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* Gov. Pat Quinn’s op-ed…
Dear Illinois taxpayers,
I’ve always been honest with you.
As I write to you today, it’s been nearly two years since I made pension reform the top priority for Illinois. I’ve been fighting for it ever since.
I convened a pension working group in January 2012 and proposed a comprehensive pension reform plan three months later. I’ve worked across the aisle, called special sessions, set numerous deadlines and released several studies on the consequences of inaction on education and the economy.
Time and time again, I’ve met at length with legislators and leaders, and pressed them to vote for comprehensive pension reform.
Yet here we are today.
If I could resolve this by executive order, I would have done it long ago. But I cannot act alone.
The General Assembly must do its part and send me a bill that defuses the pension crisis.
Despite my best efforts, the speaker of the House and the Senate president failed to work together to put a bill on my desk. So last week I proposed a conference committee, a mechanism that historically has been used to break gridlock between the House and the Senate on contentious issues.
The good news is they agreed on this means to the end. But now, it’s time for the heavy lifting.
I have set July 9 as the final deadline to come up with a comprehensive pension reform bill that both chambers can support. My staff will continue working around the clock to provide the research and fiscal analysis necessary for members of the committee to get this job done.
Let me be clear: I will veto any legislation that does not erase the pension debt and provide 100 percent funding for the systems. From day one, this fundamental principle has been at the core of every pension reform bill I have backed.
Illinois currently has the worst-funded pension systems in the nation. Any solution that does not turn that statistic around is simply not good enough.
You sent us to Springfield to solve problems — not to dilly-dally with partial solutions. Now, some in the General Assembly already are suggesting new excuses as to why they may not be able to make the July 9 deadline:
“We need more time to get the numbers right …”
“We need extra days to negotiate …”
“The problem took decades to create and cannot be solved overnight …”Enough with the alibis. We’ve discussed, debated and negotiated pension reform to death. The numbers have been crunched and crunched again. And taxpayers have been bearing the cost for these excuses, delays and blown deadlines.
In fact, every time legislators have missed deadlines for pension reform, you have paid the price.
Following the General Assembly’s failure to send me a bill by May 31, our credit rating was downgraded twice in one week — by both Moody’s and Fitch — to its lowest point in Illinois’ 195-year history.
The pension squeeze already has forced $2 billion in education cuts and $3 billion in social service cuts. The state of Illinois is currently on track to be spending more on public pensions than on schools, which denies our children their right to a quality education. Not to mention, Illinois’ economic recovery is being held hostage by longstanding legislative inertia.
Fortunately, members of the conference committee are experienced and capable legislators. I expect them and the rest of the General Assembly to get their jobs done by July 9. The people of Illinois are counting on it.
And one more thing: I will continue to be relentless — pushing, prodding and forcing this issue until the General Assembly sends me a bill.
I also ask you to do your part. Contact your state legislators today. Call them, email them, tweet them now. Visit http://mylegislators.illinois.gov to find your legislators’ names and contact information. Tell them to support a comprehensive bill that erases the pension debt and provides 100 percent funding for the pension systems. Tell them to get their job done by July 9.
I will continue fighting for you.
Sincerely,
Gov. Pat Quinn
Lots of rear covering and finger-pointing there.
Also, his demand that a bill be passed without an actuarial report is a bit on the weird side. I mean, you don’t want to know if the new plan will work? Maybe he just wants them to pass a current bill, Madigan’s SB1 for instance. That bill would satisfy his demand that the unfunded liability be erased entirely. If that’s the case, he’s dreaming.
Also, too, Quinn proposed $400 million in education cuts this year due to the pension crisis. The GA restored those cuts, which undercuts his logic here.
Discuss.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:34 pm
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Governor Quinn is now officially insane.
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Blaming and yelling at the GA does not get a bill passed. This strategy didn’t work for your predecessor, it does not work for you either.
Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:38 pm
SQUIRREL!
Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:41 pm
“Dear Illinois taxpayers,
I’ve always been honest with you.” When he starts off like that, you can be sure he’s trying to steal your pension money.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:42 pm
Disingenuous rant full of sound and fury signifying nothing.
