sergio Molina are two of the most ethical and committed representatives that have served the Department and this State. Their integrity and character are beyond reproach. We have just lost two significant assets to the Department at a time in which we should not be squandering our limited resources. I am extremely disappointed.

Comment by Concerned Providor Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:33 pm
AP is working on a story about a 14 yr old raped by a parolee who was an early release. Brady here it is…..Quinn better make more changes because Sergio can cause some serious damage. State Police followed him home. SHAME on Randle!!

Comment by Truthhurts Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:36 pm
If Randle was hired to make changes then what was Monken brought in to do at State Police , he has no experience, what is he suppose to do, ISP needs a good house cleaning an put in people running the show that have Law Enforcement experience, a way back we all thought Milner was the guy to do that , but Cellini got Nolen in.

Comment by ispretired Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:39 pm
I have known Jac Charlier for almost 10 years and am just as surprised as Richard. He is THE most honest, hard-working, under-paid person I have ever met at IDOC. He worked there to try and make society a better place, unlike many, who have gone there only looking for impressive sounding titles, high-pay, and no accountability. Jac’s absence will have long-term, adverse consequences for Illinois’ parole system.

Comment by A Friend of Jac Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:39 pm
Anyone remember the children’s story-The Emperors New Clothes? Please do not ever tell an upper level bureaucratic he or she may be making a bad decision, it will only backfire. I suspect this is what happened here.

Comment by really? Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 4:47 pm
Par for the Course.

Comment by Moving to Oklahoma Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:08 pm
Good job Quinn and Randle!!! About time you took out trash. This was a long time coming. They were a big part of why IDOC was falling apart. I hope more of this will continue! Quinn you got my vote now. keep up the good work and take more trash out!

Comment by Unsilent Minority Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:12 pm
were they all blago holdovers?

Comment by Anon Again Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:12 pm
The Quinn people are so disorganized, uncoordinated, you name it. I don’t know any of these people, so I don’t know who, if anyone, should get fired. Unfortunately, the Quinn folks look to be about as knowledgeable as me. (That may not actually be the case, but appearances are most of the game.)

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:17 pm
Sergio Molina has been a tried and true IDOC man. That means: someone with no accountability to legislator, to the public, and certainly not to any of the public who has real valid concerns about the terrible state of the IDOC. He may be a nice person, to some, but he has been a reckless and mean administrator. And, the pendulum swung the other way where resistance to change was a good reason for him to go. I know, I have been on both sides.

Comment by Shotgun Dave Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:26 pm
DOC has been long overdue for this change. When people in supervisory positions allow subordinates to what they want then they become popular. Being a leader in a Agency where lives depend on you takes someone who makes the hard but right decisions. This means making decisions based on Agency policy not your personal interests to further your personal agenda. It takes loyality and integrity to support your Director and assist in the guidance of agency policy. Sergio Molina and Jim Rinehart failed and payed the price. Now let’s get some quality staff in place to take this Agency to the next level.

Comment by your kidding? Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:34 pm
I concur w/a friend of jac posting to the “T”. The parole system has lost a professional, ethical, and a good man in Jac. He has shown what a good public servant is all about. He will be truely missed! But God will show him the way to something better….good luck Jac! And Sergio Molina too!

Comment by A friend of Jac II Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:36 pm
Now maybe Quinn can pay some much needed attention to Juvenile Justice. The poor leadership, the spouses of wardens hired with no experience , deputy directors running rogue, asst. wardens hired and then you find out they falsifed employment app. now you have to fire them. The division is a disgrace.

Comment by Kids count Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:36 pm
the gov. did what he needed to do with corrections . we needed to go in a different direction then we were going in . good for him

Comment by ibelive Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:40 pm
Sergio was the only one there who knew Corrections. Someone should check into all the newbies at Corrections. They are all getting autos and one of them is said to have wrecked one within the first two weeks.

Comment by rumor Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:41 pm
Good start to a newer beginning “cross your fingers”

Comment by Positive Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:49 pm
How about Tony Small CFO?? Didn’t they blame him for early release??

