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* Rockford Register Star executive editor Linda Grist Cunningham and the paper’s senior editor Chuck Sweeny both took a swing at the upcoming inauguration festivities. Cunningham…

How about a simple swearing in, like we do for mayors, council, school and county board members? How about no tux and tails, no champagne, no ballroom dancing? How about every nickel of public and private cash going toward the inauguration instead be routed to deficit reduction — or at least paying a couple bills to a handful of social services?

Sweeny…

If I were the governor, or his ghostwriter, here’s what I’d say: My fellow Illinoisans, this is no time for celebration. This is time for those in whom the people have placed their trust, to earn that trust. That’s why I’ve ordered that no inaugural celebrations take place. For there’s no getting around it. Our great, prairie state of Illinois is in a fiscal catastrophe.

* The Inaugural Ball will be held at Springfield’s Prairie Capital Convention Center. The SJ-R has the menu…

Among the orders: 5,000 mini-burgers, 14,000 shrimp, 42-inch-high white and dark-chocolate fountains, three ice carvings, beef, a pasta bar, a salad bar, a taco bar, Bananas Foster and a variety of sauces.

* Corporate sponsors…

Illinois Association of Realtors, The Merchandise Mart, Chicago-Copywriter.com, Pepsico, Mayer-Brown, Illinois Hospital Association, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Commonwealth Edison, Exelon Energy, All-Circo Inc., Union Pacific, BNSF Railway, Motorola, Office Depot, SEIU-Healthcare of Illinois-Indiana, Office Depot, Comcast, Micosoft, Ariel Investments, Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois, Globetrotters Engineering Corp., Baker Inc., Illinois Manufacturer’s Association, Ullico, Wirtz Corp., and U.S. Equities Realty, Mid-West Truckers Association, Walmart, and Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association.

* The Question: Should the Inaugural Ball be scaled back or even canceled? Explain.

And, yes, I know we’ve talked a bit about this before, but now we have some details.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 4:20 am

Comments

It would be a great symbolic gesture to have a simple swearing in before the General Assemgly, followed by a speech on how the state could find other ways to reduce spending going forward. Especially in light of the probable upcoming tax increase.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 7:22 am
Absolutely scaled back. What a vulgar, bonehead display — a swinging party underwritten by the usual suspects of corporate fatcats while the economy is still struggling and the state can’t meet it’s obligations.

It looks even worse when compared to the low-key, open-door-to-the-people inauguration of Gov. Cuomo. Still, it’s less narcissistic than the taxpayer funded fly-around victory tour by Scott in Florida.

Sometimes Quinn is just clueless. It’s better to be lucky than good, and he’s lucky he had Brady.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 7:36 am
Austerity is the watchword. How many people whose services have been cut in Illinois will be going to receptions with chocolate fountains and shrimp? With a tax increase looming, how many families will be dropping shrimp from the grocery list?

Symbols are important. Keeping the swearing in simple and austere will be far more meaningful and memorable to the public as a symbol of shared sacrifice.

Comment by Aldyth Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 7:51 am
Those of us who worked long and hard to elect Quinn
and the other Constitutional leaders, we are
looking forward to celebrating before he real work of the next four years begins…as long as it’s not being paid for with taxpayers money, I say let the party begin….

Comment by Loop Lady Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 7:58 am
“as long as it’s not being paid for with taxpayers money”

With all due respect, the taxpayers will pay in one form or another!

Comment by South of I-80 Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:04 am
As long as it is not funded by taxpayer money and not done on taxpayer time, let them do whatever they want. It’s their public image; if they want to project the difference between the “haves” and “have nots”, let them. Unfortunately, in 4 years no one will remember one way or the other.

Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:06 am
The issue here is not whether the party is funded by taxpayer dollars. It’s the vision of the politically well-connected literally at the trough while tens of thousands of Illinois children go to bed hungry, hundreds of thousands of men and women lie awake wondering when — or if — they will ever find jobs, and millions of Illinoisans worry about making ends meet in these tough economic times. This party is way off-brand, and Governor Quinn should have reined it in. The best way to celebrate this victory would be to get this state back on its feet.

Comment by soccermom Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:11 am
The inaugural has always been held in just the worst weather that IL. can seem to produce.

I always thought the celebration was over the top, anyway.

Comment by PPHS Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:16 am
How the excess was paid for is not going to make a lick of difference. Nothing like the visual image of a bunch of political types strolling around the PCCC - snout searching for truffles and a dark chocolate fountain chaser.

Comment by washedmyhands Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:24 am
I think it is great that these fine groups are “sponsoring” the event…..I am sure they are doing it without any sort of agenda.

Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:25 am
The Rockford crowd has been a bunch ofdowners since Zeke left us
How about we just hack their web site and ignore them for about 10 days?
Better yet let’s ask NoTaxBill how big a bash his transition team was planning after their big win
The honest answer was Black Tie and $100 bucks a ticket

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:25 am
Its ok as long as they don’t serve Illinois wine.

Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:35 am
Those of us who have worked long and hard to elect Quinn…Loop Lady, get a clue.
Unemployment is up in Illinois, people, real people, are fighting to survive, and you deserve a party. Go to some of the poorest neighborhoods in this State, like Washington Park, and tell them how hard you have worked and that you deserve a party, I bet they’ll agree. I mean, if they have the time in between finding ways to feed their children and standing in line for free commodities. Seriously, wake up.
Illinois is in serious trouble.
And we have no one in leadership that deserves to be called a leader.

Comment by boredon1 Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:42 am
Make it a potluck, and have everybody bring a little something.

Comment by Name Withheld Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:48 am
Oh brother.

The Inaugural Ball should not be canceled. Obviously, any arrangements made should be sensitive to the economic times but this event should not be canceled.

I’d bet the Inauguration, and the festivities associated with it, will have a nice financial impact on Springfield/Sangamon County. There are a lot of meals, hotel nights, etc. that will contribute to the local economy. Canceling it is sort of like biting off your nose to spite your face. There are more than a few working folks and small business owners who would suffer without this.

Also, canceling the Inaugural Ball is superficial at best. Does anyone think that all of those sponsors, lobbyists, etc. won’t hold private receptions, with or without the Inaugural Ball, anyway? At least their sponsorship of Inaugural activities is transparent, those intimate after hours receptions/parties where they will push their “agendas” aren’t.

Again, special attention needs to be paid to the optics of the Ball, but done right there is no reason to cancel.

Comment by wndycty Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:48 am
If Quinn can take international corporations’ money and pay Illinois businesses to make 5,000 mini burgers more power to him.

Comment by Vox Populi Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:49 am
Ahhhh - There is nothing like having a party and inviting a couple of thousand well-healed lobbyists and other political hacks so they can rub elbows with the newly elected in an attempt to curry favor for their agendas. It’s all about seeing and being seen. At least they will be putting money into the local economy!

Comment by Fed-Up Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:50 am
It’s not just the austerity climate we have this year. These things are always in bad taste, if not downright embarrassing. I’ve still never gotten over the first Blago inaugural. But whatever. If a lack of dignity was the worst thing about Illinois government, we could live with that.

Comment by Excessively Rabid Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:53 am
Addendum: it’s OK, as long as they have to drink Illinois wine.

Comment by Excessively Rabid Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:55 am
2 words: Tone. Deaf.

Comment by Logical Thinker Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:59 am
Give me a break. All the sanctamonious whining. It’s a party. For the guy that won the highest office in IL. And it’s being paid for by private money, not taxpayer.

Sure people are hurting, and for that it is unfortunate. But life goes on. I would imagine that people will be ‘hurting’ long after this party, and have been hurting long before this party.

Should we now ‘outlaw’ parties, simply because there are people hurting in the world?