Comment by Sam Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:42 pm
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Comment by Tobor Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:44 pm
First he says:
===The General Assembly must do its part and send me a bill that defuses the pension crisis.===
Which to me sounds like 2404, or Cullerton’s bill that has the agreement of the unions and would defuse the crisis at least in the short term. It would make important reforms to save some money, meaning the crisis would end, but a problem would remain.
Then he says:
===Tell them to support a comprehensive bill that erases the pension debt and provides 100 percent funding for the pension systems.===
Which sounds like SB1, which is pretty draconian and does more than defuse the crisis. I don’t think the pensions need to be 100% funded as if all employees will retire at once. I’d settle for 80% funding and so would a lot of actuaries.
Talk about mixed messages. A proposal that ends with 100% funding almost certainly gets tossed by the court, so won’t save a dime. Pick a lane Governor.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:44 pm
At least he didn’t mention Squeezy.
Comment by Liberty First Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:46 pm
Just Quinn, his cronies and agency heads blabbering.
Comment by Dixie Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:48 pm
And if the legislature failed to act this time it’s double-secret probation for them!
Comment by Stones Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:53 pm
Quinn has a need to pound his fist on the table and demand action. Then he looks around the room and scurries away to his next meeting.
He doesn’t have the vaguest idea how to be a leader.
Comment by Cassiopeia Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:53 pm
He forgot to call legislators drunken sailors. This might be nice for public consumption, but just invites rebuttals, and “yea-buts”, and will do nothing to move things forward. Insert your favorite lecture on leadership.
Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:53 pm
This whole situation is a fine example of Quinn leading from the rear.
Comment by kerfuffle Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:54 pm
My favorite line: “Despite my best efforts…”
Really? If this has been an example of Quinn’s best efforts, how sad is that?
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:56 pm
If Lisa announces in early July her decision and the 7/9 special session will make for an interesting news cycle precisely when no one is paying attention…
Comment by A. Nonymous Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:56 pm
“…our credit rating was downgraded twice in one week — by both Moody’s and Fitch — to its lowest point in Illinois’ 195-year history”
. . . . wow I didn’t know that Moodys’ and Fitch had been around that long!
Comment by kerfuffle Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:56 pm
It is spelled squeezy…
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 12:58 pm
I think he means business this time. Meet the July 9th deadline or else he’ll…he’ll…well I’m sure he’ll do something.
Comment by Budget Watcher Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:00 pm
When Quinn was considering legislation reducing pension benefits for those hired after January 1, 2011, didn’t he say it would be unconstitutional to cut benefits for those hired before? Didn’t he get an opinion from Judge DeVito?
Now he’s asking for an unconstitutional bill that he can sign? Impeachment time?
Comment by truthteller Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:04 pm
What a strange time for this blame-the-legislators public rant! I wouldn’t have blamed Quinn if he wrote something like this back when MJM was playing hide-and-seek. But just when he gets some compromise and hope of progress from legislators, he bites their hands.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:04 pm
Threatening to veto any bill, like the Gambling bills, is a great way to start this process Mr. Gadfly! Your incompetence is beginning to be widely understood. Funny that the income tax increase didn’t help this and the States other growing revenue needs. To me this indicates that the income tax increase was many years too late and now just isn’t big enough. Our States’problems can only be fixed by admitting we didn’t, and still don’t get enough revenue. Pension receivers should be clamoring for their retirement income to be taxed as a compromise to reduced benefits. The State has to change how revenue is generated by instituting a sales tax on services. raise the income tax to what it should have been years ago…7%. I would prefer a graduated income tax, however, that is a tall hill top climb constitutionally. Large increases in the amount exempted from State taxation should help low income workers from an increased burden. These common sense measures aren’t being talked about because your elected State officials are really only concerned with one thing re-election! Gov. GADFLY is especially worried about his chances next year. Unfortunately, his counterparts in the state House and Senate are in a much stronger position than our lame duck quacking and quacking and quacking.
Comment by Nickypiii Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:04 pm
Can we get Rod back?????