Comment by Nick Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 5:55 pm
I was a state employee under Mr. Charlier for several years. He implemented all the good changes in Parole that have come about in the past several years. Honest, ethical, and hated by the lazy ones in the department who did not want to work hard or by the rules. Good luck Jac, I found something better and you will, too. Keep serving the people, they need your optimistic outlook and straightforwardness.

Comment by Chicago Observer Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 6:42 pm
Everyone knows the governor is protecting a man, now known as Michael ’scandal’ Randle, who made bad decisions by putting violent criminals on the street and compromising public safety to protect a bad political hire. The governor is willing to scapegoat innocent men and their families who spoke out against the early release program to save his own naive political hide. These are men of integrity and I hope that they will speak the truth about Director ‘Scandle’ Randle. He will cost the governor this election.

Comment by SG Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 6:59 pm
Molina is Republican political operative who oversaw a fiefdom at DOC. The only reason he survived through Rod is he is buddy buddy with the hispanic caucus and was protected by people like Willie Delgado. A friend of “Slick” Willie’s is automatically suspect. No sane Democratic Governor would allow this guy to play politics while serving “at the pleasure of the Governor.”

People may want to take note that all the glowing comments are coming from new posters. If my friend got fired I’d come here and post too.

I don’t know who is responsible for early release but the DOC is certainly better off without some one in charge who is was overtly political and whose interest is divergent from the Governor’s.

Comment by Wizzard of Ozzie Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 7:08 pm
Perhaps Jac Charlier or Sergio Molina would like to take a walk on the wild side and put their experience and integrity into IDJJ. The department could use an infusion of ethically committed personnel at the top.

Comment by walk in my shoes Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 7:08 pm
Blago holdover? That would be Reinhart. He came on under Blago plain and simple.

Comment by Mr. Obvious Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 7:27 pm
Randle was new on the job when he came in, learning the ropes when this early release stuff came across his desk. And when it did, he was the new guy following Quinn’s directive. Meanwhile, never forget that Molina was up for the same job that Randle got instead. And those are some beautiful flowers growing out of your ears if you think that the IDOC is full of saints and pure-hearted public servants who are not back-stabbing or jockeying for position at all points. Even if Molina was your pal and you go way back, it shouldn’t take much to imagine that he may not have had Randle’s best interests at heart. Also–my experience is not that Molina is the saintly straight-shooter that some of you have described here. My experience of him is precisely that he may not have had Randle’s best interests at heart.

Comment by DOC Insiders Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 8:03 pm
Serg has carried the dept since Synder left. His departure will leave a vacuum for those that still care about the operation and how the department and facilities need to be ran. The Chief of Operations announced his retirement last week, so essentially the top 3 are gone, leaving only Benos at the top. I hope nothing major breaks loose. Serg will be missed.

Comment by Daxx Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 9:01 pm
Reinhart good luck to you. IDOC has lost a solid guy. It’s shameful that you guys were treated as scapegoats.

Comment by Central Illinois Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 9:42 pm
Molina was part of the old IDOC which permitted a culture of hate to fester. I say good riddance. Yes, Randle may have made mistakes, but he is part of a new generation who understands that building more prisons, incarcerating more men, and inflicting ever harsher sentences leads to only two things: high recidivism rates and near bankruptcy. Keep Randle, and keep the path of reform and fiscal responsibility alive.

Comment by bartelby Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 9:47 pm
I am rather mystified why Jac Charlier would have been let go - I spent many years in the National Guard with him, and have seen his work and his ethics stand out more than once. Something is really wrong here…

Comment by LTC John Friday, Mar 12, 10 @ 11:12 pm
Today is a very sad day for parole with the loss of Jac Charlier. He is presently responsible for bringing IDOC’s Parole as the nations best. Jac was honest, very fair, he did the job with integrity, a individual that took responsibity and held all accountable. He is a good man. He does not deserve to be fired. He was one of the few that challanged Randle’s Early Realease MGT Program. There needs to be an investigation on Randle; and more public out cry on these firings of some of the most ethical individuals working for IDOC & the State. This is a terrible loss to the Citizens of Illinois and Corrections.

