Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Meh

Posted in:

Illinois

* People get all upset about this, perhaps because it’s easy to understand. But I really don’t think it’s such a big dealio…

An associate counsel in Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office and a school board member in the a Chicago suburb has been named chief of staff for First Lady Diana Rauner.

The governor’s office said Emily Bastedo will assist with “agency transformation” and act “as a liaison for the First Lady across the state. She will also have an active role in the restoration of the Executive Mansion.”

As an associate counsel, Bastedo was the legal liaison for 10 state agencies, boards and commissions. She also is a member of the Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 School Board.

She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and earned her law degree from DePaul University. She and her husband Brian live in Elmhurst with their sons Charlie and Elliott.

Our last governor wasn’t married, so he didn’t have a first lady. I don’t ever recall this topic being such a huge story before that.

Mrs. Rauner has taken on the huge responsibility of rehabbing the governor’s mansion, which Pat Quinn and Rod Blagojevich had allowed to badly deteriorate. I can definitely see the need for a chief of staff to handle this project.

Also, much of the social media criticism of this hire is coming from the left side of the spectrum. But Mrs. Rauner is probably the best friend they have. Why go after her? Her chief can be another voice in the mix for Mrs. Rauner’s positions - and there aren’t many over there right now.

And, finally, complaining about funding this position during the governmental impasse is like saying we can solve all of our fiscal problems by cutting waste. It’s empty rhetoric.

But, hey, I’m sure many of you want to vent. It won’t make a bit of difference and it’s silly and maybe even counter-productive, but feel free.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:27 am

Comments

Congratulations to Emily. She will do a great job. Smart hire.

Comment by That Guy Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:32 am
“I don’t ever recall this topic being such a huge story before that.”

****

Maybe not the story, but what about the salary? Did other First Ladies have a COS who made so much? If they didn’t, that to me why it shouldn’t be shrugged off.

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:32 am
It’s pretty meaningless. Of all the sins Rauner has committed, this is #4,312 of 4,313.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:34 am
My issue is the salary. There are tons of young, hungry GOP staffers who would do the job for half the cost. Some might even do it on contract instead of being a full-fledged state employee.

Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:34 am
Rich, the story here is that the same day Lutheran announced they had to cut 43% of services, Rauner announced a new $100,000 staffer.

Comment by WutBudget Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:36 am
==Also, much of the social media criticism of this hire is coming from the left side of the spectrum. But Mrs. Rauner is probably the best friend they have. ==

No.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:36 am
I agree, “meh”. However, what is in the job description? Genuine question, not snark.

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:38 am
Rauner has been very busy excoriating people and agencies for spending unremarkable amounts of money to carry out normal operations and programs — so he has opened himself up to charges of hypocrisy when he spends unremarkable amounts of money on normal things.

Comment by Forgtonnia Republic Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:38 am
===Rich, the story here is that the same day Lutheran announced they had to cut 43% of services, Rauner announced a new $100,000 staffer. ===

If so, nobody bothered to report it that way. At least I didn’t see anybody.

So, it’s not the story.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:39 am
I don’t know if it is silly, but you’re right it won’t make a bit of difference.

Comment by DeKalb Guy Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:39 am
I just look at it as a re-casting for “Dad’s Home State”…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:40 am
“If so, nobody bothered to report it that way. At least I didn’t see anybody.

So, it’s not the story.”

Politico Illinois Playbook laid it out in their latest email newsletter.

Comment by WutBudget Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:40 am
That’s less than the cost of the salary the governor is giving up. That’s a fair trade in terms of executive staffing.

You can’t use his salary as a cost balance for everything, but it’s an accurate comparison in this one incidence, just as it was with her first Chief of Staff.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:41 am
Here’s the story I saw on Friday that linked the LSSI cuts and staffer together.

http://hort.li/1HN6

“On the same day Lutheran Social Services cut 43 percent of its staff in Illinois, plus 30 programs helping 4,700 people — the Bruce Rauner administration announced it hired a new chief of staff for First Lady Diana Rauner.”

They went on to say

Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois Springfield, says a $100,000 per year chief of staff might be appropriate if the first lady had a rigorous public schedule.

