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“He might want to”

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* Former Gov. Jim Edgar on Gov. Bruce Rauner...

“He does not come from government,” Edgar said of the governor, who was a venture capitalist. “He doesn’t even really come from mainstream business. He comes from (being an) entrepreneur where you buy a business, you tear it apart and you sell it. … I don’t think you’re going to tear apart the state and sell it. He might want to, but you can’t do that.”

Oof.

* More…

If Rauner thinks Democrats will “cave” under pressure, Edgar added, “I don’t know if they are. … There’s some basic things that he’s trying to get that I’m not sure they will ever give up.”

Rauner ran television ads against Madigan in June. He also told reporters that month that he thought Madigan and Cullerton had a “conflict of interest with taxpayers” because they work for law firms that handle property tax appeals.

“I don’t think those comments help,” Edgar said. He said he doesn’t think the ads “softened up the Democrats any. I think, if anything, they probably got a little more dug in.”

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:52 am

Comments

The Governor is learning it’s easier to talk about governing than actually having to govern. Reminds me of the last scene of the movie “The Candidate”.

Comment by Stones Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:54 am
Rauner will respond with a full frontal attack against Edgar and his pension ramp.

Comment by PublicServant Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:57 am
Cue the collective conservative potshots against the Governor himself rather than actually listening to what he said.

Comment by sideline watcher Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:57 am
“He doesn’t even come from mainstream business”. Wow. That’s a shot at Rauner. That’s taking to task that Rauner is a man who made money destroying things, and selling the assets. Gov. Edgar said so. Gov. Edgar is calling out Bruce Rauner as being less than a businessman, a mainstream businessman, and more of a bust-out specialist, liking to make, no, squeeze every dime out of a business, creating ZERO.

It’s a slam, it’s “throwing shade”… on Rauner’s perceived business acumen and success, undercutting the man in the Big Chair as no better than a Venture Capitalist, looking to milk the state the best he (Rauner) can.

Jim Edgar, make no mistake, is calling out a man’s career of destruction, and saying no one should be surprised Rauner is destroying Illinois for his own Agenda, instead of mega-bucks, at the cost of people and things Rauner himself thinks are not worthy of him, or deserve a governor’s attention.

Of all the quotes and remarks, this quote above, man, that’s condeming Rauner for his past and present, with little or no respect for the monies Rauner made by destroying all he “owned”. Wow.

===“I don’t think those comments help,” Edgar said. He said he doesn’t think the ads “softened up the Democrats any. I think, if anything, they probably got a little more dug in.”===

You can’t spend $2 million against your partner and questioning their character and expect trust to be easy.

Rauner has yet to see the GA as Co-Equal. If Rauner had thought the GA as Co-Equal, those Ads never, ever, ever would have gone beyond an unspoken thought.

Rauner thinks the GA is middle-management, and Madigan, in Rauner’s eyes, needs to be put in a lower place.

Madigan is representing half, of 1/3 of Illinois Government. Madigan knows that. That’s why waiting out Rauner is so effective right now. “Fire Madigan 2.0″ can’t make Madigan own, what governors own, even at a rate of $2 million in unhelpful Ads.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:05 am
The only thing that matters is if these comments give the GOP reps enough cover to make some courageous choices to end the stand off and pass a budget.

Otherwise, this is incredibly annoying to hear from Edgar. Edgar knew this before Rauner was elected — that this is how Rauner works. He encouraged Rauner and campaigned for Rauner. As much as I respect Edgar — and as much I agree with what Edgar is saying now — it’s too little, too late.

What matters is if Edgar flips again and goes pro-Rauner in the run-up to the campaign for a second term. I suspect he will — so this is much ado about nothing. At least from Edgar.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:10 am
“He might want to” The most absurd comment I have heard in some time. Anyone who honestly believes Bruce Rauner wants to “tear apart the state and sell it” is detached from reality and too ingrained within Illinois’ political system to aee it as it currently exists.

The desire to defend the status quo is strong with some. What would Gov Edgar propose reforming? Apparently nothing.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:13 am
The state needs restructuring. Just not the type Rauner is proposing.

I’d much rather it come from the revenue side and then we can further adjust the tax system to make it more progressive. The property tax is simply the most regressive tax we have. Rauner is attacking on all the wrong fronts, but because of his base, he can’t adjust to attack on the right fronts. He’s stuck and he doesn’t realize it.