Comment by Mmmmmmm Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:06 pm
==I’ve always been honest with you.==
“The more he talks of honesty, the faster I count the spoons.” Dr. Samuel Johnson
Comment by Anon. Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:07 pm
Dear Governor Quinn,
As a taxpayer, I don’t believe the hype and rhetoric as it relates to this issue. The Systems are not nearly as close to insolvency as many would have you believe, and this is not a fiscal crisis.
The fact of the matter is the state’s finances are managed by a political body, a body that does not want to take the necessary actions to structure an appropriate budget. Whether it be revenue enhancements, elimination of tax credits to corporate interests, budget cuts, etc. How many tax credit bills were filed by politicians seeking to appease the business community this session? The answer is too many.
Fact of the matter is until the state decision-makers exhaust the tax base, or pass significant austerity measures, the Courts will not drink the Kool-aid mixed by the pro-reformers that the sky is falling in Illinois. You lost my vote along time ago, but leaders that monger-fear are not the appropriate leaders during this time in history.
Comment by Dirt Diver Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:09 pm
Dear governor Quinn,
I’ve always been honest with you.
Despite my best efforts, I just can’t bring myself to take you seriously. Your bizarre leadership style has done nothing to help rescue this state from the mess that we’re in thanks to fiscal failures across the board by our elected officials.
Good luck in yor retirement.
Comment by Tequila Mockingbird Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:18 pm
Quote of the Day? Quote of his Term in Office?
“I will continue to be relentless…”
Also, most agree it doesn’t need to be funded at 100%.
Comment by sal-says Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:18 pm
So you screwed around for 30-40 years doing everything possible wrong with pensions, now lets panic and hurry up and do anything (almost sure to be wrong). A leader would want to finally get it right.
Comment by Soccertease Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:20 pm
Dear Governor Quinn,
Please lead by providing a solution that “solves” the problem. You could’ve gotten action on this when you became an accidental Governor by vetoing everything that wasn’t pension reform that hit your desk until the problem was “solved”. Instead you hung on to as a campaign year crisis so you can point the finger at everyone but yourself.
Comment by Kevin Highland Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:20 pm
Besides suggesting a conf. committee, can anyone point an element of pension reform or a single vote PQ has brought to the this issue?
BTW the correct answer is: NO.
Who will score any compromise? WHo will say it funds at 100%
While CousinBrucey has his gay marriage referendum, BankerBilly has the partial pols and NOTAX Bill a much anticipated explanation of how IL got by without $18 billion over the last three years; PQ this solid record to rest his butt on
Thanks for the reminder!
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:24 pm
=== Let me be clear: I will veto any legislation that does not erase the pension debt and provide 100 percent funding for the systems ===
Is this attainable? Is it desirable? Is it logical? Who, other than Gov Quinn, is saying this is needed? Any of the ratings agencies demanding that? Is there any other state that is anywhere near that goal? Is there any other state that says this is what is needed?
Really, is there ANY need to have 100% funding as a proper goal for a gov’t pension system? Since he has stated this on more than one occasion, it is safe to say that no legislation the GA is likely to pass will be signed into law. Not even SB1 has that as a goal, right? I don’t recall MJM ever indicating that 100% funded is a goal on his checklist.
Maybe there should be a new citizens’ advocacy group started. We could call it:
“C”an’t “U”nderstand “B”upkus
Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:24 pm
With all due respect to the Governor, his leadership manner and sense of timing strike me as simply bizarre.
Comment by LincolnLounger Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:25 pm
“comprehensive” as in including judges???
I didn’t think so.
Wasn’t Gov. Quinn last year saying current retirees would not be included, that caused the rush out the door last year?
Comment by Tsavo Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:26 pm
Dear Gov. Quinn- Writing letters and giving speeches rarely is effective( ask that other inexperienced Illinois politician)- actually all they do is antagonize the legislators who hold the key to the solution- We don’t need a community organizer or a gadfly(although that is your one and only expertise)- why not let the committee do its job- if you want to do something creative and useful why not ask the committee to invite the bond rating agencies in for a private chat- nothing works better then a cold dose of reality
Comment by Sue Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:30 pm
Governor William J. Le Petomane: “We have to protect our phoney baloney jobs here, gentlemen! We must do something about this immediately! Immediately! Immediately! Harrumph! Harrumph! Harrumph!”