Comment by Tony Saturday, Mar 13, 10 @ 4:57 am
Cassandra’s theory that Randle could not have done this on his own is false. Randle was directed by the governors office to cut spending. Because he was new to the IDOC and did not listen to qualified and experienced people like Molina he went forward with the ill-fated MGT push with the blessing of Pat Quinn. There were people like Molina who advised against such a plan and now see what has happened.

I have worked in IDOC for many years and know for a fact that Molina was an excellent employee who had worked under Republican and Democratic administrations. He was very knowledgable and professional and losing his years of experience is a terrible blow to the agency.

I just hope that the truth to this debacle comes out before November and the voters have a chance to fire Pat Quinn. A new governor is the only way that we are going to begin to see a clean up to the Blago / Quinn mess……..

Comment by southern illinoisan Saturday, Mar 13, 10 @ 8:16 am
I am a personal friend of Jim Reinhart and he had nothing to do with the early release program. He handles personnel issues and works closely with Labor Relations. From what I heard from several Wardens, he was the glue holding the place together. Without any money to hire more CO’s and excessive mandatory OT, the natives are very restless. Things are only going to get worse at DOC and I am so glad I am not there any more to witness it personally. Good luck Jim, I hope the Quinn Administration will let you land somewhere like they let the rest of the Blagojevich supporters who worked their butts off to get Rod and Pat Quinn elected and re-elected!

Comment by Former DOC Employee Saturday, Mar 13, 10 @ 11:17 am
Molina is an arrogant, egotistical fool. He wanted to be IDOC Director for years. That dream is OVER!!! Thank God. Reinhart is a good guy. The person who should have been launched was Benos. Rumor has it PQ is afraid to fire Benos, because she knows all the secrets about RB.

Comment by Dem. Donkey Saturday, Mar 13, 10 @ 11:47 am
I now regard Governor Quinn as someone who is not only inept but with no integrity. I’m tired of leaders making others scapegoats for their poor policy decisions. Jac Charlier was a long standing DOC employee who did his job with integrity and with the public in mind.

Comment by Gregory Kurth Saturday, Mar 13, 10 @ 12:06 pm
I agree about Molina, he is a stand up guy. Reinhart, I’m sorry but he was a Blago holdover and had to go. I do believe Quinn has to fire Randle. Randle came to DOC witha baggage and he has accumulated more baggage that nearly cost Quinn the primary. Quinn has appointed four people to oversee Randle. That in itself should say that Randle is in over his head!

Comment by downstater Saturday, Mar 13, 10 @ 12:59 pm
As a friend of Jac Charlier for over 16 years, I have known him as a hard-working man of intergrity! I believe that the State of Illinois has made a mistake.

Comment by Beth D. Saturday, Mar 13, 10 @ 3:29 pm
Molina: Ryan appointee to the high position
+
Reinhart: Blago guy
=
A start to fumigation.

Comment by Peanut Saturday, Mar 13, 10 @ 5:10 pm
This is believable. Quinn does not want honesty and integrity in his state. They want crooks and cronies that will lie, cheat, and steal from the taxpayers of this state. Personally, I was told basically I was too honest for most jobs at my agency and I always neglected to look the other way! Under Quinn and Blago, honesty is not a sought after character asset.

Comment by special assistant Saturday, Mar 13, 10 @ 6:54 pm
Reinhart?? Seriously Governor?? You are struggling. Good Political Decision but TOO LATE! The fact that you refuse to admit you are wrong-Blago like. Plus the fact that your political organization is in shambles and the fact that you refuse to listen to political insiders downstate nearly cost you the primary. Time to look in the mirror, clean house, and bring in some veteran hands. ENOUGH!

