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This just in… Saddler gets CoS job… Quinn responds to critics

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* 2:28 pm - Inside sources say Gov. Pat Quinn will choose Michelle Saddler as his new chief of staff.

Here is what I told subscribers this morning…

Saddler is the Director of the Department of Human Services. She’s an African-American female and Quinn is desperate lately to appeal to black voters, who appear to be shunning him. She also worked for Quinn when he was state treasurer. He prefers people whom he knows.

The governor’s press conference is about to start, so we’ll see if the sources are right soon enough. Sadler’s name surfaced late.

You can click here to listen to the press conference live.

* 2:44 pm - And it is Ms. Saddler. The governor called her a “good friend” and an “excellent public servant.”

* From the Tribune…

Saddler’s background includes working as Quinn’s director of investments when he served as state treasurer in the 1990s. She has a bachelor’s from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and a master’s from Northwestern University’s Kellogg graduate school of management.

* Grace Hou, DHS’ Assistant Secretary for Programs, has been appointed acting secretary of DHS.

* Quinn is now taking questions on the Stermer fiasco. He began by saying “someone violated” state law by giving the inspector general’s report to a reporter.

“It has not a shred of truth,” Quinn said about any connection between the inspector general’s Stermer report and Wright’s firing.

“On the 23rd of July, we e-mailed” their executive appointments person about a replacement for the inspector general. Quinn said his chief counsel went to the EIG and told him personally on the morning of the 13th that he was being replaced. “I don’t think he labored under any assumption that I was going to reappoint him,” Quinn said about James Wright.

“I did not know anything about the report until I arrived at my office” at about 5 o’clock on the afternoon of the 13th. That’s important because the report arrived at his office the day before.

“I was planning to discipline my chief of staff Jerry Stermer” and Stermer was willing to accept that discipline, Quinn said. But after the Sun-Times reporter called, Quinn said he called Stermer and his chief said he did not want to be a “distraction.”

Quinn said he planned to mete out a “strong punishment,” involving “a suspension” for Stermer.

Quinn said his brother made a “keystroke error” when he sent that campaign e-mail to Stermer.

The governor said he interviewed several people for inspector general, started the vetting process and was then told that the candidates decided to go elsewhere.

* 3:29 pm - End.

* I thought he did a pretty decent job, as far as these things go. We’ll see how Brady reacts. Stay tuned.

* In case you missed it, the audio archive of the entire presser can be downloaded here.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:30 pm

Comments

Looks desperate.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:37 pm
I think its a mistake to fill that position with somebody who could simply please certain electoral demographics. This is a serious position and should be given to the most qualified person.

Comment by anon Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:37 pm
Brilliant choice.

Northwestern MBA
African-American
Trusted by Quinn
Respected by legislators
Untainted by Blagojevich
Running state’s most complex agency with grace

Comment by Chubs Mahoney Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:37 pm
Michelle IS highly qualified and was a good choice.

She was formerly Quinn’s policy director, currently the director of DHS. She is highly competent.

Comment by dave Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:38 pm
It’s a 4 1/2 month job. Enjoy.

Comment by Bored already Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:40 pm
===This is a serious position and should be given to the most qualified person.====
anon. you get serious. there are plenty of qualified people out there. The most qualified probably don’t want it. “Qualified” has a whole bunch of intangibles in a job like this. One of the most important qualifications is to actually be able to work for the person who hires you.

Comment by Been There Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:40 pm
Great choice! one of the few people who is respected statewide for her competence!

Comment by WELL... Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:43 pm
He prefers to work with people he knows….so what?
She’s African American and it’s a desperate appeal
to that group….seriously, just that fact alone?
thanks, Chubs, for pointing out facts to those of us
who don’t know anything about her. MBA from Northwestern,
an opinion that she’s running things well, those are very
good things.
if anyone has negative FACTS, please post those.
facts, that’s what matters.
of course diversity is important in business and government.
the next time somone names a white male the head of
something, please, feel free to start alleging that
the official is blatantly appealing to that demographic
group with someone unqualified!

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:44 pm
This is a good choice, but this will not undo Quinns failure to pick up Art Turner

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:45 pm
I wonder if she’ll take the liaison from DHS with her. He’d make a good addition to that team and can please both Ds and Rs without reservation.

Comment by RikiTavi Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:46 pm
“She was formerly Quinn’s policy director..”

What’s more surprising, he had a policy or there was someone directing it?

