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Monken out at ISP - Quinn to sign seniors ride free rollback - Topinka against bankruptcy option - Mendoza up with new TV ad

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Illinois

* I told subscribers on Friday that this would happen, then told them about the official resignation and governor’s office confirmation earlier this morning. From Sneed…

Illinois State Police director Jon Monken submitted his resignation Monday and will start a new job Tuesday as director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

Monken stepped aside from the state police after the Illinois Senate refused to confirm his appointment by Gov. Quinn over Monken’s lack of law enforcement experience.

It’s been a long, strange trip, but it’s finally ending.

…Adding… So far, his path to IEMA looks pretty clear…

State Sen. John Millner (R-Carol Stream), a former Elmhurst police chief who was one of Monken‚s critics in 2009, said he expects Monken will do well in his new post withn the emergency management agency, where he can draw on his vast experience in Iraq, when he commanded a tank company in combat operations.

…Adding More… AP…

[Monken] would have gotten the permanent job by default after Wednesday because the deadline for Senate action would expire. However, the Senate raised the possibility of a last-minute hearing to block Monken.

The Senate didn’t just raise the possibility of a hearing. The Senate scheduled a hearing.

…Adding Still More… From the governor’s office…

Governor Pat Quinn today named Jonathon E. Monken as director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). Monken is a decorated military Veteran who since 2009 has been charged with protecting the public’s safety as director of the Illinois State Police (ISP).

“I salute and thank Jon Monken for his service to the Illinois State Police, which he has led with honor and distinction – most recently during a major winter storm,” said Governor Quinn. “His strong leadership on the battlefield and in keeping Illinoisans safe makes him perfectly suited for preparing our state for disasters, and helping us recover from their aftermath.” […]

Patrick Keen will serve as the interim director of the ISP. Keen is a more than 25-year ISP veteran and currently serves as Deputy Director for the Division of Administration.

Current Interim IEMA Director Joseph Klinger will resume his role as the agency’s assistant director. Klinger has served as the agency’s interim director since May 2010, when Andrew Velasquez III was appointed by President Barack Obama as regional administrator for FEMA Region V. Klinger has served as the agency’s assistant director since 2007 after working for the state’s nuclear safety program for more than 20 years.

Director Monken was under the impression that he wouldn’t be named to IEMA today. Things change.

* Meanwhile, Gov. Quinn will also sign legislation today abolishing the all seniors ride free perk…

Sources close to Mr. Quinn say the governor, who had resisted such a move last year, finally concluded that the measure will, indeed, save cash-strapped transit operators $37 million to $90 million a year.

It also will send a signal of fiscal restraint just two days before Mr. Quinn is to unveil a proposed fiscal 2012 budget that he has said will call for painful spending cuts in many areas.

* Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka came out hard today against the bankruptcy for states option. This is from a letter she sent to the US House’s Judiciary Committee, which is holding hearings on the issue…

There is no question Illinois faces serious financial challenges – but declaring bankruptcy is not the answer.

While supporters of bankruptcy are no doubt well-intentioned, their proposal to allow states like Illinois to break their financial commitments is misguided at best. State bankruptcy would immediately result in increased borrowing costs, reduced access to financial markets and suspended or downgraded credit ratings. It is irresponsible. In fact, I fear that the mere discussion of this option runs the risk of destabilizing the bond market.

Beyond those consequences, state bankruptcy threatens to create more financial uncertainty and stunt economic recovery. Residents in our state already face high unemployment, residential foreclosures and other economic difficulties – bankruptcy will only exacerbate their plight. In addition to disrupting the bond market in the short-term, it would stop infrastructure and construction projects that are needed to jump start the economy. In Illinois specifically, it would also further paralyze business recruitment already made more-difficult by the recently-approved corporate tax increase.

She’s right on pretty much all points. Our DC representatives should take heed.

* One thing Tunisia taught reporters is they might wanna check into social media sites before a protest. I received an e-mail the other day touting a “Statewide March on Springfield - ‘THE ILLINOIS STATE WIDE TAX REVOLT,’ so I checked out the group’s Facebook site. Just 77 FBians are planning to attend. No Tunisia yet.