Maybe we should just outlaw catering companies, balloon makers, and those that make party favors as well. In fact, perhaps we should pass a law outlawing ANY sort of party until EVERY person in the state is no longer ‘hurting’.

If Quinn were blowing any public money…then perhaps. Otherwise, it’s just sour grapes. Grow up.

Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:02 am
Bill,
Lynfred Winery (Roselle) once made some nice Chardonnay and a drinkable Merlot. I haven’t hadn’t had it in a while (and I believe it was sourced from Michigan grapes). I take wine pretty seriously, and I used to be very happy drinking that stuff. If it is as good as it once was, I would suggest that they only drink Illinois wine.

Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:06 am
I have to go with Bill on this one…

At least they didnt do it at Navy Peir….think of the money saved by holding it at PCCC

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:14 am
The SJ-R story notes that at the inauguration of our very first governor, Shadrach Bond, in 1818, he stated that “the treasury was empty and the state’s credit impaired. As a temporary solution he recommended borrowing rather than increasing taxes.”

Ah, the more things change…

Seriously, though, while I wouldn’t mind going to an inaugural ball at least once in my lifetime (I’m probably never going to be invited to one in D.C. so I’ll settle for the one in the Patch), this really isn’t the year for it. Can you imagine the public and media outrage that would have ensued had Bill Brady, or even Kirk Dillard, been the one to order up this bash?

Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:15 am
The Pat Quinn of even 10 years ago would have beat this issue like a rented mule.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:15 am
Yes, the smart thing to have done would have been to cancel all celebrating, especially in these bad economic times. Should have declared a day of volunteerism. Quinn himself could have done something like volunteering on a project that would help the families of our troops, an issue that’s right up his alley.

A perfect example where doing something good is also good politics. What a great way to heal divisions.

But once again Quinn demonstrates his tin ear.

Comment by just sayin' Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:16 am
I say let’s party! It’s good for the economy. Just think of the vendors and catering crews that will be working the event. They get paid, and then they pay taxes. Work is better than no work…party on Wayne…

Comment by GetOverIt Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:17 am
Happy New Year! If corporate money is paying for the parties, while it can be seen as tone deaf, I do not see the problem with it. Do not forget, that both sides will be having parties, so if you are going to bash people, bash Treasurer-elect Rutherford and Comptroller-Elect Topinka, as well as Quinn, Simon, Madigan, Cullerton, Lisa and Jesse White.

Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:25 am
- Go to some of the poorest neighborhoods in this State, like Washington Park, and tell them how hard you have worked and that you deserve a party -

I bet on NYE you were spending your time with those folks sharing your champagne, right?

It’s not like they’re serving Cristal and caviar here. Burgers, taco bar, bananas and ice cream? I’ve seen some pretty large chocolate fountains at my high school friends’ weddings. It sounds like what it’s been described as, modest but not cheap. I say everyone have fun, and then Tuesday get to work.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:26 am
Yes it would have been a great symbolic gesture to have a low key swearing in. However, isn’t it too late? I’d assume that everything has been ordered and contracted out by now seeing as how the inauguration is on the 10th. Kinda pointless now…

Comment by Bring Back Boone's Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:26 am
Taxpayers will be funding a portion of this event. Sham meetings at state agencies will allow out-of-town state employess who helped with Quinn’s campaign to attend and bill the state for travel expenses.

Comment by Can't Say My Nickname Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:27 am
Blah Blah Blah… Sweeney is such a wet noodle. I can understand what he is saying. Yes, the economy bad. Yes, people are out of work.

However, the inauguration is an Illinois tradition. ITS NOT PAID FOR BY STATE TAX DOLLARS. The many people who worked hard for the candidates - Repub and Dem - deserve a celebration. Quinn’s vicotry was huge and deserves to be acknowledged.

Sweeney should write about things that actually matter.