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:48 pm
ok people, lets ease up on the feeding frenzy…at least give people a chance to be a decent public servant…

Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:50 pm
LL, there’s no feeding frenzy in these comments.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:53 pm
Another blast from Pat Quinn’s past. No reason to think anything will change. Does he hire anyone that he met after 1990? If it wasn’t so sad it would be funny.

Comment by Cosmic Charlie Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:53 pm
“I want to tell you that I am me.” - Michelle Saddler

Quote of the week candidate it’s not.

Comment by A Naughty Moose Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:53 pm
Michelle is high quality, I hope she can be the bulldog a CoS needs to be.

Comment by Leroy Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:54 pm
I think what people are upset about is the original assertion by the author that the only motivation behind picking her would be to appeal to black voters.

Comment by poor Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:54 pm
Stermer should still be there as even Cindi Canary has said. But given he is gone, Michelle is a good choice. Good credentials.

Comment by Niles Township Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:54 pm
If she can do the job it’s a good choice.

Comment by Ahoy Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:54 pm
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:50 pm:

“ok people, lets ease up on the feeding frenzy…at least give people a chance to be a decent public servant…”

I don’t think anyone is really doubting this nice person’s qualifications. BUT, she is being appointed just 70 days before an election, by a governor who has never lead in any poll whatsoever, after firings, sc(R)andlles, IG reports all kinds of gaffes and missteps, and to say nothing about the debacle that has been his tenure. Every move he makes from here on out will be treated skeptically and with a high degree of cynicism and snark.

It’s the nature of the beast.

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:56 pm
===original assertion by the author that the only motivation behind picking her===

Um, no. Can you read?

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:56 pm
Quinn’s detractors hate this choice because she is a self-made lady who is exceedingly competent, qualified and well-liked.

It’s funny to watch the haters scramble, squirm and spin to put down an unassailable person like Michelle.

Comment by Chubs Mahoney Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 2:58 pm
Actually, if there is a feeding frenzy, it’s going the other way. Calm down and stop shooting at stalking horses.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:00 pm
“Human beings don’t all have the same mind.” - Pat Quinn

And from one day to the next, neither does he.

Comment by A Naughty Moose Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:01 pm
Chubs,

Barring appointing Lucifer, do you really believe it mattered who Quinn appointed? Hopefully, among her qualifications is the ability to use a six slicer since Quinn is toast.

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:01 pm
Cinci: Yes, it does matter. That you ask reveals your ignorance of the role.

Comment by Chubs Mahoney Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:04 pm
Test your family tonight to see if they know the name of even one of the previous Chief of Staffs in the state of Illinois.

Their response will tell you how important this decision is for Quinn, politically.

Comment by Downstater Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:04 pm
Downstater: I agree, but the person’s ability to perform affects the Governor’s policy outcomes. And those outcomes will influence the election.

Comment by Chubs Mahoney Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:07 pm
Downstater, while I think I understand your point, anyone who has any interest in federal corruption cases has probably heard of John Harris, Lon Monk and Scott Fawell.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:09 pm
I don’t care if she is a nice person, just so she is competant, ethical, a workhorse, cut throat when necessary, and committed to taking Brady out of it committment…

Go get ‘em Michelle…:)

Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:11 pm
== He began by saying “someone violated” state law by giving the inspector general’s report to a reporter. ==

Yeah that’s the way to start, some good old fashioned messenger shooting…

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:11 pm
lose the last word in the post… you get my point I’m sure…

Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:12 pm
How soon until she gets a few raises?

Comment by Davey Boy Smithe Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:16 pm
Most people who work with or near quinns office will tell you that the c of s position is purely symbolic, because the machinery of state government is controlled by jack lavin, the original blago-hack. And his people are scattered throughout the agencies - lafleur, meister, ribley, etc etc. Take a look at all of the people from the general assembly and quinn’s old treasurers office who said no. Saddler was simply too nice to tell quinn, ‘thanks but no thanks.’ She’s going to get tagged with quinn’s failures, but won’t be able to stop them because lavin’s ego is too big to let anyone else play in the sandbox. I feel bad for her.

Comment by chicago 7 Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:20 pm
==Quinn’s detractors hate….=
=It’s funny to watch the haters scramble, squirm and spin…=

I think you are`really mis-representing this, Chub. Quite honestly, Quinn came to the governorship with a decent reputation and under circumstances that automatically gave him a substantial amount of goodwill from most Illinoisans. Many people commenting here lately might more fairly be described as “Quinn disappointeds” due to his tenure so far.