* I’ll be very interested to see this…

State Senator John O. Jones says Republicans will release their own budget proposal following the Governor’s budget address on Wednesday.

Jones says the state is already devastated with taxes that are the highest in the country and it’s time to pull the reigns back and stop spending money the state doesn’t have. “We’re going to come out with a proposal after he gives his budget address. It will not include borrowing more money, but will have some drastic cuts in the budget.

* And in a somewhat state-related story, state Rep. Susana Mendoza said this morning she’s putting 1,000 points behind this new campaign TV ad. Not a bad buy at all. Rate it…

Script…

VO: Recognized as one of Illinois’s hardest working, independent legislators,

the Sun Times endorses Susana Mendoza for City Clerk for her detailed plans to
add new police, cut the cost of city stickers and help grow jobs.

Secretary of State Jesse White and the Chicago Tribune enthusiastically back Mendoza for City Clerk.

Susana Mendoza: “I want to be an outspoken, independent consumer advocate for you. [Applause.]”

* Other stuff…

* “For the Good of Illinois” former governor candidate says state needs cross party lines

* Mitchell, Brown call for welfare reform

* Mark Kirk: Senate candy man

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 12:52 pm

Comments

Pretty good, considering the Mary Tyler Moore hairstyle! lol.

I cannot recall any candidate for City Clerk ever running an advertising spot before. The past candidates always ran as part of the incumbent mayor’s team.

Is this contest competitive? Haven’t seen a poll.

Comment by Honest Abe Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 12:57 pm
The City Clerk controls hiring of additional cops how again, exactly?

Comment by Newsclown Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:04 pm
Newsclown, if I remember correctly she wants to help hire more cops by cutting her budget. She would do that by selling ads on vehicle stickers.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:05 pm
Who was the IEMA director before Monken took over? Do those people think this is a “good fit”?

Comment by Anon Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:07 pm
===Who was the IEMA director before Monken took over?===

Andrew Velasquez, who moved to FEMA last May.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:09 pm
But Rich, there’s nothing that directly connects any GRF money she saves to hiring cops. What is she going to do, cut a check to the CPD? Or maybe they use gift certificates now? Does the next mayor have any say in this? I’m saying that seems like an empty but high-minded-sounding promise there is no way to keep. The accounting mechanism and legislative mechanism isn’t there.

Comment by Newsclown Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:10 pm
=== taxes that are the highest in the country ===

Based on what? Iseem to recall IL being in the bottom half tax wise when you look at all corp, buis, GRT, sales etc tax rates.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:11 pm
Details, schmetails. lol

I think if there was a big pot of cash suddenly available, the powers that be would find a way to spend it.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:11 pm
Well Judy, some of us feel that raising taxes is the way to ” create more financial uncertainty and stunt economic recovery. Residents in our state already face high unemployment, residential foreclosures and other economic difficulties” regardless of the opinions of the various state employees, of which one is you.
Bankruptcy is the only sure way to clear up the pension mess and sooner or later, thats the way it is going to have to be

Comment by Laughing_All_The_Way Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:13 pm
===Bankruptcy is the only sure way to clear up===

There’s nothing sure about it. And even if it did, it would create far more problems than it would allegedly solve.

Why conservatives would want to put an unelected federal judge in charge of the state budget is just beyond me.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:17 pm
Mendoza is a fantastic candidate — I have the pleasure of hearing her at several candidate forums and she has blown everyone away every time with her smarts and energy. Her opponent, Patricia Horton, presents terribly and to me is a prime example of how the machine can enable someone with so little ability to become elected to what is basically a countywide office (she is currently an MWRD commissioner).

Mendoza has stated numerous times that she has purposely run without the backing of any mayoral candidate since she sees the City Clerk’s office as one that should provide a check and balance on the mayor and the city council. (For those who may not know the Chicago City Clerk is responsible for making information available about the City Council meetings, hearings, proposed ordinances, etc).

Comment by Lakefront Liberal Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:18 pm
From Del Valle’s Clerk site:

” The City Clerk’s office is responsible for:

• Maintaining official records of city government.

• Publishing the Journal of Proceedings of the Chicago City Council.

• The sale of more than 1.1 million vehicle stickers and over 100,000 residential permit parking stickers.

• Issuing all business, liquor and other city licenses.”

