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Buchen: “You need to understand that when my nose gets bloodied I will break those that bloodied mine”

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* Finke has a follow up story about Former Illinois State Fair Manager Patrick Buchen…

“The politicos downtown never wanted me here,” he said. “Phillip Nelson fought for me very forcefully for my employment.” […]

Buchen said he believes the biggest reason he was being pushed out was he did not want to go along with what he believed were unfair practices.

One dispute centered on naming the grand marshals of the Twilight Parade. Buchen said he and Nelson wanted the Brandt family, owners of Brandt Agriculture Products in Springfield, to be the grand marshals as a way to bring agriculture back to the forefront in the state fair.

Instead, two U.S. Navy commanders, Jessie Porter and Darin Hess of the USS Illinois, were named the grand marshals. Buchen said Robert Alec Messina, Rauner’s policy adviser for environment and energy, insisted on that choice.

Buchen said Messina acted as liaison between the administration and the ag department.

“Alec Messina doesn’t know the difference between a boar and a barrow, and he’s our ag liaison?” Buchen said.

Um, wait. His top beef was the choice of grand marshals? They wanted military people and he wanted some ag products dealer and that’s why he threw down?

Looks might divaesque to me.

* Lance Trover at the governor’s office has responded…

Unfortunately, Mr. Buchen is continuing to demonstrate the same type of erratic behavior he exhibited as a state employee. As the email below shows, Mr. Buchen sometimes had a difficult time appropriately communicating with other state employees and often failed to treat fellow state workers with respect. He damaged morale within the agency and was beginning to create a toxic atmosphere among those who had to work with him.

Janet Dobrinsky was hired before Mr. Buchen was named Fair Director so it is untrue to claim he was forced to hire her.

A small number of Department of Natural Resources employees were provided press passes, as they had been provided in past years. The press passes enabled these employees to fulfill important duties related to the state fair, including putting on Conservation World, which is run by DNR.

From: Buchen, Patrick
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2015 12:26 PM
To: Messina, Alec
Subject: RE: quick follow-up

Alec,

You will learn that I seldom get upset on the spot. I try very hard to digest all and learn all perspectives. I hope that I was communicable enough to show my disappointment and we did talk about the fact that the person chosen did not help our cause at the State Fair. The gentleman is not agriculture, the submarine has not been christened and I was most disappointed in the fact that our recommendation was denied. I am here to bring back and promote agriculture for the Fair and the State of Illinois. If that is not the intent of those who made this decision then I need to go elsewhere. Further, I did not have the chance to discuss the decision with those the denied our choice. I submitted our recommendations for both Fairs. I thought it was out of common courtesy and never dreamed our choice would be denied. You need to understand that when my nose gets bloodied I will break those that bloodied mine. A metaphor of course, but getting mad or upset is unproductive. I get even.

So you know, the Governor came to the Farmers Market yesterday and I had a nice conversation with him about the fair and this situation. I told him how disappointed I was that our selection was denied, but let him know the agriculture community is very much behind his attempts at correcting State Government. I openly discussed this matter and told him I felt that agriculture received a slap in the back of the head. He was very surprised our choice was not accepted, but I know he cannot be involved with every decision.

The most important take-away is the fact the you and I are able to communicate about this. I always want to be able to share and I will not hold back when I feel the State Fair has been slighted. This time it has been, but we are taking steps to correct it. We will be having a State Fair Ag Ambassador and we will not be seeking anyone’s approval. Shame on those who denied our request this time, but shame on me if it ever happens again.

Thanks for reaching out, my wife and I will be upset if you and your family do not take advantage of our hospitality during the Fair.

Best,

Patrick Buchen
Illinois & DuQuoin State Fair Manager
217-524-4885
217-299-4659

From: Messina, Alec
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2015 10:27 AM
To: Buchen, Patrick
Subject: quick follow-up

Patrick:

Hope all is well. Thanks again for your time earlier this week.

I just wanted to follow up quickly with you on one issue: the parade grand marshal. I was on a call with Director Nelson yesterday in which he indicated you were rather upset about the choice to go with the folks from the USS Illinois. I was saddened to learn that, only because I want you to feel comfortable enough with me that you can pick up the phone any time you have a problem and let me know directly. If at any time you feel like I’m inaccessible or uninterested in your opinion, then I’m doing my job poorly. Always know that I’m willing to be pushed back on!

Talk to you soon! Thanks for all that you do!