“Frankly, as much of a public presence as she’s had in the last year, she might as well have been in the Witness Protection Program,” Redfield told KMOX.

Comment by Stuff Happens Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:42 am
The ire comes from the trivial nature of work that is to be done in connection with this new hire in comparison to cuts made to desperately sick and needy people. One must have priorities in order.

Comment by AnonymousOne Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:42 am
Pure hypocrisy for an austerity governor.

Comment by Liberty Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:45 am
@Stuff Happens Thanks, good find

Comment by WutBudget Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:47 am
Granted, this is an opinion piece, but it does have some interesting points-

http://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/7/71/316732/rauner-essential-ever-dollar-matters

***
It just may take another day or so before the LSSI and COS connection is made by other media sources. Kent Redfield did, though- http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2016/01/22/new-100k-chief-of-staff-hired-for-illinois-first-lady/

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:47 am
Is she a state employee? How is the position funded?

Comment by Langhorne Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:51 am
>But Mrs. Rauner is probably the best friend they have.

Friend? Have we heard much of anything from her since “Bruce has no social agenda”? Agree that it’s a non-story.

Comment by Earnest Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:53 am
I’m not going to complain, because I think Diana Rauner is one of the good guys, or at least wants to be - but wonder why Diana couldn’t make the hire using personal funds?

Comment by Archiesmom Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:57 am
===Rich, the story here is that the same day Lutheran announced they had to cut 43% of services, Rauner announced a new $100,000 staffer. ===

If so, nobody bothered to report it that way. At least I didn’t see anybody.

So, it’s not the story.

I respectfully disagree Rich. This absolutely IS the story. It’s one of a series of moves Rauner has made that make him appear unsympathetic and arrogant. Like announcing cuts to autism programs on World Autism Day. It supports a pattern of hypocrisy shown by this governor.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:59 am
I agree with everything Rich says about it not being a big deal and that there is legitimate work to be done.

However, I think Rich misses one reason why this resonates so much. This is a Governor who is very, very rich. He has given his top people relatively high salaries (or contracts) for state government, yet he constantly complains about the state workers who make a modest salary. For me, that’s the big issue: it reflects his worldview that the people at the top deserve more money, while everyone else deserves less.

Sure, it might not be reported that way. People who are complaining might not be articulating it that way, but I think it is one underlying factor why this resonates.

Also, because I cannot resist, to Anonymous @11:41AM who says that we can justify the position because the Governor does not take a salary. This Governor also got a $750,000 state tax break because of his actions. We’re already starting in the hole with him if you want to make the ridiculous argument that he gets to waste money because he gave up what is essentially pocket change to him.

Comment by the Other Anonymous Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 11:59 am
I see the Gov and his Stag beer at every street fest in Springfield. I wish he would actually work on a budget as opposed to the PR blitz he has pushed on the city, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen his wife. I have to agree with Kent’s assessment.

As for the story, the outrage is absolutely because of the salary.

Comment by UISer Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 12:02 pm
If she’s been an attorney in the Governor’s office, she’s already been on theState payroll. Likely around the same salary. I just don’t see the “there” there.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 12:02 pm
the Other Anonymous- “This Governor also got a $750,000 state tax break because of his actions.”

****
That was just an “advance” on his salary. /s

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 12:08 pm
I agree that this Governor has opened himself up to charges of hypocrisy when he spends large amounts of money on such things He is constantly being critical of all the high-paying state employees but has no problem whatsoever in hiring $100,000 + employees It appears that these politicians on one hand say that there is no money but then discover there is money when it comes to their own special needs or wants. I wonder if the salary for this position will come out of some other budget line besides the one for the Governor’s Office
Also, I might have missed this but has a position description for this position been posted

Comment by JB Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 12:11 pm
“much of the social media criticism of this hire is coming from the left side of the spectrum. But Mrs. Rauner is probably the best friend they have.”

When I was a boy and the bullies jumped me and beat the tar out of me, I didn’t appreciate that the kid who stood there holding their coats was “probably the best friend I had.”