The real issue most aren’t addressing is the very regressive tax system, that’s the real issue plaguing IL and not enough people are willing to fix it.

Comment by Southern Illinois Hoopdee Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:13 am
@Frenchie

Those were pretty much my initial thoughts as well. But, I ain’t gonna look a gift horse in the mouth on this one. Jim Edgar is still the most respected former governor. I am so glad he came out and said this. It needed to be said. Most people just don’t get that this is a hostage crisis not a budget impasse.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:14 am
That’s…really odd. I understand why Edgar does the “both sides need to make a deal” thing- and at this point, why he even focuses on Rauner, ’cause, yeah, that’s the hold up. Edgar has a vested interest in portraying himself as the wise elder statesman who’s just interested in good government. But those were some personal swipes at Rauner. Not sure where that comes from, or where it’s going to go.

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:15 am
Anonymous - pick a name and tell us what you think should change. Any example you name will be compared to Minnesota - the most pro-growth state in the Midwest.

Good luck!

Comment by Southern Illinois Hoopdee Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:16 am
“He might want to” The most odd comment I have heard in some time. Anyone who honestly believes Bruce Rauner wants to “tear apart the state and sell it” is detached from reality and too ingrained within Illinois’ status quo to see it as it currently exists.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:16 am
===Anyone who honestly believes Bruce Rauner wants to “tear apart the state and sell it” is detached from reality and too ingrained within Illinois’ status quo to see it as it currently exists.===

The James R. Thompson Center sale…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:19 am
Sorry for the duplicate post, I didn’t see it, and I may pick a handle though the echo chamber often targets the commenter rather than the comment.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:19 am
Wasn’t Edgar they guy who started the State on the road to financial crisis? Who listens to Edgar?

Comment by Apocalypse Now Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:19 am
Former Gov. Jim Edgar is a bit like the pot calling the kettle black. Perhaps, he should remind folks about his tenure on the board of Kemper Insurance Companies after his governorship. The thousands of Kemper employees who lost their jobs after he facilitated the liquidation of the company and lost their pensions (subject to Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp limitations) remember him.

Comment by Cook County Commoner Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:20 am
==Who listens to Edgar?==

Well, Candidate Rauner sure wanted us to…

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:20 am
===though the echo chamber often targets the commenter rather than the comment.===

Especially when Anonymous.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:20 am
=== I may pick a handle though the echo chamber often targets the commenter rather than the comment.===

Being a victim will really not help your unfounded comment either.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:22 am
What Edgar is quoted by Bernie as saying about Rauner, is what many of us have been also saying.

When a governor does as poorly right out of the gate, as Rauner has - a lot of us political watchers look through our memory banks and Google our libraries for an answer. After nine months of watching the worst start of any gubernatorial administration in Illinois history, all I had left was the possibilities mentioned by many here, and now by Former Governor Edgar.

Rauner didn’t earn his success. He bought successful things, then sucked the life out of them. He didn’t build things. He bought built things, then stripped them into bankruptcy.

That isn’t someone who would make a good governor, apparently. Rauner isn’t afraid of destroying Illinois in order to save it according to how he envisions government. Bruce Rauner, and many Republicans like him, don’t see citizens or citizenship - instead he only sees taxpayers. He seems to believe that our government is only for those who pay so much into our government.

That is business mentality. Businesspeople don’t craft services for people who can’t buy those services. They don’t provide to everyone. They don’t price their goods so everyone can have goods. They cut a paying segment out of our societies, then serve them at prices high enough to make a profit. That isn’t governing.

We are all citizens. We all have rights. Rauner doesn’t seem to acknowledge that. His plans and policies don’t include everyone. Instead of governing, Rauner is owning. Instead of being a governor, Rauner is acting like he owns all of us.

Businesses are closed systems. Governments are perpetually open systems. You can run a business based upon a plan within a closed system you can often control to a great extent. Governments cannot be controlled similarly. Anytime a government leader thinks they have control over a system - a court order, a newly elected politician, a new public opinion, or the Federal Government, changes everything.

You can shut down your business. You can sell off its assets. You can file bankruptcy. You cannot do that if you are a governor. You cannot simply rip up an open system.