Comment by Calhoun Native Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:31 pm
“My name is Lisa Madigan, and I approve this message.”
Comment by Phenomynous Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:31 pm
Squirrel? I don’t see a . . . hey look! A Kitty!
Comment by Keyrock Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:31 pm
Why hasn’t the Gov. endorsed either Madigan’s or Cullerton’s plan, or propose one of his own?
Comment by Just Observing Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:32 pm
Hey Just- you must have missed it- The GOV endorsed Madigan’s plan then he endorsed Cullerton’s Plan then he asked that they jumble them together- Quinn would be best served taking a vacation until August
Comment by Sue Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:37 pm
Just Observing,
He has.
The problem is he’s endorsed both.
He applauded SB 1 when it was Cullerton’s and called it the best plan.
Then, when Madigan turned it into his plan, Quinn again applauded it and said it was the best plan.
See. How much more honesty do you want from a governor?
There’s always the chance that the governor is unaware that the plan changed and his frequent, public flip flopping isn’t by design.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:38 pm
He should sign HB 1 ASAP: then go get himself a medical marijuana card..I am sure he qualifies under the conditional “delusional”>>>>>
Comment by Mmmmmmm Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:44 pm
SUE: “Gov. would be better off taking a vaca…: We would all be better off if Quinn took a vacation until after the 2014 Primary!
Comment by Nickypiii Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:44 pm
“I’ve always been honest with you”. You mean except when you were lying about the tax increase, or lying about your support for the death penalty. Your veto threat c’mon I remember you promising to veto any tax increase over a 4% before signing the increase to 5%. Someone needs to check if Quinn is skipping his medication.
Comment by Fed up Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:48 pm
Another swing and a miss.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:59 pm
Now, tell me again. How did PQ make it this far in politics?
It is as if he missed class on the day they discussed Carnegie and he missed the whole month when they discussed Machiavelli.
Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:59 pm
My favorite line: “My staff will continue working around the clock…” Didn’t Quinn use to work around the clock?
Well said DirtDiver!!
Comment by DirtNap Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 2:12 pm
It’s CYA. He has no way of muscling the GA into doing something. His power lies in the veto of bills that can’t garner a super-majority.
He’ll sign anything that will pass and declare victory.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 2:16 pm
Que the rock band Europe “Its the final countdown.”
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 2:32 pm
We could go through each sentence of this release and discuss its veracity and how it reflects on PQ’s concept of how to be a Governor.
Example 2: “Time and time again, I’ve met at length with legislators and leaders, and pressed them to vote for comprehensive pension reform.”
“at length” from all media accounts these meetings have been relatively short compared with prior Governors. Also, without floor leaders and without spending a lot of time under the dome during session, is this statement even remotely true? And, if PQ truly things have efforts have been monumental…again… how sad it that?
And, for folks who spend more time paying attention to this, please, please, correct me if I am wrong.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 2:32 pm
Rich
This is Brandon Phelps! We should be practicing what we preach. I agree no more studying, sign the Concealed Carry bill before someone gets hurt!!! We had plenty of time to review this compromise!
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 2:39 pm
This reminds me of that scene in Tombstone where the empty suit Sheriff tries to arrest Wyatt Earp after the gunfight.
“I don’t think I’m gonna let you set a deadline today Governor”
Comment by horse w/ no name Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 2:46 pm
Also, too, Quinn proposed $400 million in education cuts this year due to the pension crisis. The GA restored those cuts, which undercuts his logic here.
Quinn and logic in the same sentence? Define ” oxymoron”…
Comment by Roadiepig Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 2:46 pm
Infantile. Quinn seems to think leadership is just nagging people to do what you want when you want it, but not rolling up your sleeves and helping with a solution.
Comment by Harry Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 2:53 pm
Am I the only one who envisions Quinn’s staff meetings being similar to the “Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?!” scene from Animal House?
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 2:54 pm
Spending More on pensions than on schools…..hmmmm.
And I still love the July 9 deadline that JUST SO HAPPENS to coincidentally be the same day as the firearms deadline.
Quinn is right to blame the legislature - for he cannot craft law himself. The funniest part is that democrats control everything and STILL can’t fix anything.
Her, what’s the real problem?