I don’t see anything there about law enforcement except in connection with enforcing liquor licenses. She wants to take a dull-sounding job and act like she’s running for Shadow Mayor.

Comment by Newsclown Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:21 pm
Actually the acting IEMA director seems a bit more qualified than Monken

http://www.state.il.us/iema/about/Director.asp

Mr. Klinger is a plenary member of the National Health Physics Society, the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. (CRCPD), and since 1998 has served as the Chairperson of the CRCPD, Inc. National Committee on Unwanted Radioactive Materials. This committee developed and implemented the current nationwide Orphan Radioactive Source Program and the Source Collection and Threat Reduction Program (SCATR), which have successfully dispositioned thousands of radioactive sources and thereby reduced the threat to the national security posed by these radioactive materials.

Comment by OneMan Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:27 pm
Also

Mr. Klinger earned his Bachelors degree in Microbiology/Chemistry and performed some graduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his M.S. in Health Care Management/Public Administration at Southwest Texas State University.

In December 2008, he retired as a Captain in the U.S. Navy, Reserve component after 28 years of military service. He was mobilized for one year and deployed in 2004-2005 as the Director of CENTCOMS’s Joint Patient Movement Requirements Center in the Middle East in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He began his military career as a U.S. Marine Corps Combat Infantryman and served in Vietnam, where he was a Squad Leader and was awarded a Meritorious Combat Promotion and two Purple Hearts.

Comment by OneMan Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:27 pm
Why conservatives would want to put an unelected federal judge in charge of the state budget is just beyond me.”"”" Um, because the ‘elected’ officials got us into this mess, duh.

Re: JBT, well of COURSE she doesn’t want to see state bankruptcy. Her pensions might take a hit. Duh, again.

There is no other way out. Bankruptcy, it will be. That or IOUs for state workers, pensioners.

Comment by Anonymouse Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:30 pm
Senator Candy Man! That’s has potential to stick as a nickname.

Comment by Highland, IL Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:31 pm
=== Um, because the ‘elected’ officials got us into this mess, duh. ===

Great. Go with that. Perfect small “d” democratic platform. And when the federal judge decides that the state pledged to make the pension payments and orders tax hikes, what do you do then?

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:32 pm
…And if you doubt me, look at what happened to Kansas City when a judge took over the school district.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:33 pm
and while that federal judge is sorting out the pension mess, perhaps he/she can also decide how much the state should spend on public schools.

You either end up with the state walking away from all commitments … or you end up with massively massive tax hikes imposed from the federal bench.

The question you gotta ask yourself is … do you feel lucky?

Well, do ya?

Comment by piling on Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:35 pm
OneMan, you’re dead right about Klinger being well qualified. He’s very bright and a great person. I used to work for him in a previous life/career, and I sleep well knowing that he’s in charge of radiation (and other) safety in the state.

Comment by ChicagoR Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:37 pm
===perhaps he/she can also decide how much the state should spend on public schools.===

And Medicaid, and transportation, and police protection, and…

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:40 pm
The state bankruptcy idea has nothing to do with bringing fiscal order to the states. For those who just want to threaten it, it is a Republican shot across the bow of public employees unions, which typically support Democrats. For those who actually want to enact it, it is a way to let the 30 new Republican governors try to balance their budgets, now that they’ve figured out there is no way to do it with draconian cuts AND tax hikes and still preserve their upward mobility in electoral politics.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 1:50 pm
Why did the IL Senate wait until the FINAL DAY to hold hearings on the ISP director? If the hearings were held would they have gotten through everything in one day and voted to confirm or decline? Methinks not.

Comment by Segatari Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 2:04 pm
Segatari, subscribe.

And, yes, they could’ve easily done it all in one day. They do that all the time.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 2:05 pm
I think the quote about Monken sounds like it could have be lifted straight from The Onion:

“He expects Monken will do well in his new post with the emergency management agency, where he can draw on his vast experience in Iraq, when he commanded a tank company in combat operations.”

Planning and responding to a disaster is not even close to the same as “commanding” tanks in combat. I think it is a shame that Quinn isn’t retaining Klinger or hiring a professional with real experience to run IEMA.