Rauner just seems incapable of understanding these vital differences. Hence, Edgar’s comment.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:22 am
This all reminds me of Machiavelli’s The Prince. Does the end ever justify the means, however destructive the means may be?

(The morals of the Prince are to “APPEAR all compassion, all honor, all humanity, all integrity, all religion.” “Everyone sees what you seem to be, few know what you really are.” The rest of that essay pretty much sums this situation up…. I suspect The Prince is required reading for Superstars.)

The big unknown is what is Rauner’s “end?”

As Mr. Edgar has pointed out, venture capitalist by nature are motivated by a hybrid of corporate and personal greed.

Corporate welfare will remain a viable government program under Governor Rauner.

(crossing my fingers I get through Mr. Miller’s Filters)

Comment by cdog Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:23 am
@ Anonymous

Maybe it’s best you stay anonymous.

Comment by Gruntled University Employee Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:25 am
===Wasn’t Edgar they guy who started the State on the road to financial crisis?===

What planet are you from?

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:26 am
Edgar had always cared about state government. He’s got nothing to gain by making these comments at this stage of his career/life.

Comment by Just Saying .... Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:26 am
I mostly agree with Edgar for once.

Would only add that Rauner didn’t always sell off parts of companies. Often times his business model called for milking companies into bankruptcy and then walking away with his pockets stuffed.

Comment by too obvious Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:37 am
The big unknown is what is Rauner’s “end?”

I don’t believe Rauner is as smart as he thinks he is. He obviously is out of his league as governor. I do believe he wants to help Illinois. Problem is, his method of help - isn’t and won’t, help.

He seems to be like the big brother who is convinced he knows better than you, and goes out of his way to take command of a problem you have, then screws it up far worse than it ever was.

Rauner is a huge screw up. He is also convinced that he is the smartest guy in the room because he hired the smartest people he could find because he is so rich.

Rauner’s administration is a disaster which has made a bad situation worse and I sincerely doubt anyone’s ability to turn him around. Rauner’s success at personal wealth has blinded him into believing only in himself. His Midas Touch isn’t transferable to the citizens of Illinois because he doesn’t understand that his success was only a success for himself. Bruce Rauner’s success didn’t help employ more people. It didn’t make businesses better. It didn’t make customers happier. Bruce Rauner’s success is only successful to Bruce Rauner.

He is a disaster.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:38 am
Let’s hope at least one GOP GA member shows us it’s not about the Benjamins and says “Governor Edgar is right.”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:38 am
VanillaMan: As usual, a well said and worthwhile comment. Really, it’s all of a piece with Romney’s 47% comment, which continues to have great power with the GOP base, candidates and elected officials. In IL it’s Rauner v. “the takers.” Of course, you have to be willing to ignore that “the takers” are 1. our fellow citizens 2. contributing to society and paying taxes, too. and 3. just like we’re all sinners, we’re all “takers” - even, most especially, the rich.

Comment by Willie Stark Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:38 am
“The James R Thompson Center sale” is a good example of a simple means by which the state can run more efficiently, improve conditions for workers and serve the public better. Maintenance has lagged for years, and the cost does not justify the benefit of keeping it as a state owner facility.

We can do better than the Thompson Center, for our state, our workers and our public.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:38 am
Anon’s don’t choose handles on this site because they do not want to be held accountable for the unsubstantiated drivel that they slop. Can’t remember the last time that an anonymous commentor actually presented a coherent argument or anything resembling intelligent analysis of a given situation. From my experience anons are either trolls looking for a reaction, or just conveyers of super conservative, overly general, and factually inaccurate statements. To the point where one has to wonder if they don’t work for the Governor. Wouldn’t be surprised if the anon talking to us is Lance Trover.

Rich, you should just ban anon posting. It seems that if they don’t have the time to make a handle, they also don’t have the time to make their post insightful

Comment by MurMan Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:40 am
Edgar…Edgar…the name rings a bell.

Comment by Touré's Latte Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:40 am
==“The James R Thompson Center sale” is a good example of a simple means by which the state can run more efficiently, improve conditions for workers and serve the public better.==

Except apparently, none of that was considered, they just wanted to sell it. And that that is their instinct is troubling.

