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I saw Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias hanging out on a park bench near the Statehouse last week, shoes off on a beautiful day, Chicago Olympics financial report in hand.
We talked about various things, and he mentioned to me that former Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka wasn’t getting enough credit for the recent Bright Start college savings program revamp. I was planning to do a piece about that this week, but the Tribune editorial board beat me to it…
The core of the new program was negotiated by Judy Baar Topinka as she was finishing up her term as state treasurer. She allowed her successor, Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, to negotiate the final details and he got some very sound improvements. They deserve credit for cooperation in a Republican-to-Democrat transition.
Giannoulias told me last week that Topinka also got the ball rolling in a major way on cleaning up the Springfield Cellini hotel mess, but that she didn’t want to take credit for it during the gubernatorial campaign because it would have brought up a sore subject.
Again, high praise for Giannoulias. He didn’t have to share credit, but he did. Class act.
Also, in case you were wondering if he was playing hooky from work, Giannoulias made it a point to say he was on his lunch break.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 9:01 am
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It is refreshing to see someone in Illinois share credit for good things that happen in government. For the past four years we have see one guy hog and wallow in every politically beneficial moment while fingerpointing when it comes to bad news.
It is nice to know someone has a conscience around there.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 9:04 am
I must admit that he has done a much better job than I thought he would. He has pulled together a great staff. The appointment of Robin Kelly as COS is a smart move.
Comment by Stateelm Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 9:14 am
Well said, VanillaMan. It certainly is refreshing to see someone smart, fair, and who gets the work done in IL politics. Let’s hope this “kid” as Miller puts it, doesn’t get jaded too quickly.
Comment by Bebe Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 10:13 am
[…] How often does this happen in Springfield […]
Pingback by ArchPundit » Blog Archive » Damn Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 10:40 am
Ironically, Alexi is following in the footsteps of Lisa Madigan and Dan Hynes.
Elected under the “Is he really qualified?” shroud, Alexi is moving his office forward in a professional and non-partisan manner that puts the best interests of the people first.
Proving once again that character, values and priorities trump experience in public service.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 10:49 am
Okay, okay, I’ll admit he’s doing a good job. I like his improvement of the Bright Start portfolio, and his break from the governor is very welcomed. He should stay on the same side as Hynes and Madigan, as they seem to get it - while Blago does not. Alexi has a bright future, and as long as he keeps his nose clean (which is essential with Fitzmas in full force) he can go higher and higher.
Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 11:01 am
I want to like Alexi, he seems like a decent guy. Being state treasurer isn’t that sexy of a job. No disrespect to JBT. But what can you point to that you did a good job at that the voters like to hear? The gov will take the credit for the budget, or the speaker or sen pres. It seems like the treas just get blamed for stuff, and don’t get credit. It actually worked out in Tom Dart’s favor not to have won that race. Being Cook Co. Sheriff, you can point to conclusive results when you want to run for a higher office.
Comment by Harry Caray Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 11:03 am
I am glad to see him actually spending time downstate, enjoying a Springfield park. I wish the Governor was more like that, or the other constitutionals who never leave Chicago unless its campaign season. Go Alexi.
Comment by downstate dem Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 11:05 am
Kudos to Alexi.
It also shows JBT was better than some people would give her credit for.
Comment by Bubs Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 11:12 am
Glad to know that the young money handler is nice as well as discerning. He knows the difference between Sears tower and the capitol.
Comment by i d Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 12:56 pm
He is doing what he said he would do…wow, that is great. I’m glad he brought Burhan with him…he seems to be getting him good press. Great first 100 days…now just keep it up.
Comment by Tom Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 3:41 pm
Perhaps many of us (including myself) rushed to judgement on this kid due to the media comments on his tie to a criminal element that he loaned money to. Barack Obamma stood by this kid when the negative news about Alexi hit the newspapers. Maybe that fact also tells us a little bit about Barack? I am still struggling with Obamma’s endorsement of Todd Stoger, however. I wish that I knew if Barack truly believed that Todd Stroger was qualified for Cook County Board President or if his endorsement was based purely on doing what his Democrat Party told him to do?
Comment by Anon Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 4:30 pm
I have to admit, the kid has impressed me thus far. I was one of teh naysayers and based upon the first months of his term, I have to admit that I was wrong.
Let’s just hope this continues…politics has a way of changing people in this state. I for one hope that Alexi continues to prove me worng for years to come.
Comment by the wonderboy Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 5:16 pm
Just hope Alexi doesn’t make the mistake of slipping between the political sheets with Blago & his Posse of scoundrels.
Comment by Take the high road - Alexi Monday, Mar 26, 07 @ 11:23 pm