Comment by Frat Boy Sunday, Mar 14, 10 @ 5:15 pm
I know Jac Charlier. He’s the kind of guy, every time you are together with him, you think, “God we’re lucky to have great people like this doing the People’s business in Illinois.” When I hear that he got fired, my first thought is, “That’s stupid, where are we find someone even 1/10th as good???” and then I think, “Something’s screwed up . . . . ” and then I think, “By tomorrow he’ll have landed another position for which he gets a lot more thanks and a lot more money, and we’ll be left with no one to tackle this tough work. (As usual in Illinois . . . . )”

Comment by Veritas in Chicago Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:51 am
OMG, what a loss for Illinois’ public safety without Jac Charlier. He is a veteran in the agency with over 14 years of parole experience and is a motivational leader to work under. I watched parole operations improve three-fold under his leadership. Sadly, there’s a huge gap now…

Comment by safetycounts Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 11:11 am
Jac Charlier is a very honest, hardworking, and genuine friend and former co-worker. I’ve known him for over 17 years. It doesn’t make sense that he was let go.

Comment by statman Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 12:58 pm
I am aware of the controversy which became public around the recent election. I am also aware that Jac Charlier was one of few individuals to raise an issue at the time it was happening. I have known Jac over 15 years. He is honest and reliable. He provided the cognitive dissonance for me about government employees, because he actually worked hard for the benefit of the people, and not for his own benefit. That he would be fired by the State of Illinois says more about the State than anything else. I wish him well, and share his faith that better days are ahead.

Comment by d1guts Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 2:40 pm
Jac Charlier’s firing is an insult to the tax payers. Charlier is an honorable, dedicated, and skilled official who works toward justice through his work and the way he lives his life. I expect a thorough investigation of this event would show how wrong and perverse the firing is.

Comment by EVFC Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 4:30 pm
Okay, here’s my background on this. I was at the hearing on Thomson when Randle spoke. He put the blame for the early release squarely on the Gov’s head, saying that Quinn knew all about it when it was done. That wasn’t in the news. (Said someone behind me who works for corrections “he just lost his job.”)
Next week comes and there is Randle next to Quinn saying that Quinn knew nothing about the early release and it was all his fault.
Then I saw the article on page 12 Saturday of the Sun-Times saying these 3 had been fired due to personnel reasons. Good law-abiding, hard working employees. Stupid. Randle’s the one who should go.
And yes, I still have my notes from the Thomson meeting.

Comment by Wickedred Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 4:43 pm
I agree that Molina is arrogant and egotistical fool. He would do what ever it took to make himself look good. Sorry it just took so long for someone to see him for what he is. Thank God he is gone.

Comment by good news Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 6:23 pm
Now let’s move forward

Comment by due Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 6:43 pm
Kudos to Director Randle! The time to clean house was long over due. Molina may have worked under both Republican and Democrat administrations BUT he was hired by the Republicans! I am sure that an Executive Assistant Director hired under a Republican administration did not have the best interests of a Director hired under a Democrat administration. For anyone who has worked anytime in IDOC it is understood that this is how it works. The Director could not take the chance of being sabotaged at every corner. Molina was egotistical and evil. He and his cronies have been instrumental in firing many good IDOC staff without empathy. What goes around comes around!

Comment by About time! Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 6:55 pm
Why are state workers always surprised when someone who leaves their union position for more power is let go. You have to be aware of the insecurity of those positions going into them. It has been going on for years. Just ask George Detella. Good luck Jac, but I have to ask, would you have kept your parole agent position if you could do it all over again?

Comment by Parole Guy Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 6:56 pm
Its about time,now let’s get the rest. Of the problems and move forward with the department. You got my vote Gov.

Comment by Randolph Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 7:01 pm
Great job Gov and crew,this is exactly what we need in DOC keep going and let’s get DOC Where it should be.

Comment by 110 percenter Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 7:10 pm
I am so disheartened by all the empty rhetoric of “Good for you currently elected for purging the rolls of any who disagree.” Honestly, the only one I know personally is Jac, and he is no partisan hack. He and I do not see eye to eye politically, but we can work together. It does not serve the people of the state for one side to smear the other with ad hominem attacks in order to justify what seems to be an ideological purge.