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:20 pm
- Chubs Mahoney - Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:04 pm:

“Cinci: Yes, it does matter. That you ask reveals your ignorance of the role.”

Since I was commenting on the politics of the appointment, and the fact that this person will only serve a limited period of time until Quinn is booted from office, I’m a bit surprised you would begin an ad hominem attack against me for ignorance. Disappointing, at best.

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:20 pm
Chubster…shouldn’t you be knocking on doors or calling voters in attempt to save your boss’ job? Pq will be known as the ‘two can sam’ gov after serving two years in ofc. Tsk tsk!

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:21 pm
Quinn says “due process” is as old as the Bible.
Really? Guess they missed that part at Jesus’ trial.

Comment by fact checker Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:21 pm
Actually, it’s a 2 month job if Quinn loses. After that, it’s all wrap-up and resume-sending.

Maybe a good choice for her. If he loses, she has had two recent high-level state jobs and priceless experience. She could move into a national job easily. If he wins, she gets at least four years to pursue an agenda from an position of power.

Listening to this press conference I’m now wondering why Quinn accepted Stermer’s resignation. Seems like he overreacted, given his description of events.

Comment by cassandra Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:30 pm
It seems like “over reacted” is an understatement. We all know some unethical relative to the Gov or GA member who doesn’t show up and collects $100K a year at a state job, while the like of J Stermer are wiped out. The Gov and the IG both deserve to go. I am sure Mr. Stermer’s life will be better without the likes of Quinn and Wright to deal with any longer.

Comment by Sick Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:33 pm
47th, good point, but Fawell was never Gov. Ryan’s chief. He was SoS Ryan’s chief. He moved over to McPier after the election.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:34 pm
Sick, if he hadn’t accepted Stermer’s resignation, the focus would’ve been far more on the firing than the e-mails, and whether Stermer played a role.

RRB probably thinks that Jerry is a sucker for turning himself in like that and offering up his own head, but Stermer was an honest guy who did the honorable thing. Others should follow his example.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:36 pm
Thanks Rich. You’re right as usual. I guess Fawell was too toxic to join Ryan in the governor’s office by that point.

Chiefs of Staff, whether we know their names or not, carry incredible influence within state government. I suspect Saddler will learn a lot from Stermer’s honorable example.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:43 pm
Wait…something’s wrong. Quinn made a good appt and did a good press conf. Are we sure it wasn’t his competent twin???

Comment by D.P. Gumby Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:49 pm
== The governor said he interviewed several people for inspector general, started the vetting process and was then told that the candidate decided to go elsewhere. ==

You would think you would have the guy ready to step in on day one before you fired the old guy, not in the vetting process….

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:49 pm
You would think you would have the guy ready to step in on day one before you fired the old guy, not in the vetting process….

Huh? He did have a guy ready when he fired the old guy.

Comment by dave Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:52 pm
OneMan,

Perhaps our boy Pat is just winding down his adminstration.

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 3:54 pm
dave…

No he didn’t
’started the vetting process and was then told that the candidates decided to go elsewhere’

Started the vetting process, that’s not having a guy. Having a guy is someone who is done being vetted and ready to step in, day one or better yet, let him have a transition.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 4:03 pm
OneMan, they have a guy. They announced him already. Those were other, previous candidates you’re referring to.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 4:06 pm
No he didn’t
’started the vetting process and was then told that the candidates decided to go elsewhere’

Read a little more carefully. At that point he hadn’t fired the guy yet.

Comment by dave Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 4:14 pm
Oh….

Didn’t see anything about a replacement.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 4:17 pm
lol

It’s OK, man. It happens to the best of us.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 4:21 pm
I feel like I’m still missing something in this whole story. An earlier post mentioned that someone who sent an explicit email to state workers telling them to vote for Obama was fined $250. Why would Quinn even think about something like suspension for Stermer over this? Harsh punishment for three emails out of tens of thousands?

It’s such a fast replacement that it appears that Stermer was slated to go anyway. The added complication with the IG seems genuinely unexpected, but even that doesn’t seem to warrant Stermer’s resigning. Wouldn’t it look better for the AG to file the complaint, have Stermer fined for some nominal amount, etc. Basically, having the process carried out no matter who was IG would look better than Stermer resigning over it.

To me it looks like Quinn was gearing up for a big CoS replacement, and then got blindsighted by the unfortunate coincidence of his IG replacement.