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:40 am
===“The James R Thompson Center sale” is a good example of a simple means by which the state can run more efficiently, improve conditions for workers and serve the public better. Maintenance has lagged for years, and the cost does not justify the benefit of keeping it as a state owner facility.

We can do better than the Thompson Center, for our state, our workers and our public.===

Great talking point, Lance. Please tell us why next time. Listening to you is like reading a 3nd grade essay: “My dad is the greatest, because he does great things that really help me in great ways. He is just so great, and I appreciate the great things he does. Everyone would be lucky to have a dad so great. Now you see why my dad is so great”.

Comment by MurMan Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:45 am
yeah, the JRTC sale is a real heavy lift.

Now, how’s about the current situation of record deficits, destruction of social service programs, holding hostage dedicated tax revenues from local governments, the possible shutdown of the state in spring….

You know, the little things.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:46 am
Not to mention, the Thompson Center is already leased. A private business has been maintaining it. If anything, the lack of maintenance would be a private sector failure, would it not be?

Comment by Southern Illinois Hoopdee Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:52 am
The Republicans in the GA need a “Freedom Caucus” to give their leaders a hard time.

Comment by Austin Blvd Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:59 am
“Can’t remember the last time that an anonymous commentor actually presented a coherent argument or anything resembling intelligent analysis of a given situation.”

And that’s why I haven’t bothered to read an anonymous comment in months. My eyes now just slide right past them.

I recommend it.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:00 am
Waiting for the For Sale sign to be put on the Tollway. Let’s privatize DCEO, and how about selling the State Parks to the NRA as private hunting preserves? Do we own any part of Lake Michigan? Or can we somehow partner on just selling the water?

Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:05 am
To Edgar’s comments, just congratulations on calling things the way you see them.
As OW says, Governors own. In Edgar’s case, as a former governor, he has fought the battles. And he shows his care and concern for the future of our state.
Its too bad political party politics trumps everything to the point that Rauner had to endorse this guy.

Comment by Austin Blvd Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:06 am
It’s hard enough to bring business management skills effectively into government.

It’s even harder when you don’t have the background of running a large complex organization that’s in it for the long term.

Comment by walker Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:09 am
Last sentence should read:
It’s too bad political party politics trumps everything to the point that EDGAR had to endorse this guy.

Comment by Austin Blvd Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:09 am
As MurMan exemplifies addressing the commenter rather than the comment. Do you think the JRTC is just swell? That is what Illinois should aspire to?

At least Arsenal provides some food for thought and a rational response.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:11 am
The guest known as Anonymous speaks ideas straight out of the Rauner campaign book. I must confess it causes me to wonder.

Comment by Union GOP'er Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:14 am
I am guessing that Rauner is totally stunned by this. I think in his mind, because they sat down and had lunch together one time after the primary, that he believed Edgar was 100% in his corner.

So in Rauner’s world view, Edgar is now the enemy.

Black and white is so dangerous and counterproductive.

Which in a way that’s what Edgar was trying to say, governing is about compromise and change is incremental.

Comment by siriusly Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:19 am
Edgar supported Rauner out of party loyalty and hoped the man would govern differently than he did business. Rauner campaigned with little clue as to what he actually would do.

Comment by illinifan Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:19 am
The Thompson Center situation -

This is where a businessperson as government leader should have shown everyone their level of expertise.

Instead, Rauner showed that he couldn’t even compete with any cable television show host about flipping properties.

Why would anyone in this administration believe that a government building as public and as large as the Thompson Center - one that sits over a major Metra station for the Loop - NOT have business contracts impacting a sale, demolition or rebuild?

Did anyone approving Governor Rauner’s JRTC statement last week - ever walk through it and notice the number of private businesses operating in it, under it, and within it? The Administration has to be filled with fools to believe that Rauner could shut it down with the wave of his hand. They have to be complete fools to believe that they could, and should, force their decision to close a vital government building like it is a corner pub!

If Bruce Rauner was a smart a businessman as he claimed to have been for the past two years, then he shouldn’t have stood in front of all of us publically and make a claim as ridiculous as he had.

Watching Rauner bungle this just makes one wonder what he is capable of doing well. This was supposed to be his forte’, his specialty, and last week he stood there taking a standing strike out.

Hugely disappointed in our “venture capitalist” governor regarding, um, capitalism and real estate. What can this man do?

