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My Sun-Times column this week (which has an unfortunate headline that I didn’t write) eventually gets around to Ald. Troutman, but starts off with a couple of stories.
An Illinois lobbyist friend used to tell a story about a former state legislator who we all knew to be a notorious mooch.
The politico was shockingly blatant. One morning during a convention, the guy knocked on my pal’s hotel door at 7 in the morning, fully attired in his natty golfing clothes, carrying his bag and announced that he was ready to play.
Apparently, the legislator had overheard that my buddy had a tee time at a prime local resort and decided he’d come along for the ride. Uninvited, of course. Not wanting to upset a legislator, the lobbyist had no choice but to drop someone else from his foursome.
Later, at the pro shop, the legislator picked out several items and browsed around until my friend was ready to check out. He then worked his way to the front of the line and plopped his pile of goodies onto the counter, expecting the lobbyist to pay.
Anyway, go read the whole thing.
Meanwhile, the Tribune has a story on Troutman’s wacky press conference.
The news conference was opened by Rev. John Ellis of Providence House, a social service organization, who read from Psalm 18: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength in whom I trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
“And parenthetically I might note, according to due process, you are not guilty,” he said. “You are innocent. All of you are innocent until decided otherwise by due process, not the press.”
As did the Sun-Times.
One of those candidates, attorney David Neely, tried and failed to disrupt Troutman’s raucous City Hall news conference.
He told reporters: “An alderman works for the people of the 20th Ward –not for gang-bangers, not for drug dealers, not for criminals.”
And if you haven’t seen it yet, you absolutely must go watch the unedited video from yesterday’s press conference.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 8:46 am
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The Troutman thing is offensive on many levels. If those running against her had any sense, they would determine which has the best chance to beat her and the rest would drop out. With four opponents, Troutman is certain to get reelectd. With one opponent, and a well run campaign, Chicago will be less one more corrupt Alderman.
Also, Bert Natarus’ response was ridiculous. I hope Brendan tatoos him.
Comment by Buck Naked Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 8:54 am
Great idea naked! The other candidates can get together, and decide which one will run to beat Troutman.
Of course, I’m sure the other, non-running candidates will have to be convinced not to run, but I am sure the winning alderman can pay them off with some city contracts or zoning favors or something…
Comment by Leroy Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 9:51 am
I read your column. Love the title!
What you are describing is human nature. If we were expected to eat everything offered to us and we attended buffets daily, we’d be 500 pounds. If we had young girls throwing themselves at us and wanting us daily, we’d behave like Aaron Carter. If we woke up every day in the Presidential Suite at the Chicago Hilton Towers, we’d act like Miss Hilton. If you are surrounded by lobbyists who want you and are willing to do whatever you want to get your support, you end up like a politician.
Human beings are completely corruptible. Public officials must have staffers or an inner compass of morality. They have to constantly check themselves. It is really easy to be human, isn’t it?
When people fall prey to these temptations, we need to treat them like human beings too. That means punishing them. Every society punishes people who fall prey to these temptations. Why? Because it is biologically necessary. It is in our best interest to share. Those who take more than needed repeatedly, get eaten by those without. (This doesn’t meant “equal”, it means giving enough to other to allow them to survive.)
Troutman needs to be punished. When she was 21, she shoplifted enough to get into legal trouble. This kind of person shouldn’t be around lobbyists. This kind of person shouldn’t have been elected, or thanks to Daley, appointed to a position she couldn’t handle. We wouldn’t appoint someone with an eating disorder to Top Chef, would we?
While we can all fall prey to temptation, we must treat people as people - not as diseases - and punish them when they do. Lock Troutman up. She will help her regain her inner compass.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 9:55 am
Vanilla Man,
I agree that the Alderperson should be punished for her acts (if indicted then convicted), but I would disagree with your contention that the shoplifting when she was young should preclude her from acting in politics. I firmly believe that there is always the possibility of redemption and that a person who has been reformed from a life of bad choices may actually be a better person in power than one who has never strayed. Valjean starts his life after prison by trying to steal the Bishops silver yet puts himself in danger to save even Javert. Granted it’s fiction, but the story it tells is one most have seen in someone they know.
Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 10:12 am
Appoint Roger Stanley Ethics Czar for the Governor and his inner circle. Now THAT would lead to some real fun, and put Illinois back on the map!
Comment by Citizen A Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 10:39 am
Why are we so worried about gifts when corporations can simply, directly contribute to candidate campaigns here in Illinois?
Comment by Squideshi Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 11:12 am
Shoplifting doesn’t disqualify one from politics. But we should definately watch an ex-shoplifter around lobbyists. It is like making a reformed alcoholic a bartender. Sure, that guy would know how many drinks is too many, but don’t be surprised if he falls off the wagon.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 12:20 pm
Bully for you Rich! It’s about time a journalist decry the corrupting influence of freebies. Your brazen brethren’s freebooting ways at Gene & Georgetti’s and Norb Andy’s should be exposed! What? Oh…you’re talking about elected officials… Never mind…
Comment by Emma Lee Litella Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 1:10 pm
ELL, funny. But Norb Andy’s is closed. And if you ever saw my bar/restaurant tabs you might change your mind at least about myself.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 1:12 pm
Was Norb’s closure due to the smoking ban or Blago moving state govt. to Chicago . . . or maybe both ??
Comment by Citizen A Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 1:32 pm
Street work.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 1:35 pm
Your Sun-Times column today was excellent. Congratulations … and reading it caused me to wonder why the editors have chosen Carol Marin to take over as their chief political columnist when she is double dipping on TV and in print. She doesn’t have your depth of experience or “in the field” knowledge of state politics nor does she have Fran Spielman’s knowledge at the city hall level. Not that you need another job on your plate, but you’re doing a super, insightful column. Please keep it up!
Comment by jaundiced eye Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 2:44 pm
PROVIDENCE HOUSE is not in good standing with the IL SOS
http://www.ilsos.gov/corporatellc/
Comment by Hugh Friday, Jan 12, 07 @ 4:04 pm
[…] Rich linked to the video of the Troutman press conference both the other day and if you ignored his suggestion to go watch, go watch. And does his column on it this week. […]
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