Comment by Ummmm Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 2:55 pm
Just who does Governor Dufus think is his audience for these editorial rants? He won’t accept ANY solution that doesn’t eliminate the pension debt or liability 100%? Even SB1 didn’t achieve this! He wants something even more punative? Two things are clear 1) PQ doesn’t understand the problem 2) The man has no idea who his constituency is or was. I dare him to veto even the most modest pension reform!
PQ appears to be suffering from delusions of competence and relevance!
Comment by Old and In The Way Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:04 pm
Dear Gov. Quinn,
You can’t a fix a problem when you start with the wrong definition. It isn’t a pension problem, it as a revenue problem. Try fixing that …
RNUG
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:28 pm
=My staff will continue working around the clock to provide the research and fiscal analysis necessary for members of the committee to get this job done=
To be clear, Mr Governor, your staff does not provide the fiscal impact studies, these studies are provided for by the Systems, and such studies are not cheap. It is fair to say that since January 1, 2012, the State Systems have spent over $750K on such studies. These expenses have not come out of the Governor’s office budget.
Comment by Denim Chicken Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:28 pm
Common guys. Guys. I mean it this time. I really really expect you to do it this time. Pretty please. Guys guys, common. I’m gonna hold my breath till I turn blue.
“I have set July 9 as the final deadline to come up with a comprehensive pension reform bill that both chambers can support.”
Comment by AFSCME Steward Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:30 pm
The entire problem is caused by previous theft of pension contributions for the last 40 years. Pension “Reform” is simply Pension “Theft”. Any private employer would go to prison for such acts. I wonder if the cell next to Rod is available?
Comment by Actuary Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:32 pm
At least 56 posts so far on this subject and I don’t think even one of those backs up the Gov. At least Blago had Bill and a couple of other sympathizers (or at least some agency staffers) chiming in on his behalf.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:41 pm
I would also like to point out as it relates to my previous point, the Governor fancies himself a “penny-pincher”, that may be true when it comes to the budget of his office or the budgets of his agencies, but when it comes to a quasi-agency, like the state retirement systems, he has no problem passing the buck onto them.
For example, and in addition to these expensive actuarial reports, when the Governor conducted this “Pension Assembly” back in January 2012, the Systems were forced into paying for the food and beverages to be provided for those that attended the assembly. TRS ended up footing that bill.
Comment by Denim Chicken Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:48 pm
Pat Quinn is Goofy!
Comment by Goofy Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:58 pm
How many meetings has he had with GA leadership? How many meetings simply with members of the GA asking for their help? Where is his written suggested plan that he can point to as a reasonable example and take endless heat over? Sitting back waiting for a proposal to be given to him does not exactly move the ball.
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:01 pm
Wow am I relieved. I thought this squeezy guy was serious. I have been worried about my pension since this began. I jumped through the hoops I was supposed to. And now I am told my pension may be 30% less. I am so happy that nobody is taking this squeezy guy seriously. Can we now get down to some realistic solutions for this lack of revenue. Doesn’t that sound better? It doesn’t vilify the pensioners. I am not going to call it pension reform anymore and I would appreciate it if you would do the same. Now please disband the conference committee and get Neckritz, Biss, and Madigan working on the revenue solution. Thanks
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:15 pm
Dear Gov Quinn, Yes I know that I was supposed to set money aside for my retirement. But for the past 40 years I have been living beyond my means (night and day). Now some people are trying to blame me. I just don’t understand. But anyway, now my wallet is empty, and I need your help with my “wallet reform” crisis.
Comment by Golfman-r Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:26 pm
No… “Dear Employees” letter??
Comment by ahHA Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 5:08 pm
I know it has been said in the past does quinn have anybody on his staff that know what they are doing
Comment by kayaker Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 5:56 pm
== I will veto any bill that does not erase the pension debt. ==
So Quinn expects public employees and retirees to shoulder the entire debt. A debt they didn’t create. And public employees get excoriated by the Trib and the Civic Committee for daring to object.
Comment by reformer Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 7:09 pm
Only the Democrat majorities in Springfield could turn years of expanding and over spending on public aid instead of making our pension payments into a pension crisis. Sad.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 7:34 pm
Yes, surely it was those poors who destroyed your pension funds.