Live and learn.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 12:12 pm
Since my previous comment apparently didn’t cut the muster please allow me to approach this a different way. I believe this is a significant story and here’s why. Hiring a COS for the First Lady at the same time LSSI is announcing drastic cuts IS easy to understand. For the seasoned political pundits here it may not be much but to the average Joe citizen, it’s infuriating. I’ve seen many comments on here bemoaning the fact that most Illinoisans don’t pay attention and won’t demand better from their government until things impact them directly. This is exactly the kind of press coverage that can help average citizens understand what’s going on in this state.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 12:21 pm
I think it’s more about the image than the actual action. It may have been Rauner’s “let them eat cake” PR moment.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 12:28 pm
I told SWJ the other day if they had called the position “director of community outreach” in the guv’s office and positioned it as the point person on the mansion, mayor, etc., it would have made nary a ripple.

Comment by Dave Dahl Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 12:42 pm
Diana Rauner is a friend to Dems? Bwahahahaha! At best she is a fair weather acquaintance.

Comment by RIJ (formerly PolPal56) Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 12:43 pm
Diana Rauner seems to have decided to play the good Republican wife, subsuming herself and her beliefs to “support” her husband. She certainly is not using her position to assist those whose social services are being cut.

For many of the 1%, assisting “the poor” is a fancy to be taken up and dropped on a whim.

Comment by RIJ (formerly PolPal56) Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 12:52 pm
The hire is meh, poor optics with the timing, especially making it a Friday.

C’mon.

As to Diana Rauner?

While it’s better to have her around…

Diana Rauner…

…personally and professionally, by being in Ads discussing social agendas, and being President of a Social Service…

… has personally aided in the decimation of social services by laying her name and credibility in her role and person in Ads saying we need not worry.

Either Diana Rauner was duped, but then you only need to see the clouting of a denied daughter into Payton Prep to question that… or complicit in the demise of the social services safety net… no matter her role(s) before, monies donated, even speeches given.

If Social Services give Diana Rauner a pass, that’s probabky more than she deserves… right now.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:00 pm
Does anyone think Rauner’s feelings are hurt by calling him a hypocrite?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:03 pm
OK.

What does “agency transformation” mean? What does “liaison for the first lady” mean? Sounds like government blabber to me.

Restoration of the Governor’s Mansion I understand. But why hire a lawyer who lives in Elmhurst? Why not an architect or engineer who lives in Springfield?

Like some jobs in government, this looks like they had someone they wanted to hire and then came up with a list of duties they thought sounded good.

Comment by Sir Reel Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:08 pm
Kent Redfield draws two pensions totaling $111k a year. Its wrong for him to be questioning the value a current state employee or First Lady provides taxpayers when he gets paid for providing absolutely none.

Comment by Rondo Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:16 pm
Not a vent, just an observation: wonder which legislative seat this person will occupy in the coming months?

Comment by Not quite a majority Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:16 pm
Oh - Rondo -,

You go after the author without even taking a shot at the premise. Sad.

Try making an argument instead of creating strawmen

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:18 pm
@OW- Is Dad’s Home State an ensemble, or a comedy show with the Bruce character as the star?

Comment by Flynn's mom Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:38 pm
- Flynn’s mom -

I can’t give away too much, but the synopsis if read critically explains how everyone fits.

I will say the character of Diana’s state employee is one I’m glad, for the show, was re-cast, as were the writers.

Read critically and you’ll know why.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:46 pm
It is a disguised ensemble, but there are true lead(s)

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:47 pm
@OW-got it! Thanks for the brilliant work!

Comment by Flynn's mom Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:50 pm
The premise is Kent Redfield is a creature of and defender of the status quo in Springfield. I believe that Redfield and guys like Chris Mooney are working the same hustle as guys like you, they just do it from the faculty lounge and not the union office.

Comment by Rondo Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:52 pm
How is “first lady” even a job role in 2016? When my husband got a new job in the private sector, I didn’t automatically get a job with him. Time to do away with spousal jobs in gvt. It’s demeaning to women. Our careers do not revolve around our husband’s career. I’m not redecorating a house “because I’m a woman.”

Comment by PorQue Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:58 pm
===The premise is Kent Redfield is a creature of and defender of the status quo in Springfield.===

There’s a new status quo.

Please, keep up.

This new stays quo despises unions and is decimating unions by Rauner’s choice. K? K.