Alec Messina
Policy Advisor on Environment and Energy
Office of Governor Bruce Rauner
207 Statehouse
Springfield, Illinois 62706

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:07 pm

Comments

Oh, thought that name was familiar.

http://illinoistimes.com/article-14983-rauner-taps-blago-retread.html

Comment by crazybleedingheart Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:14 pm
Holy cow. What a loose cannon. Metaphor or not, pretty unwise to put phrases like “I will break those who bloodied mine” and “I get even” in an email communication.

Comment by Curious Georgina Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:15 pm
I would be mighty surprised if it was Alec Messina who actually made this decision. He’s the pass-through. The memo writer.

Look higher.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:15 pm
== but getting mad or upset is unproductive. I get even==

==We will be having a State Fair Ag Ambassador and we will not be seeking anyone’s approval.==

So, your bosses deny a request from you and you throw a hissy fit because you apparently don’t like to be questioned. Then you tell those bosses that you don’t get mad, you get even. Then, you tell them that you are creating a new ceremonial ambassador and aren’t seeking their permission to do it.

Here’s something to chew on Mr. Buchen. It’s probably not a good idea to tell your bosses that you don’t care for them and that if they cross you, you will get even.

Sheesh.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:17 pm
Buchen, is this the best you’ve got, parade marshals. You went to war with governor’s staff over parade marshals. I’ve let my views on the grass bowl be widely known because I believe he’s acted unprofessionally. I’ll add you to the list.

Honoring officers from the Illinois is a good thing too. You could have worked with the Govs Office on next year’s parade. You stepped in it buddy. You own it.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:17 pm
Good thing they canned this clown. wow.

Comment by John A Logan Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:18 pm
A lecture from the Rauner fraternity about not treating other state workers with respect? Does this mean Goldberg is out?

Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:18 pm
Policy Advisor on Environment and Energy is the Executive branch liaison to the Director of Agriculture?

Agree this exchange provided by the admin PR guy makes Buchen look bad, but Nelson’s relationship with the Governor is still an open issue.

Comment by walker Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:20 pm
Interesting that the Governor’s Office is issuing copies of Emails like this. It could get awfully entertaining. On another level, the BGA has to sue under FOIA to obtain a copy of the Governor’s appointment calendar…

Go figure.

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:20 pm
I think we can all agree, this is something we wouldn’t mind sending (back) to Indiana.

Comment by Almost the Weekend Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:20 pm
Does anyone else find it ironic that the administration made this email public? It strikes me that under other circumstances, this is exactly the type of thing they would have fought against releasing to a FOIA request. They would have claimed that it related to a preliminary discussion and was therefore exempt. It seems like they just undercut their own arguments in the lawsuit about the FOIA request for the governor’s appointment calendar.

Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:21 pm
@Rich

FWIW, Brandt Consolidated is an agricultural company with a global footprint and locations throughout Illinois that just happens to be headquartered in Springfield, not a “local farm store.”

Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:23 pm
=== … but Nelson’s relationship with the Governor is still an open issue. ===

For his own credibility, his departure should be over something far more substantive other than parade marshals or defending a staffer who wants to go to war over parade marshals.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:26 pm
Norseman:

Apparently this guy needs a Snickers.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:28 pm
“You need to understand that when my nose gets bloodied I will break those that bloodied mine.”

Well, don’t let the door hit you in the nose on your way out.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:28 pm
Should take off the tutu before threatening to break someone’s nose.

Once more, “Good Bye” would suffice. Even now. Just go.

Comment by A guy Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:29 pm
The USS Illinois has not set sail yet and it’s a submarine you can’t make this up

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:33 pm
You serve at the pleasure of the Governor, not your own pleasure of your boss serving you.

It’s Rauner’s Shop. The rest is just noise, in this case whining.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:34 pm
=== FWIW, Brandt Consolidated is an agricultural company with a global footprint and locations throughout Illinois that just happens to be headquartered in Springfield, not a “local farm store.” ===

Great, they’ll be real close if folks want them to be marshals next year.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:35 pm
“You need to understand that when my nose gets bloodied I will break those that bloodied mine.”

I hear the Trump campaign is hiring…

Comment by OneMan Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:36 pm
===The USS Illinois has not set sail yet and it’s a submarine you can’t make this up===

So the Sailors are real sailors and shouldn’t be honored?

Did you think before hitting “Say It!” or was your heavy mouth breathing make your brain malfunction?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:38 pm
The USS Illinois has not set sail yet and it’s a submarine you can’t make this up

It is being launched this year and will likely start sea trials this year.

Also what does it being a submarine have to do with anything?

Comment by OneMan Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:40 pm
A metaphor of course, but getting mad or upset is unproductive. I get even.