Comment by Wonder Man Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:28 am
Perhaps they should invite the employees and clients of the agencies that have had to scale back services or close their doors because the State hasn’t paid them for eight or ten months. At least that way someone deserving of food and a party would be participating.

Comment by cynically anonymous Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:31 am
–ITS NOT PAID FOR BY STATE TAX DOLLARS.–

That’s right. The Man of the People is letting corporate sponsors throw him a party. They never have tax or regulatory issues before state government.

I’m very surprised by a lot of the Quinn supporters here. Quinn’s made a career based on the symbolism of frugality and fighting for the Regular Joe over powerful interests.

His ego got the better of his judgment here. The phoniness and hypocrisy are palpable.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:46 am
The editorial is on the mark. This sumptuous party in the face of the disastrous condition the state is in smacks of the elitist mentality that permeates the political culture. One might even interpret that those being feted as being rewarded for a job well done.

The message this party sends while being paid for by the usual suspects is that after the election it will be business as usual.

Reminds me of the Illinois Municipal League newly elected officials seminar I attended. The message was to the effect of ‘we know you made a lot of promises to get elected, but you are now one of us. Get with the program and you will do well.’

If you want a party, pass the hat amongst yourselves and go to the local joint and pat each other on the back until you are sore.

Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:47 am
There needs to be an Inaugual ceremony..it is up to the winning candidate to set the tone of how grand the festivites shall be.

Comment by Justica O ! Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:55 am
- That’s right. The Man of the People is letting corporate sponsors throw him a party. -

Word, it’s very rare that I disagree with you, but I have to say I feel like you’re reaching a bit on that one. After all these years of paying for his own cheeseburgers, 5,000 mini burgers is going to buy his loyalty? Man, those utility companies really missed out on a bargain back in the days before CUB.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 9:57 am
Does anyone know about the event at the libary?

Comment by wondering Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:01 am
Personally I don’t think it is enough.

There should be a massive tax payer funded bash at the Capitol building. Have a band playing on each floor. Maybe bring Tower of Power, BB King, and Darius Rucker. Throw Tower of Power in the Senate chambers, Darius Rucker in the House and BB in the Rotunda. Charge $50 to get in and work in conjunction with one of the many Illinois casinos put slot machines in the hallways and offices.

Bring Goose Island Brewery into the mix and let them set up shop on each floor with mixed drinks and beer. $25 dollars a cup and its all you can drink. Then about 1:30 am kill the music and make the house and senate go into session and see what they come up with.

Comment by Living in Oklahoma Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:04 am
The folks in this state never connect anything with anything else so it doesn’t matter, as long as it’s not excessively plush. After all, Blago got elected twice here. If the big tax increase on the middle class is announced the day before or the day after,but not on the day…of the party, nobody will notice that there is a connection between rampant overspending, overall poor financial management and, well, Democrats.
They are, after all, going into teir 9th year in charge. But again, who’s to notice. Every day is Groundhog Day for us Illinoisians.

Comment by cassandra Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:06 am
NO. The newspapers and good government groups can bite me. I’m not one to protect democrats, but this isn’t north korea and people are allowed to celebrate, kick back and enjoy their efforts once in awhile. Quinns worked his entire life to get to this point and I don’t think he should be denied the moment because of the economy. Half of chicago went to the Obama innaugurals, which were much fancier-although you never know that exotic salad bar quinn’s having is pretty tough to top.

Don’t really know a lot about the culinary tastes of SJ-R, but salad bar and mini-burgers really sounds like a 4 star fancy menu. Kind of shocked they left out the fancy foreign made fancy plastic forks and paper plates.

Memo, smile, take a deep breath, walk away from the ledge and learn to focus on more substantive issues.

Comment by shore Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:07 am
The swearing in does not call for celebration, as there is nothing to celebrate, unless you think winning a popularity contest (aka election)is cause to party. To the corporate sponsors of the inaugural events, use the money you are spending to fund a community project in your area or donate to a food bank etc. The money is more needed in those places than in a food and booze event in Springfield.