===I believe that Redfield and guys like Chris Mooney are working the same hustle===

What’s that? Work, retire, collect their pensikn? lol

===…as guys like you…===

Not a union member, being paid by a union, never been IN a union, and I’m not even close to being in the same spot as the two you mentioned.

Attacking me isn’t making a point.

===…they just do it from the faculty lounge and not the union office.===

Again, I tried to answer this above.

You know nothing of me, and maybe less about whatever it is you think angers you… so there’s that I guess.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 1:59 pm
If her Chief of Staff was hired with private funds she would not have insurance or retirement benefits.

Comment by Kathryn Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 2:02 pm
Great point PorQue! Just think of how much we saved with Pat Quinn in office. No extra salaries involved and no extra input either.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 2:52 pm
Why didn’t they outsource it to euro trash?

Comment by Rabid Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 3:32 pm
First, we hear from people mad over the hire and her salary. Next, we will be hearing from people blaming Rauner for not doing something to fix the State Mansion. Lot’s of whining. People should try to keep their focus on the big picture.

Comment by Apocalypse Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 3:44 pm
My governor has put his wife to task it’s curtains for her

Comment by Rabid Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 3:48 pm
Good one, Rabid…….I get it.

Comment by Former State Employee Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 4:30 pm
==If so, nobody bothered to report it that way. At least I didn’t see anybody.==

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-rauner-first-lady-chief-staff-perspec-zorn-0126-20160125-column.html

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 4:42 pm
How can she be the Chief of Staff when she has no staff?

Comment by Mama Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:06 pm
I know Rauner has made a big deal about the salary he’s given up (even though his executive staff payroll is much higher than Quinn’s was). Still, wouldn’t it be nice if this man who is worth, conservatively, at least half a billion dollars donated, let’s say, at least half of the cost of restoring the governor’s mansion for the state of Illinois? Considering the prolonged damage he’s doing to the rest of the state, such a gesture would allow him at least a passing chance at being remembered without complete bitterness once he leaves office and goes back to his nursing home investment profits. At the very least, if he wants to hire a chief of staff at $100,000 to coordinate his wife’s efforts at coordinating fundraising, etc., for the mansion restoration, maybe he could pick up the tab for that salary.

One other thing. Quinn was far from perfect, but it’s likely that inevitable criticism from the right (particualrly his opponent Rauner) was one big reason Quinn did not do much during his last couple years to help restore the mansion — criticism for his “free-spending” ways, even if it would have been on behalf of preserving an historic state landmark.

Comment by Anonymous 88 Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:42 pm
“bitterness” is being quite civil.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:01 pm
“Agency transformation”?? Its been a year, what has she done for agency transformation? AT sounds like the TA

Comment by Langhorne Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 9:24 pm
Wait a second here, the state is in a fiscal crisis, Rauner has hired outside talent, importing people from out of state and giving them outlandish six figure salaries, and now $100,000 for his wife’s chief of staff…

Rauner own’s the collapse of Illinois State government.

Bruce, you’ve got the money, pay for it out of your pocket.

Comment by Tinsel Town Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 9:47 pm
== the governor’s mansion, which Pat Quinn and Rod Blagojevich had allowed to badly deteriorate. ==

Well, in Rod’s defense, he did install that fabulous heated driveway. /s

Comment by Cheswick Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 10:57 pm
I think every unelected person should have a hundred thousand plus chief of staff working for them. Sure. Where I work in the State they are bringing in private security and are probably going to layoff us guards in the near future (though, to Management’s credit, they say they won’t). But who needs Security that’s beholden to the State?! And the reason they are bringing in private security and eventually privatize security is they can’t afford our salary (the same tired GOP line)but the state CAN afford this, I guess. Even Reagan wasn’t this anti-union.

Comment by NATTY BOY Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 6:31 pm
I think every unelected person should have a hundred thousand plus chief of staff working for them. Sure. Where I work in the State they are bringing in private security and are probably going to layoff us guards in the near future (though, to Management’s credit, they say they won’t). But who needs Security that’s beholden to the State?! And the reason they are bringing in private security and eventually privatize security is they can’t afford our salary (the same tired GOP line)but the state CAN afford this, I guess. Even Reagan wasn’t this anti-union.

Comment by NATTY BOY Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 6:31 pm