Today’s workplace pro-tip, when communicating with a co-worker using the phrase “I get even” is rarely productive and in general implying or stating that you will get even for some decision or other will in general not make someone go.

Hey, let me rethink that.

It may make someone go, I think I need to forward this to HR.

Comment by OneMan Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:42 pm
Grand marshals? Really?

And the Frat Boy lecture on treating people with respect?

What’s going on with this crew?

Do they realize they’ve engineered a fiscal disaster and are driving social services and unis into the ditch?

Put the bong away and get real.

Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:42 pm
==It’s Rauner’s Shop. The rest is just noise, in this case whining.==

Fair enough. However, Rauner has made a big deal out of “Shaking things up.” One of his management techniques he promoted was hiring “superstars” who know the area they are overseeing and giving them the latitude to run the piece of the show they were given. Buchen may be acting like a diva, but it sure looks like he was not given the latitude he was promised. I’m guessing that the same is probably true with Nelson.

Yes, it’s Rauner’s shop, but if he wanted to run things from the governor’s office, he needed to tell that to the folks he hired. What I see in the Buchen letter is that he was told one thing when he was hired (you run the show) and found out later that it was going to be different (do what we tell you).

This is starting to look more like how Rod and Pat ran things.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:43 pm
No way I’m I against veterans I was referring to the budget my mistake I’m sorry

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:45 pm
==my wife and I will be upset if you and your family do not take advantage of our hospitality during the Fair.==
What a cordial invitation!

Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:46 pm
More Rauner talking out his, both sides of his mouth.

Comment by Liberty Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:56 pm
- Pot calling kettle -

I hear ya. I understand your thoughts.

Sometimes things work, sometimes they don’t, and the reality was Rauner gets to decide what works.

For me, it can be in comparison to whomever, but I still feel, it’s Rauner’s shop, so Rauner plays the tune.

With great respect.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 2:56 pm
do not go gentle into that good night, rage, rage against the dying of the light…

Comment by PoolGuy Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:02 pm
http://farmprogress.com/story-2015-ag-ambassadors-announced-illinois-state-fair-9-130742

The Brandt’s were named the Ag Ambassadors at the State Fair.

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:11 pm
We all get news we do not want or agree with, but seriously, go out like a pro. There are some other people that come to mind that were sent packing and did so like a pro. This stuff isn’t good for the resume.

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:12 pm
Alex Messina is a class act.

Comment by Anon Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:12 pm
Not exactly one to defend Rauner and the Administration, but what a…grass bowl. Alex is a very gracious guy and this grass bowl was just deeply, deeply, deeply confused on how this works and who is in charge. Here’s a hint Mr. Buchen, it’s not you. Buh bye.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:17 pm
Wow. I haven’t seen egos like this except on this blog.

Comment by pool boy Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:17 pm
Heard him on the radio & it sounded like his differences were a lot more than a parade.

Comment by Northsider Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:18 pm
someone please get a tv camera in front of this guy. comedy gold

Comment by PoolGuy Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:22 pm
=Wow. I haven’t seen egos like this except on this blog.=

Ha! You beat me to that punchline, I was thinking the same thing. It amazes me how some people allow their ego to dominate their social and professional lives. It’s like Herm Edwards always says, “Don’t push send”!

Comment by Davos Seaworth Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:22 pm
Alec Messina is a class act. All you have to do is read his original email to know that

Comment by IL Pundit Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:30 pm
=== Alex Messina is a class act. ===

I didn’t see Messina coming out on the bad end of these comments. To paraphrase Judge Judy, keep quiet if you’re winning. This makes you look like a shill.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:32 pm
Demoralized, if I get out of sorts give me a Milky Way. I don’t like Snickers.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:38 pm
Not defending him; however, he is correct in the phrase, not yet set sail. As an ex sailer (US Iwo Jima LPH2) it is correct to use the term “set sail” even when it is not a “sailing” vessel. An old holdover from days past. (FWIW, I was on the Iwo when it recovered the Apollo 13 crew)

Comment by blue collar Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:43 pm
So is this turmoil at the ag dept. just about personalities then or is there actually any ag/rural policy dispute in play?

Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Sep 25, 15 @ 3:43 pm
Someone should tell Mr. Buchen to pick his battles. All of the fuss over who gets to be the grand marshals? C’mon man!

This guy seems like a loose cannon. I’m guessing his actions are due to using up those free beer tickets all by himself? /s

Comment by professional skeptic Wednesday, Sep 30, 15 @ 10:19 pm

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