Comment by Objective Dem Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 2:05 pm
Huh. I think Anonymous makes a good point: One political reason to favor bankruptcy is the abdication of responsibility. Whatever happens, you can blame the judge.

Comment by jaranath Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 2:08 pm
Quinn’s obsession with employing Monken is just weird.

Comment by so... Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 2:16 pm
Rich,

There appears to be several other agency directors that have yet to be reappointed. Any reason to think that any of those not yet named in first two rounds are going to be re-assigned or cut loose?

Comment by Cassiopeia Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 2:27 pm
I am no fan of the current “D’s” in power but in all fairness the GOP has no backing to fire a shot across the bow of anyone. The pension mess was created by; and the practice of not making payments and borrowing from it was firmly entrenched by; at least three GOP Governor’s.

This is a fact continually lost by those who would blame the state employee for the pension crisis. The State employee made their payments and none of the “shot across the bow folks” batted an eye when they took that money paid in by the employees and used it to fund their pork.

Comment by Irish Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 2:41 pm
Could someone ask Tugboat Annie Topinka to cc her letter to Cong. McHenry who chaired a committee LAST WEEK on state bankruptcy where the idea was totally trashed.

BTW is there a reason Capt Fax has an apparent blackout on the PizzaBonbby Schilling debacle on Meet The Press. He failed to say they would protect the retiremen age.

“Everything is on the table” PizzaBobby intoned.

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 2:51 pm
CFS, that’s a national thing.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 2:54 pm
Segatari, you deserved all that and more. Also, I saved you plenty of embarrassment by deleting your posts, including that last one.

And if you hate it so much around here, you can always go elsewhere. And don’t ask questions if you don’t want answers.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 2:55 pm
what’s up at Ward Room on the NBC Chicago web site? got an email with a link to a snow related “endorsement” of Chico from one of the writers and now it’s been scrubbed from the site.

Comment by amalia Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 3:04 pm
===got an email with a link to a snow related “endorsement” of Chico from one of the writers and now it’s been scrubbed from the site. ===

I read that earlier today. It does, indeed, appear to be gone.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 3:07 pm
If Monken’s military service makes him qualified for the job, wouldn’t Klinger be more qualified, having served longer?

Comment by fan of klinger Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 3:12 pm
–Bankruptcy is the only sure way to clear up the pension mess and sooner or later, thats the way it is going to have to be–

–There is no other way out. Bankruptcy, it will be. That or IOUs for state workers, pensioners. –

Now that we’ve heard from the gutless, weak and ignorant, let’s hear it for JBT, a real Republican and conservative who understands that part of the deal is that you pay your bills.

How a person of patriotism, intellect or honor could even consider state bankruptcy is beyond me.

That might explain why Newt and Cornyn have been associated with it. If this country would ever turn into a Banana Republic, they would be the top of the bunch.

Personally, I think a few hustlers have flogged the idea in the moronic financial press to make money by going short. It’s not like that hasn’t been the strategy at other times with some of the most respected names in finance, a la subprime mortgage securities.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 3:22 pm
He may have served longer, fan, but you have to admit Klinger’s record is more…colorful. The hang glider incident alone probably disqualifies him.

(sorry, I couldn’t resist…actually I agree with fan, especially on the grounds of professional qualification)

Comment by jaranath Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 3:33 pm
Nobody wanted to believe me when I raised the issue that Monken would not be confirmed. Everyone I discussed it with believed it would get worked out and he would be installed. There was more “there” there, than anyone wanted to admit, but he was not going to get by the Senate under any terms with Cullerton at the helm.

He will actually be a great fit at IEMA I believe. I don’t believe Klinger ever really wanted to top job, and took the interim appointment reluctantly.

Comment by Quinn T. Sential Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 3:37 pm
Word, on a side point. The GOP pushed through changes to the bankruptcy laws that require you tunr over all your income to the bnakrupcy court or 5 years. Youy are alloted a very minimial allowance for certain approved expenses, the rest goes to your creditors. if at the end your bills are not paid off, the remainder is discharged.

the Credit Card companies pushed this change of course. BUT if you let States go for bankruptcy, then hold them o the sam tandards. We will take all State revenue and put it towards paying the pnesions and bills, accept for a very minimal allowance. Bankruptcy will get all or bills paid, not remove them. We just wont have money for things like roads, schools, medicine, jails, state police….