I assume you’re from Montgomery County?
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 7:36 pm
This op ed piece by Pat Quinn just goes to show that he is sincere and serious about solving the problem–and has been for as long as the problem kept growing worse–those who argue vigorously otherwise either can’t stand the Man or are just plain wrong…!
Comment by Just The Way It Is One Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 8:04 pm
== I will veto any bill that does not erase the pension debt. ==
But Quinn didn’t say that he would not sign a bill if it included a tax on services, closing corporate tax loop holes, and a tax on retirement income. This is what is needed to erase the pension debt and pay the state’s bills.
Comment by Ruby Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 8:09 pm
“Dear Abby,
I have this friend who is having a tough time at work. He means well, but he seems to be always pointing his finger to blame someone else, or diesn’t understand what his job is suppose to be, it gets quite annoying. He just sent a letter to our “customers” blaiming the rest of the whole corporation, even other branches he is not involved with in his job!
We have really tried everything, talking to him, prodding him, even some have stood up to him, while others ignore him.
If you were me, how would you try to help.
Signed,
Squeezed and Concealed.”
———–
“Dear ‘Squeezed and Concealed,
I guess the best thing to do is to get your friend to do his job, stop blaming others, and to work with everyone to get things done.
Blaming all the branches of the company may come back to haunt him, even you might not be able to save him. Maybe someone might even try a powerplay to get him removed. Offices are hard places to work sometimes.
If all else fails, work around him the best you can, be seen as a partner, but don’t get caught up in the drama. Once the work is done, if the customers are happy, then maybe it might be worth it, even at the expense of your friend.”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 8:23 pm
Pat, why don’t you try pulling a “Khrushchev” and take off your shoe and beat Squeezy with it. Tell Madigan and Cullerton that if they don’t do what you want by July 9 that “You will bury them”. That’ll scare them both. And if you hit Squeezy hard enough, you might as well bury him too.
Comment by Jechislo Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 8:23 pm
Willy, well played sir!
This letter has more pivots than the Olympic Gymnastics Finals.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 9:18 pm
Why are pensions less important than education or social services? Or more important? Across the board cuts that affect all recipients of state funds is the only equitable solution. Spread the pain to minimize the harm to any affected group. There cannot be winners and losers.
Comment by wishbone Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 9:27 pm
Is there any way that all of the politicians who have robbed the pension fund and did not fund the pension system every year be put in prison for not obeying their own law of funding the pension systems?
Comment by unknown Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 9:37 pm
the widget factory in fantasy land strikes again
Comment by fake county chairman Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 9:44 pm
Hey Gov Dufus…….you said you were sent to Springpatch to solve problems! Newsflash….you and your public official buddies caused this problem! Now solve it…..and not on the backs of the faithful state employees that made every single contribution they were suppose too. We do not have a pension crisis…..We have a spending crisis!
Comment by So. Style Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 9:50 pm
on cavuto denny strigl former ceo of verizon blames unions in illinois for pension crisis not politicians sec report said politicians committed pension fraud he forgot to mention this
Comment by fake county chairman Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 10:37 pm
==Is there any way that all of the politicians who have robbed the pension fund and did not fund the pension system every year be put in prison for not obeying their own law of funding the pension systems?==
I get your point, but really, it comes back to the voters. Very few people questioned the practice of putting off pension payments because they were happy with getting their government services (roads, schools, parks, police, etc) while paying low taxes.
We, the voters, allow the politicians to pander to us. Indeed, if they suggest cutting services or raising taxes, we toss them out. So, we get what we vote for. Yes, they should lead, but when they lead in a direction most folks don’t want to go, they are toast!
The reason the pension crisis remains unsolved is that the solution will take significant new revenue, and no one is willing to take that step because they are afraid it will be used against them in the next election.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 10:38 pm
Dear Squeezed and Concealed: Your friend definitely needs professional counseling. I hope he/she is not in a key position. Suggest some leadership courses. The customers generally see through this blame thing so it may not serve well in his/her current job. Hopefully, though it will help your friend in his/her next endeavor.
Comment by Soccertease Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 11:27 pm