Comment by WRMNpolitics Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:07 am
no. is it costing illinois taxpayer’s anything? are the sponsors publicly identified?

this is the first inaugural for two elected officials. it would be a shame to deny them and those who worked so hard to elect them, the opportunity to have a traditional FIRST inauguration…

Comment by bored now Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:12 am
The Super 8 must have been booked for Monday night.

Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:15 am
How many times have we heard from Quinn’s lips how Illinois is in an unprecendented recession and it is going to take sacrifices from EVERYONE to get through this. I understand that he wants to celebrate his victory. However, there are vendors out there that would like to pay their employees. There are college students who would like to and need to take classes that have been cut because the State is delinquit on it’s obligations. There are State employees out there who would like not to take 24 furlough days to subsidize Quinn’s cronies. There are State Police Officers who would like to be able to buy gasoline so they could go on patrol. And the list goes on and on. It doesn’t matter what is on the menu, the fact that the politicians in Illinois and all of their bureacratic hacks feel they are entitled. This party is the poster child for that belief. And that is why we are where we are. It’s time to take off the rose colored glasses folks and look at reality.

It is also very telling that at the very moment that hundreds of State Workers across the State are studying and taking training on SB0051 to make sure that they do not inadvertently allow one vendor to have any advantage, actual or perceived, over any other vendor, or “they shall be subject to immediate dismissal, regardless of the Personnel Code, any contractor any collective bargaining agreement.” That every communication with lobbyists, vendors, or those affiliated with a vendor must be reported to no matter what the dollar amount to the Chief Procurement Officer. And these clowns are having a party with alcohol with some of the biggest vendors in the State. How many of them will even remember the communications they have that night? I am sure they will all have stenographers with them to record all of the communications so they may be doscumented and reported. Once again, entitlement. It would not surprise me that if questioned about the many vulnerable and needy people out there who are not being helped because of the delinquit State, to hear Quinn of Madigan say, “Well, let them eat cake.”

Comment by Irish Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:18 am
If largesse is paid by private funds, I am not upset. Are we forgetting that Christmas just ended?! I’m sure people posting here overextended themselves - I know Mr. and Mrs. Team Sleep both did - and now we have to pay the piper. This is a once-in-four-years event. Most off-site events are paid for by campaigns and/or sponsors, and the official receptions cost very little. If Quinn expected the public to pay for closed/ticketed events, I would be upset.

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:23 am
The event might not be funded by the state but the Quinn state employees being asked to work the event on the state dime are going to cost the state money.

Comment by Spliff Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:23 am
I say organize a group of the poor and homeless from Springfield to crash the party. What would be better TV to let them in or to turn them away? I would risk arrest for a chocolate fountain.

Comment by saul alinsky Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:28 am
Sorry, delinquent.

Comment by Irish Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:29 am
STL, well, ComEd and Exelon are there now. Where do they get their money to kick in for parties, anyway?

Look, Mr. Shared Sacrifice is cutting programs and looking to raise taxes. He should have done what Cuomo did, which was not much at all.

In the stories about Cuomo’s austere ceremony, the New York columnists compared it to how former Gov. Pataki was ripped for letting corporations who had business before the state fund his party.

I don’t remember Pataki ever portraying himself as a working-class hero.

I’m sure Quinn’s union buddies are glad to see Wal-Mart — Chinese manufacturing’s distribution arm in the U.S. — on the list, too.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:35 am
==I’m sure Quinn’s union buddies are glad to see Wal-Mart ==
LOL

Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:36 am
Don’t care either way. If you have ever been to one (and I know a lot of us have) they’re lousy parties anyway. It is a lot like prom. Get dressed up, go out for dinner, go to the crappy crowded ball (prom), and then figure out what you’re going to do with the rest of the night.