After all, if you have revenue, the GOP mandated it has to go to your creditore before you can be disharged, and the State has revenue.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 3:37 pm
Small Town Liberal posted on January 28 regarding a back and forth about Cullerton pushing Quinn around:

“Did Quinn keep Monken even though Cullerton refused to confirm him? Pretty sure he did, must have been trembling in his boots the entire time.”

Oops!

Comment by Jaded Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 3:49 pm
Jaded - Get over yourself, Quinn still kept the guy on as an agency director. Letting the Senate go ahead and vote him out of a job would have been a stupid move, not a brave one. He battled for Monken as long as he could, then made a decision when it became apparent the Senate wasn’t going to go for it. I wouldn’t exactly call that being pushed around by Cullerton.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 4:01 pm
Wordslinger..

You are right; and the first thing Illinois needs to do is have a higher tax rate for those making more than $250,000. per year.

President Obama has it right!

Comment by Middle Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 4:04 pm
Rich, thanks for info about NBC site. sometimes wonder if I miss a click. hope the guy did not lose his job…

Comment by amalia Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 4:11 pm
Capt Fax
Thanks for the clarification.

So if IL pols like PizaBobby “hide” on national TV their bonehead comments are vaporized.
Good decision

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 4:11 pm
===then made a decision when it became apparent the Senate wasn’t going to go for it.===

That was about 23 months ago.

Just sayin…

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 4:16 pm
“Governor Pat Quinn today named Jonathon E. Monken as director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).”

Just askin’.

What ‘pull’ does this guy have with Quinn? He’s been hangin’ around …and around …and around.

Comment by sal-says Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 4:16 pm
Circular, it’s not about national TV. It’s about a national issue that is better discussed elsewhere.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 4:19 pm
- That was about 23 months ago. -

To be clear, I’m not arguing the merits of keeping the fight going, just saying Quinn didn’t exactly lay down and die for Cullerton. Sure he lost this one, but that’s how checks and balances work.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 4:20 pm
About Monken: who really expected Quinn to stand up for someone who he got so much grief about?

About Mendoza: I agree with Newsclown. Her claims are getting a little too spectacular for the office. If she wants to do politics, she should stay a representative. It seems like she is trying to look like the tough-on-crime clerk. Pretty tacky.

Comment by Patrick Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 5:03 pm
===who really expected Quinn to stand up for someone who he got so much grief about?===

Dude, the guv stood up for him for almost two years. The only thing that made PQ move off the dime was the certainty of a Senate vote on Wednesday.

You can’t call him spineless on this one. Frankly, he was overly stubborn if anything.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 5:10 pm
===was the certainty of a Senate vote on Wednesday.===

Oh, agreed. Also agreed that he is a regrettable combination of spineless and stubborn.

Comment by Patrick Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 5:34 pm
–Jones says the state is already devastated with taxes that are the highest in the country–

Does either the GA member who said it or the media outlet that reported it care to back up that statement? Seems pretty important.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 6:00 pm
re; Monken

There are men who can admit mistakes.

Pat Quinn is not one of them.

A little less than four years to go. sigh.

Comment by Park Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 7:14 pm
Now the real fun starts with the ISP director. If I were Quinn I would find another tank commander and appoint him or her. Just to see what Cullerton’s reaction would be.

Comment by Living In Oklahoma Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 7:44 pm
I saw that Chico endorsement link too. I’ve been refreshing so much on the Mayor’s race I thought it was my computer. Did Comcast Red Light their Chico endorsement?

Comment by JBilla Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 8:51 pm
In his time as acting director, Joe Klinger has done an excellent job. He has years of experience and the moral at the agency is high. Why replace him, especially with someone with no experience in the field?
Monken’s tank experience would only be relevant if we get into a levee war with Iowa.

Comment by meritocracy Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 8:59 pm
Merit, Perhaps Quinn is listening to Rich and gearing up for invasion.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 9:51 pm
LATW,

Easy there, big fella. This is a blog, not a college dorm room. Don’t take anything personally and don’t threaten people you can’t see.

Otherwise, people might think you’re crazy.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Feb 14, 11 @ 11:08 pm
Too late, 47th. He gone.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 15, 11 @ 5:26 am