The new CoS seems fine, great, etc, but why did Stermer leave? Compare the situation to Randle. It makes no sense. Everything feels botched, and I don’t even know why.

Comment by Sacks Romana Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 4:28 pm
This is akin to the Capt. of the Titanic bringing on a new, apparently competent First Mate. Maybe she can keep order during the evacuation.

Comment by RobRoy Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 4:29 pm
===To me it looks like Quinn was gearing up for a big CoS replacement===

Maybe, but I really doubt that. Nothing has been on the grapevine, or even close to it.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 4:33 pm
Well, yeah. Keep in mind I’m a complete outsider and know nothing. I only even know who Stermer is because of Voices for Illinois Children. Saddler is obviously a big name, but I’d never heard of her until today.

I guess everything is exactly as it seems, which still seems strange to me.

Comment by Sacks Romana Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 4:44 pm
@Sacks:

It’s OK. Even those of us who are on the “inside” are never sure about these things. I agree with you that this whole ordeal has been a bit strange. I happen to believe that the story as told is probably true. But Quinn really stinks with timing. Maybe he was looking for a new EIG for a while. But if he had not been able to replace him before this, he should have just left Wright in place until after the election b/c whatever he did with Wright after this report would be seen as payback. A few more months for Wright would not have hurt anything. Just more evidence that Quinn is horrible at managing and appears to have no political sense.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 5:37 pm
“Test your family tonight to see if they know the name of even one of the previous Chief of Staffs in the state of Illinois.”

I can name all of them. I am married to one.

Comment by Shelbyville Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 5:37 pm
I am a little curious to see who will be moving up in HS. Hmmm….maybe someone in DD?

Comment by NRA associate Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 6:18 pm
Michelle Saddler is a great choice. Nice pick PQ!! And Grace Hou has basically been running DHS on a day to day basis for quite some time now — most of the time while Adams was there and to some extent during transition to Saddler — so not much of a change there.

Comment by dupage progressive Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 6:39 pm
–Test your family tonight to see if they know the name of even one of the previous Chief of Staffs in the state of Illinois.–

What’s that got to do with anything? You don’t think it’s a big job? It’s significant politically if they do it well or not.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 7:05 pm
Grace Hou has been running DHS all along? That’s news. The only time I’ve seen her name was at the Onenet under the Secretary’s name. Michelle Saddler didn’t do very much but then she was only here for 8 or 9 mos. Long enough to change the letterhead stationary. I wonder what Grace Hou will do to restore professionalism, morale and a work ethic? Blago left a huge mess.

Comment by Emily Booth Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 7:54 pm
Quinn’s fired staff end up with high level positions at IDOT. Can’t wait to see the announcement on his his new job .

Comment by Old Timer Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 7:56 pm
Guess we’ll never really know if Quinn was going to discipline his staffer.

Comment by Macoupin Observer Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 8:24 pm
Pretty unbelievable comment from Sen. Dillard:

“While she, as an African-American, Asian woman, is a political choice, it remains to be seen if she can govern state government.”

Pretty sure that Dillard voted yes to confirm Saddler for Sec. of DHS. I’m a bit confused about how Dillard thought that Saddler was competent enough to run DHS, but not competent enough to be CoS?

Comment by dave Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 8:29 pm
Grace Hou, running DHS? As Assistant Secretary she has been in charge of the state- run mental health facilities and Developmental Disability facilities and it has been a huge joke; wasted millions, continued abuse of residents and cover-ups.

Comment by ANon Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 9:07 pm
Michelle Saddler is a GREAT choice! A highly competent, intelligent, honorable, hardworking and solid administrator, we are all lucky she accepted.

Comment by Selena Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 9:17 pm
Anon9:07- you don’t know much about DHS and nothing about Grace Hou. The problems at DD have been going on for years and have been cleaned up in the last 5 years.

Grace is a very competent highly respected professional. She kept the ship afloat under the disastrous reign of Carol Adams.

Comment by DuPage Dave Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 9:22 pm
Amy?

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Aug 24, 10 @ 10:24 pm
Du Page Dave: It took Lilia Tennity to try to solve some of the problems, despite the blockades by those above her.

Comment by ANon Wednesday, Aug 25, 10 @ 12:34 pm
Good observation ANon, however, she has some underlings that should be given the boot for their excessive incompetence. DDD has been overwhelmed when the PSAs were unionized, and they hacks abound.

Comment by NRA associate Wednesday, Aug 25, 10 @ 4:51 pm