If people want to celebrate, let em celebrate. Plus all the Sunday and Monday activities will give House members something to do while they are sitting in Springfield Sunday and Monday collecting per diem and doing nothing except waiting to find out how bad they’re going to screw us all with a tax increase.

Comment by Jaded Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:38 am
Chocolate fountains are tacky and unsanitary.

Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:38 am
Of course not. Having a low-key inaugural would deny all the power players the opportunity to buy influence from the new powers-that-be while at the same time denying the new powers-that-be the opportunity to show the power players that they have to pay for access in state government. this is a hallowed Illinois tradition that must be continued. our political sewer system must be maintained in the traditional fashion, which has worked so well for state residents.

Comment by Jim Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:38 am
I think it will make an interesting TV ad in a few years…

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:46 am
Half temped to go down with a Flip camera and shoot some B-roll of folks dressed up going into the party and try selling it in two years.

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:47 am
The message sent by these parties is “It is all about ME!!!!” The sooner we can get someone out of that mentality mode, the sooner we can start getting things done in Illinois for the good of Illinois, not the politician(s) of either/both parties!

Comment by LisleMike Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:52 am
Word - Maybe I’m just naive, but I didn’t realize the inaugural ball was a such a big clout buying opportunity.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:52 am
OneMan line up some homeless people outside the building and make sure to get them in your shot

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 10:54 am
This tradition is less about celebrating the Governor elect and more about celebrating our state and democracy. Would we cancel the POTUS’s inauguration? No. Where’s people sense of state pride and tradition? Even if Springfield was burning I’d say - let’s have some kind of inaugural event.

Comment by IllinoisIllinois Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:02 am
A question for those who think it’s a bad idea to throw an inaugural ball in these tough times: how far back into the past was the last gubernatorial inauguration for which an inaugural ball would have been appropriate?

Comment by lincoln's beard Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:04 am
FYI it’s all Bill Brady voters that are complaining about this tradition, (and I count Rich among them since we all know he loves hating on Quinn). Had shady Brady won I’m sure there’d be none of this discussion of CANCEL the inaugural event - I certainly wouldn’t be calling for it even though I voted for Pat Quinn.

Comment by IllinoisIllinois Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:05 am
Check out incoming Florida convict, er, um, Governor Rick Scott’s inaugural celebration if you really want to see something gaudy. At least Quinn isn’t organizing a trip to DisneyWorld.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/27/rick-scott-disney-world_n_801761.html

Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:09 am
IllIll, I voted for Quinn and I believe I’m complaining the most.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:11 am
The term:”Let them eat cake” comes to mind.Why not have some monster problems resolved before they celebrate.Illinois “leaders” have done nothing that deserves celebration of any kind other than tar and feathering.

Comment by sylvia Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:14 am
–how far back into the past was the last gubernatorial inauguration for which an inaugural ball would have been appropriate?–

How about the last time there wasn’t a budget shortfall pushing $15 billion, 9.2% unemployment, plus painful spending cuts and a tax increase on the way?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:15 am
IL-IL — I’m with Word on this one, and I’m a longtime Quinn supporter.

Comment by soccermom Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:22 am
I don’t buy the argument that people can’t celebrate because of the poor economy — there are always people hungry, behind on bills, suffering, etc. — what people are arguing is if that percentage of people is lower you can have an inauguration, but if a higher percentage are facing financial difficulty, then it is improper.

Also, the festivities do pump a lot of money into the local and state economy — catering, hotel rooms, cabs, etc.

Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:40 am
I voted for Brady (clearly not enough times) and think Quinn should have his party(s).

I should also point out again, as others have, that this is not just Quinn’s party, but is for all the statewides.

Comment by Jaded Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:42 am
== FYI it’s all Bill Brady voters that are complaining about this tradition, (and I count Rich among them since we all know he loves hating on Quinn) ==

Yes, Rich Miller big time Republican supporter, because we all know he never gave Brady a hard time.

Seriously IllinoisIllinois what is the color of the sky in your world?