Comment by d1guts Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 7:14 pm
This is a positive move for DOC. I applaud the Governor for taking action and removing an individual that i feel has been a problem for some time. Sergio!

Comment by Jon D Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 7:22 pm
No tears for Reinhart folks. He has been treated well by the Repubs in Springfield under Karen Hasara, more than could be said about how R’s were treated by his party guys under Blago of which he knows it’s true.

Comment by Mr. O Again Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 7:39 pm
I agree with 110 percenter, Great Job Governor Quinn and Director Randle!! This is definitely a good move for DOC. Molina was not only arrogant and egotistical, but he also incompetent. He spent the last ten years of his career bullying and harassing anybody that didn’t agree with him. Serg thought he was untouchable, but it looks like he finally got what he deserved!!

Comment by Glad Molina's Gone!! Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 7:44 pm
Great job Gov. I feel you made a great decision in axing Molina. He has been an egotistical pain in the rear for some time. Don’t worry Molina, maybe they have an extra spot on the apprentice, that seems to be where the screw ups go!!

Comment by In luv with the gov Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 8:13 pm
I know Charlier and I don’t understand why a dedicated, intelligent and hardworking public servant would be let go…it makes me despise Quinn even more than I would normally despise a Democratic candidate. I can’t wait to vote for Brady.

Comment by Arminius Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 8:16 pm
I’m glad Molina is gone. I’ve worked with him on projects outside of IDOC and he never impressed me. I was surprised he made it so far up the ladder actually. Glad to see Quinn and Randle clean house. I wasn’t a Randle fan when he started but he’s earning my respect. Good move on their part. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out Sergio.

Comment by See Ya Sergio Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 8:17 pm
I was worried at first but you go Gov about time. You got my vote too now.

Comment by undecided Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 8:18 pm
This is what I’m talking about. I have worked for DOC for several years and I can’t believe it.Its about time we get rid of the real problems I wa not a fan of Randall or Quinn at first but keep this up and I promise I won’t only vote for you ill go door to door for you good job guys.

Comment by Dept Man Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 8:30 pm
I can’t believe this either, its about time.let’s get rid of the rest of the DOC problems and if u need to know who they r just ask any DOC employee they will tell u.I guarantee the majority agreed on the ones kist let go.Let’s get some good people that wants to be part of moving this Agency forward. Rock on Gov

Comment by believe it Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 8:42 pm
U can’t believe anybody would complain about this unless they were under the Ryan or Blago administration and ones in prison and the others on his way. Hope we don’t put any of these guys in position. Great job Governor and Randall

Comment by losers Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 8:55 pm
Some bad apples stay on the tree until you knock them off. Way to step up Gov.

Comment by outdoors Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:39 pm
Why were these employees evicted without warning or explanation, as if they committed a major act of impropriety that is being kept a secret? Couldn’t they be given the proper respect and be allowed to transition their resignations with dignity? Is there a new plan to be enacted immediately? Or, is the stage of improvisation without clear thought about the next step?

Comment by post pension Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 11:27 pm
Let’s get rid of both Randle and Quinn. They both lied about the early release program.

Comment by Wickedred Tuesday, Mar 16, 10 @ 6:35 am
It’s a shock to hear that Jac is gone. I like having managers in government who are willing, as Jac is, to speak honestly and directly to policy-makers.

Comment by Ouch - not a sign of reform Tuesday, Mar 16, 10 @ 12:12 pm
Good job Gov I’m finally proud to be a Democrat get rid of the rest of the problem children and let’s move forward.

Comment by by by Tuesday, Mar 16, 10 @ 3:32 pm
I’m not a Democrat but you have to give him credit, he dose what he thanks is right even if it is not the most popular thing to do. Working for DOC for several years I have to agree with the Gov on this one. Keep cleaning house Luke this and I just might turn full Democrat.

Comment by Independent Tuesday, Mar 16, 10 @ 3:44 pm
The Gov and his staff need to look at the guys that Sergio put in place,these are bad apples and will only create more problems. If they want the Department to move forward.I know he overseen the Intelligence and investigation Unit maybe they need to take a look there. That could cause a lot of wrong doings if his guys are still there.