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:21 am
Who was it that hired the mgmt consulting firm MSI to tell him how to manage? Oh thats right - Edgar. And as I recall that was a Scandal. Edgar was not the great gov some would like to recall.

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:28 am
Anyone think the sale of the JRTC is the trigger for Edgar to speak out? Maybe Big Jim made some calls?

Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:29 am
I wouldn’t be opposed to a sale if it meant that the building could be renovated. It is shocking to see the lack of detail considered, however.

Comment by Southern Illinois Hoopdee Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:32 am
The term used by the Gov was ‘demolished’.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:37 am
Reps Sandack and Sullivan have been saying that THIS time Edgar is wrong, that times have changed, etc. The only thing that has changed is the $20+million Rauner is holding over them for campaigns and of course possible appointments.

Comment by Way South of I-80 Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:40 am
@ Vanilla 9:22. EXCELLENT!!!

Comment by Union GOP'er Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:46 am
Also, Lance, I would like to point out that you simply criticized me for criticizing your lack of an argument instead of making a case for you position.

===Do you think the JRTC is just swell? That is what Illinois should aspire to?===

JRTC needs to be better maintained, sure. But when our roads have pot holes in them, we patch the pot holes. We don’t privatize our roads to avoid the costs of repairing them.

Comment by MurMan Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:53 am
Can the Thompson Center be rehabbed or is it beyond rehab?

Comment by Mama Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:54 am
Got a phone call from Edgar’s patronage chief during his administration about a Rutan position I had applied for. Never was sure why they called and never had much respect for Edgar after that.

Comment by eeriter Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:55 am
==Let’s privatize DCEO==
It my understanding that DCEO has already been privatized and moved to Chicago.

Comment by Mama Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:55 am
“Rauner isn’t afraid of destroying Illinois in order to save it according to how he envisions government. Bruce Rauner, and many Republicans like him, don’t see citizens or citizenship - instead he only sees taxpayers. He seems to believe that our government is only for those who pay so much into our government.”
Such as the 1% group of taxpayers?

Comment by Mama Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:01 am
==that times have changed==

Gov Edgar remains popular, and is very experienced.

But he is nearing 70 and decades removed from office. Some things have changed since then, namely our debt levels and $ crisis. There was more $ flexibility back in ==his day==, imho

Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:01 am
Lance, I’d appreciate you going into detail as to the benefits of selling it. Right now all I hear…

Selling the Thompson Center is good for Illinois because selling it would be good because good things happen when we sell it. Good things like good efficiency and good public service. You don’t need examples of how it would be good or even a plan that outlines steps to get good outcomes, because as I just stated selling it would be good. Did I mention it would be good to sell this thing? Now we can all agree that’s it’s good for IL if we sell it

Comment by MurMan Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:02 am
The hearings need to be held to make costs and savings transparent. The savings are merely speculative at this point.
For the legislature to bypass hearings would be a major travesty, a faux pax of significant proportions.

Comment by Austin Blvd Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:11 am
I am just one of many who is all “edgar’ed” out. Wether he is harping from the the sidelines or shilling for ‘ole 6% Jeb! - Edgar has had his day. Edgar as a relevant influencer of events and outcomes has jumped the shark.

Comment by Mcleaniac Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:12 am
== The only thing that has changed is the $20+million Rauner is holding over them for campaigns==

that 20 mil doesn’t amount if doing the match to divide up on all the dems and then what’s left over for repubs not doing rauners bidding. $183k isn’t much towards campaigns these days.

Comment by working stiff Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:13 am
Mama- nope, DCEO has not been privatized. Legislation for the PPP (Public/private partnership) was introduced this year but was a total poison pill. There is a large DCEO presence in Chicago as would be natural. I only wish they had more in the South where they are sorely needed and missed for small businesses.

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:17 am
- working stiff -,

The $20 million is to hold the GOP GA hostage.

IllinoisGO and Turnaround Agenda PACs are designed to recruit Dems (IllinoisGO) and Republicans (Turnaround Agenda PAC) and to drain the Democrats or unyielding GOP members, just like Rauner did in the GOP Governor’s Primary.

That’s… That’s what this is about.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:19 am
That quote from Edgar made ME wince. Ouch! That was a slug to hit him about his business experience! I’m with whomever said it probably was meant for political cover. I imagine that some downstate GOP reps are starting to get really nervous. Maybe I’m wrong but I think a statement like this would give them a bit of cover.