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:44 am
Lester Holt’s Mustache — I bet Quinn could have rented out Knights Action Park for a song this time of year.

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:44 am
lester holt’s mustache is one of the great names here in recent times. well done sir.

Comment by shore Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:48 am
I dunno. I think there’s a better way to spin this than making it a soiree patting a bunch of employed people on the back and giving corporations another chance to flex their muscles. Isn’t a great time to thank those involved perhaps at the normally lavish victory night party?

Have a simple inauguration, then take your closest out to dinner, on you. It’d be more in step with who Pat Quinn has always said he was (well, not with Quinn paying for dinner but you get the idea).

Comment by hammer Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:50 am
“Had shady Brady won I’m sure there’d be none of this discussion of CANCEL the inaugural event”

You have to be kidding. The outcry from the media would be far worse — it would be cited as further “proof” that Republicans only care about the wealthy, etc.

I’m not saying don’t have ANY celebration, just scale it down. The mere fact that the economy is bad and other people are suffering doesn’t mean no one should be allowed to celebrate at all. However, the gravity of the fiscal situation that our state government is currently in — combined with the fact that the public is about to be hit with a significant tax increase — weigh against anything elaborate or exclusive.

Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:54 am
This is why people still do not take seriously our state’s financial disaster. FWIW, I think it is equally as tasteless for the businesses to sponsor this, as it is for the Quinn committee to hold the glitzy inaugural. Just clueless all around.

And those of you who are trying to compare this party in appropriateness with the Obama inauguration festivities (also held in bad times) really got me laughing. Yeah, the universal joy and hope over the historic nature of Quinn’s squeaker is very much in the same league as Barack’s election.

Comment by Responsa Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 11:57 am
The Governor has curtailed spending in his own budget. I attended an event at the Mansion where it was quite spartan….cookies and Koolaid. He does need to reward those who worked so hard on his campaign.

Comment by top of the state Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 12:24 pm
Did anyone ask if the business community of Springfield and their employees might be okay with holding the Inaugural ceremony and celebrations? I think it might be “YES!”…just a little!

Maybe it can be toned down a bit by calling the “Ball” a “The Hamburger Fling.” Is this really a “ball” anyway? In a convention center? I think it has been toned down already. I am imagining it will be a big crowd, bars scattered in the corners and middle, a band, and a quick run on the burgers before they are gone and then it is a group in tuxes and dresses with half-smiles and iffy handshakes. And not at taxpayer expense. Move along…nothing to see here.

Comment by Statewide Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 12:39 pm
I’m okay with the party if Quinn would hold it in one of the three counties he carried.

Comment by Leave a light on George Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 12:45 pm
==Where’s people sense of state pride and tradition?==

Proud of what? We are a laughingstock…..especially when it comes to anything political.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 12:48 pm
- Proud of what? We are a laughingstock…..especially when it comes to anything political. -

Yeah, I know, it’s not like the President came from here, or the second in command of the Senate. Why don’t you just move?

Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 12:53 pm
The ball is a bad idea, even if its not paid for with taxpayer money. Nothing like having a big party at the start of the session paid for by a bunch of big corporations and lobbyist groups which do a lot of business with the state (or have clients that do). These entities don’t spend huge sums on lavish receptions unless they expect to see a return.

Bad move by the Gov. He should have kept it small, short, and sweet. Just a simple swearing in ceremony on the floor of the capitol building, then head to the nearest bar for some drinks. Cash bar of course.

Comment by jerry 101 Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 12:55 pm
===glitzy inaugural===

===let them eat cake===

Hamburgers, tacos, bananas and ice cream.

Some of y’all are really going off the rails here.

I usually don’t comment on QOTD posts, but some of these comments are just ridiculous. This isn’t an over the top celebration by any means.

And, jerry 101, it will be a cash bar. Bet on it.