Comment by get it done Tuesday, Mar 16, 10 @ 4:42 pm
Stop crying people this is the right thing to do. You keep it up Gov and when your done with DOC come over to IDOT and clean it up.And I haven’t voted in eight years but I will this time, you go Quinn good job.

Comment by cry Tuesday, Mar 16, 10 @ 4:53 pm
The people that are posting that this was a brilliant move by the governor and Randle are clueless. This wasn’t cleaning up or sweeping out anything. This was a calculated political firing based on the fact that Randle doesn’t want competent people to challenge his ideas. He just wants “yes” people that will back him up. That is exactly what we don’t need. An idiot leading a bunch of other idiots…..

Comment by southern illinoisan Tuesday, Mar 16, 10 @ 8:41 pm
Jac Charlier was made a “Sacrificial Lamb” by this current administation…..Their is no shadow of dout about it!…you would have to look long and Hard to find a more Respected , Humble & Honorable Family man than Jac Charlier ..Oscar Davila Hispanic American Labor Council (Chicago)

Comment by H.A.L.C. Tuesday, Mar 16, 10 @ 10:35 pm
As I continue to watch the Illinois political scene as I have over the past 20 years, it never ceases to amaze me. The partisan politics, ascension through cronyism and elimination of dissenting views has made Illinois the poster child of what is wrong with our current system today. The only positive thing I can see from this most current debacle is that no matter how dysfunctional other state governments are, they can consistently point to Illinois and say, “At least we are not Illinois”.
I have known Jac Charlier for nearly 20 years, since his early days as a graduate student at Ohio State. His steadfast commitment to the betterment of community, devotion to public service and genuine desire to make his city state and country a better place to live is only rivaled by his commitment to his family and moral compass. Unlike many who become “state employees”, Jac entered into public service. He has never been one to covet political power or influence. His one goal that he has consistently espoused and, more importantly, acted upon was to give back to his community. Through his Guard and community service to his work at the DOC, Jac has been a humble servant committed to the betterment of the citizenry of Chicago and the state. Through the years he has spoken of his dedication to both. That is why I find it unfortunate that the current Illinois administration has chosen to eject one of the few in its ranks that actually had the best interests of the citizens in his mind and heart. Yet again, I can look at your state and say, “At least we are Illinois”.

Comment by Ohio Watching Thursday, Mar 18, 10 @ 9:32 pm
Jac Charlier was well known by workers to be a serious dirtbag! This guy was a notorious racist! No Uncle Tom African Americans wanted to be near him. This guy probably held the highest record of EEOC complaints of any administrator in Illinois history. There are many accounts of the racist or homophobe things this guy was responsible for. I dare anyone to challenge what I’ve stated! Good riddance. Check one for God’s people! Call it Karma just warming up! lmao!

Comment by Intheknow Wednesday, Mar 24, 10 @ 9:55 pm
Correction to the above! No real African American wanted to be near the dirtbag low life Jac Charlier!

Comment by Intheknow Wednesday, Mar 24, 10 @ 9:59 pm
Intheknow should be ashamed for spewing such vile calumny against a good man with a good heart and a good soul. Jac Charlier is not a racist. He judges every man or woman as an individual and based on only known factors. To smear him in this fashion is unbecoming of anyone interested in serious dialogue on any issue. Of course, stating that “Intheknow” should be ashamed presupposes that this person knows shame, which in today’s world and politics may be an invalid supposition. Jac gets the better of being unjustly removed from the cesspool of this state’s government.

Comment by d1guts Wednesday, Mar 24, 10 @ 10:41 pm
Intheknow, I am not actually Jac Charlier, though I proudly state I am a friend of his. Proof is proof, certainly, but politically motivated accusations given the color of authority by venue of complaint do not comprise proof of character, for good or ill. If you have a personal problem with Jac, it would be more proper and professional not to vent that anonymously online, where the only effect is to call into question your own character.

Comment by d1guts Thursday, Mar 25, 10 @ 9:21 am