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:23 am
OW:

Two related points:

1) Edgar isn’t just casting a shadow, I think he’s also invoking the Peter Principle: Rauner may talk a good game, but doesn’t have any actual experience actually running something, and it shows;

2) I think if you go back and look at the transcript from the famed Carol Marin interview, at Rauner’s impatience with a CEO who was delivering a lot of excuses without delivering a lot of results, its fair to ask: If Rauner had hired a CEO who had delivered as little as he has delivered in the last nine months — actually racking up billions in unpaid bills — wouldn’t he fire the guy?

That is the real question.

Would’t GTCR Rauner have fired Governor Rauner by now?

I think the answer is clearly: Yes, no question.

Comment by Juvenal Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:25 am
For those who’ve weighed in with “who listens to Edgar” perhaps you could address his specific points?

While you’re at it, fill us in on the projected benefits of the governor’s agenda that is worth all this destruction?

Not the shallow talking points, but the real hard numbers, like they do in business when they undertake such a radical course of action.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:28 am
==Who listens to Edgar?== Well, certainly a few think Edgar is irrelevant. Say what you will, but he could have walked away with the last election if he had run.

Comment by South Central Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:30 am
Former Gov Edgar is respected on both sides of the fence. His words have weight.

Comment by DuPage Grandma Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 12:05 pm
Rauner places lots of value on the almighty dollars of his billionaire donors.
But he doesn’t recognize how important it was to have people like Edgar endorse him. It was his top Illinois endorsement.
What Rauner doesn’t seem it understand is the importance of dancing “with the one who brung ya.”
Rauner is on notice that Edgar doesn’t appreciate being stuffed.

Comment by Austin Blvd Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 12:32 pm
- Juvenal -

You make strong points, to your second, Rauner is “finally having one of their own as a made member”.

Funny thing is, you “make” someone until they made their bones. Rauner made no bones, “he bought his button”

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 12:35 pm
“don’t make” - apologies.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 12:35 pm
Brooke,

There are multiple benefits to employees, state finances and the public in selling JRTC or at least moving facilities. They should be readily apparent if you have read recent Capitol Fax entries concerning the building’s neglect under the former gov, our current budget constraints, or have wet set foot inside the building much less worked there. Not that any facts could dissuade you from defending the necessity of the JRTC.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 12:37 pm
Word- Keep pounding on the Rauner ROI. I love hearing the crickets every time you do it. Love it. I was talking with a union brother Friday about your ROI jackhammer. The point is that they will never be able to respond with hard numbers or data because they simply can’t. Lots of numbers and data to the opposite effect from Martire though. Just had a great workshop with him. Keep slinging wordslinger

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 1:08 pm
Mike Madigan and the popular former Republican governors he controls …

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 1:35 pm
Anonymous: Once again, you spit out platitudes with no substance. “Multiple benefits..” to employees (I can see that, but then lots of others works in dumpier places than that) for the public (ok, how so?) and finances (and that’s the $132M question, what are the benefits? And are they worth it?) “…or at least moving facilities.” Way to dodge and weave there, buddy. What has moving facilities have to do with selling?

For the record, I am neutral on the issue and can be dissuaded by the facts. I have yet to see any.

Comment by Skeptic Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 1:50 pm
Re: JRTC sale.

When you are having trouble paying your monthly expenses, it could make sense to sell some property. It would be silly to do so without examining the value of the property as well as the replacement cost of the portions of the property you need to use regularly. That’s before looking at legal restrictions and existing leases.

When/if any of the above details are released, the trust bridge will have been reached. Even if that bridge is crossed, this is a one time deal and we are not covering monthly expenses.

Comment by Norm DaPlume Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 2:00 pm
So when are we going to see the “For Sale” sign up at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park?

Comment by Will Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 2:25 pm
@Anonymous -12:37pm (AKA Lance Trover)

===Brooke===

Don’t know who that is, but it’s not me. You and I don’t know each other, I could just tell it was you from the argument you were making. Cookie-cutter, generic soundbites about some vaguely defined, widespread benefit that IL will receive from Rauner’s proposed reform or policy is your calling card.