Sheesh.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 1:09 pm
I think everyone is a being a little overreactionary here. Everyone who will be at the ball (I won’t be one of them) is aware of the deficit and will be affected by it and working on it throughout the year. Do we have to cancel any and all events and enforce a No Enjoyment Rule until the books are balanced?

Also, is there anything to be said for the fact that when you put on inagural balls and parties that banquet halls, local bars and restaraunts, hotels, etc. get a little more business?

Comment by LS Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 1:10 pm
I think everyone will agree that we must celebrate the defeat of NoTaxBill and Daddy’s Little Deduction

BTW lets strip the Rockford casino out of the gaming bill as a thank you to the R-S downers

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 1:36 pm
We have entered the silly season for comments.
I for one will be gorging myself on decadent sliders. I might even add ketchup. Oh, the humanity!!

Comment by DC Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 2:32 pm
Rod rented out half of Springfield for his. And they did a sit-down filet mignon meal. For this one, they’re putting a tarp on the floor at the PCCC for the day and setting up a taco bar. And the caterer hired 40 people he otherwise wouldn’t have. Obama didnt cancel his 5 months after the worst financial collapse since the great depression, why should this tradition not continue? Anyone who focuses on this is distracted– what about the enormous pieces of legislation being pushed thru lame duck? Workers’ Comp? Edu Reform? No, let’s spend the afternoon talking about a party.

Comment by Biizzle Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 2:53 pm
–We have entered the silly season for comments.–

Maybe it’s a Springfield thing, company town and all that. But I doubt there’s a lot of excitement about inaugural festivities around the rest of the state, from Harvard to Metropolis and all points in-between (remember those folks?).

It’s just hard to imagine any kind of celebration at all, beyond a simple taking of the oath.

I don’t blame politicians for all of our problems, certainly not when it comes to a global economy, but many of our ills have been inflicted by the usual suspects of the permanent Illinois political/business/labor class through their irresponsibility, neglect and cowardice.

Where’s the humility? One governor in the can, the last one on his way (how were those last three inaugural parties?) a complete FUBAR on state finances and a tax increase coming.

Party!

These are not normal times, and we shouldn’t pretend they are. I doubt most citizens feel Illinois government is a cause for any kind of celebration at all right now.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 3:08 pm
- I doubt most citizens feel Illinois government is a cause for any kind of celebration at all right now. -

Ok word, we disagree about the celebration, but I think we can at least agree everyone could use a drink.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 3:34 pm
Not costing anything??? Who is paying the gas and overtime for State Police, Secretary of State Police, Conservation Officers to drive to Springfield and provide security for everyone?

Comment by Bulbous 1 Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 3:42 pm
No matter what they do it is wrong for someone. Paid by private bucks? The horrors of being bought to future benefits. Paid buy state bucks? The economy is bad and people need jobs. Don’t have a party? The hard workers need something. Serving Coney Island hotdogs? Too cheap for the highest position in the state. Serving caviar? Tell that to the hungry throngs. Cold beer and brats? Where is my invite?

Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 4:10 pm
To answer your question Rich… YES!CANCEL.

Comment by Justin Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 4:18 pm
Thank you guys. Yeah, those were the days… Me and Lester, and Bill Curtis and Bill Curtis’ giant cigar hitting the town after a long day at WBBM. *sigh*

Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 4:36 pm
the only thing that will last longer than about 15 minutes is the ice carvings. did Obama scale back anything when he got elected? Hell no. this is small potatoes when it comes to throwing a party. just wish I were going to watch to see how quickly that small amount of food gets demolished by the throngs.

Comment by amalia Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 5:04 pm
Maybe scaled back a bit, but NOT cancelled. Some things in our country (and Illinois) are authentically traditional and having been to more than one of these events in the past, actually somewhat inspirational, too–an Inauguration is one of these things. But times are REAL tough–it should be done as frugally as reasonably possible….

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Thursday, Jan 6, 11 @ 8:41 pm