===There are multiple benefits to employees, state finances and the public in selling JRTC or at least moving facilities.===

Employees: I agree that JRTC has not been maintained well by the state. Current working conditions there are poor in many ways, and there is no doubt that is a problem that should be addressed. Demolition of these offices and moving to a new facility could improve working conditions, but so could a rehab of JRTC.

State Finances: You have not made this point. Numbers and specifics please. In my view, selling off a valuable state asset for a one time infusion of cash, and then having to rent office space is fiscally short sighted.

The public: How does this benefit the public? That is kinda the heart of the debate. Since you are saying we should sell it, it would be nice to get a detailed explanation of how the sale will help the public. “simple means by which the state can run more efficiently, improve conditions for workers and serve the public better.” is an example of your calling card. Readers here are interested in how selling JRTC will accomplish those things.

===They should be readily apparent if you have read recent Capitol Fax entries===

Are you serious dude? That’s what you are gong with? You don’t have to state the merits of your proposal because they are readily apparent to all people that are informed. Well, I follow CapFax, but for the sake of argument, lets say I am ignorant. Please explain to me without resorting to a ‘calling card’ response why selling JRTC is good public policy.

===concerning the building’s neglect under the former gov, our current budget constraints, or have wet set foot inside the building much less worked there.===

Neglect: Discussed above under “Employees”.

Our Current Budget Constraints: I would love to see the numbers on the effect selling JRTC would affect the budget Gap. Have not seen those. Do you have them? I addressed this in earlier posts, but bad policy to sell assets to pay off debt. Even so, selling JRTC will not close the budget gap. If I am wrong, I would love to see the numbers, but IL will still need cuts and new revenue to balance budget.

Set foot inside/work there: I have. Cool place to visit, not cool to work in currently. Regardless, weak point here.

===Not that any facts===

I would love some of those, do you have any?

===could dissuade you from defending the necessity of the JRTC===

That is not what is happening here. You are proposing selling it and I just would like actual facts as to why its good policy instead of BS ‘calling card’ talking points. I am not defending its necessity. The fact is we already paid for it, and at issue is should we sell it. I could be persuaded to selling JRTC if you would present an actual argument.

As a final aside. I have worked as spokesperson for campaigns and PACs in the past, and when I posted on Cap Fax on behalf of my employer, I used my real name because I believed I was right on the policy and I was trying to engage readers on this blog on the merits of the issue at hand. You do not even have the courage in your convictions to make a handle for your posts, and when you do post all we get are your calling card comments instead of engaging and insightful discussion. Do us a favor and give it a rest already.

Signed,
Mike Murray
Former Cap Fax Intern

Comment by MurMan Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 2:32 pm
Honestly, what I am afraid of is that when these state agencies vacate and move to other private owned office space, that it will actually cost the state even more $$$$$$$$$.

Point in fact, 30 years ago, the Feds spent 3 Million to expand the Federal Court House in East St. Louis effectively doubling its size. Two years later they decided to rent ( from a private developer/investor ) and enter into a lease for the DOJ that was worth more than 3 million for additional office space.

Not a bad deal for the buildings owners, yet the taxpayers were paying for this. Is this what will happen when the state vacates their spaces???

Comment by illini Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 2:38 pm
MurMan,

Brooke is Brooke Anderson, the former gov’s spokesperson. If I am Lance, you must be Brooke. Not hard to connect the dots, since I am not Lance.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:32 pm
Mike Murray,

In reality, I am not Lance. You should have thought of that before going off on your diatribe, ripping on a guy who probably has (had) no quarrel with you, and would most likely post under his real like Brownie does when he posts here.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:36 pm
Anonymous may not be Lance, but he’s one clueless Raunerbot nonetheless.

Way to go Mike Murray. You spoke for many of us, “Brooke.”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:54 pm
I’m pretty sure you are Lance, or maybe a communications intern using his talking points. You hide behind anominity, so the fact that you say you are not Lance caries little weight and makes this a moot convo. Regardless, I’d bet a grand you work for the Rauner administration.

Comment by MurMan Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:22 am
Quinn and Rauner both have been better governors than Edgar. Edgar would do us all a favor to stay home, drink warm milk, and watch every episode of Leave It to Beaver in chronological order.

Comment by T.J. Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 1:42 am