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*** UPDATED x9 - Hastings, Tom Cullerton, DGA, Ives, Pritzker, McSweeney, Kennedy respond - Director said caught off guard in 2015 - Rep. Kifowit reponds *** Rauner says state did “exceptionally well” and “we would not do anything different” to prevent Quincy veterans’ home deaths

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[Bumped up from Thursday night to Friday morning for visibility.]

* I was trying to get caught up on stuff tonight so I watched the rest of Gov. Rauner’s Crain’s Chicago Business editorial board meeting. At about the 44-minute mark, the governor was asked: “How could your administration have better handled the Legionnaires’ outbreak in Quincy?” His response

“We handled it exceptionally well and we would not do anything different.”

Twelve people died in 2015.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Democratic Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit, who is a military veteran…

It is clear that there are things that should have been done differently. Legionella is preventable and 13 people have died and over 60 sickened. That is not a record he should be proud of. One thing that should have been done differently is that residents, their family and staff should have been properly notified.

This is another reason why the administration needs to release all the emails regarding the Quincy Veterans home.

*** UPDATE 2 *** From September of 2015

Illinois officials admit they were caught off-guard by the wave of Legionnaires’ at their veterans’ home in Quincy.

With 12 dead among 54 who contracted the disease in the past few weeks, the death toll now equals the number of fatalities during New York City’s worst-ever Legionnaires’ outbreak this summer. […]

“What we did discover is that we need to have an increased amount of treatment in our water. Um, we did not have, um, we were not aware of the level of vulnerability,” said Erica Jeffries, director, Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs. [Emphasis added.]

*** UPDATE 3 *** Chris Kennedy campaign…

It’s horrifying to hear the leader of our state say he wouldn’t have done anything differently to prevent the loss of 13 lives at the Quincy Veterans Home. Bruce Rauner’s operating principle of self-preservation above all else has no place in our state government.

He needs to cooperate with an independent investigation so our Veterans and their families can get the answers they deserve. Unfortunately, his lack of humanity and his lack of morality are preventing that from happening.

*** UPDATE 4 *** Rep. Dave McSweeney…

It’s outrageous for Governor Rauner to say that his Administration did exceptionally well and wouldn’t do anything differently. There are 13 dead veterans and spouses. Instead of patting himself on the back, the Governor should be working to secure funds to construct a new facility at the Quincy site. If he were a real leader, he would have met with President Trump and legislative leaders to develop an immediate action plan. The Governor’s comments are disgraceful.

*** UPDATE 5 *** Pritzker campaign…

“Thirteen Illinoisans died because of Bruce Rauner’s fatal mismanagement in Quincy, but this failed governor refuses to take responsibility,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “After three years of constant crises and services decimated for over a million people, Illinoisans are suffering while Rauner continues to fail this state.”

*** UPDATE 6 *** Ives campaign…

“Rauner is a press release, photo-op Governor,” said conservative reform gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives. “He would’ve never made it in the military, where you are charged to take care of the people under your charge and held accountable for what happens on your watch.”

“The only thing more shameful than the disastrous results of his absentee governorship is his complete unwillingness to answer to the Illinois veterans, and their families, whom he failed,” said Ives.

*** UPDATE 7 *** The DGA sent this out yesterday and I neglected to post it…

“Bruce Rauner’s refusal to acknowledge mistakes is exactly why he’s a failed leader,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “Thirteen people died at a state-run facility and Rauner refuses to admit his administration should have done better. And now, Rauner’s administration is hampering an investigation instead of working to find out what went wrong. Rauner needs to be honest and transparent with the public about how his government can function better, not hide behind empty statements.”

*** UPDATE 8 *** Sen. Tom Cullerton has been chairing joint committee hearings on Quincy veterans’ home…

“I am truly disappointed and saddened by the governor’s comments about his mishandling of a situation that resulted in 13 deaths. I’m disappointed because the governor is completely unaware, entirely out of touch and willing to turn a blind eye to serious issues within his own administration. I’m saddened for the families that continue to have to listen to the governor’s ignorant and callous comments. For the sake of Illinois it’s way past time for the governor to do better.”

*** UPDATE 9 *** Sen. Michael Hastings is a military veteran…

“Thirteen people dying over three years is a leadership failure in my humble opinion. Since the Governor is not in charge, he should re-evaluate who he puts in charge. However, when a task is “over-broad and burdensome,” he chooses to do nothing.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 8:51 am

Comments

  1. Bruce Rauner is exceptionally dishonest and shameless.

    Comment by Oh, please! Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:03 pm

  2. Seriously, I know this man is a horrible governor, arrogant person and a tone deaf politician, but this is above and beyond (I couldn’t type what I really think - wouldn’t pass Rich’s filter). C’mon man, people died.

    Comment by Norseman Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:10 pm

  3. Rauner lacks.

    Rauner lacks any recognized sense of compassion or onus to failing. Rauner lacks conpsssion and heartfelt sadness in him.

    Rauner lacks.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:12 pm

  4. There is really something seriously wrong with this man

    Comment by Morty Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:15 pm

  5. It still amazes me that no one has highlighted the recommendation at the Capitol Complex that they shut off the showers when they found indications that Legionella might be present. However, they are still using the showers at the Veterans home where they know that Legionella has been present.

    Comment by Blackhawk Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:15 pm

  6. This story combined with the DCFS worker who died today after an attack last September trying to save a child from a bad home. and Rauner complains about union workers and overtime pay.

    people are dying on his watch and he still thinks he’s doing a great job.

    Comment by Baloneymous Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:25 pm

  7. And when he said that to Crain’s, how did they respond?

    I read in their write up that when they asked him to respond to the fact that job creation was better under Quinn than him, he “waved that off” and said that was a distraction.

    Why do people abet his shameless dishonesty. It is so prevalent in just about everything he says.

    Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:26 pm

  8. ===“What we did discover is that we need to have an increased amount of treatment in our water. Um, we did not have, um, we were not aware of the level of vulnerability,” said Erica Jeffries, director, Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs.===

    Then this…

    ===“We handled it exceptionally well and we would not do anything different.”===

    They could’ve had a better handle on the vulnerability.

    Minimum. The absolute minimum.

    This is sickening to think that Rauner believes…

    ===“We handled it exceptionally well and we would not do anything different.”===

    … and not even acknowledging…

    ===“…we were not aware of the level of vulnerability,”===

    Is a serious issue of failure.

    Terrible, Governor. Terrible.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:28 pm

  9. –“We handled it exceptionally well and we would not do anything different.”–

    Does he not understand what he is saying?

    Maybe tell residents, families and staff what the heck is going on?

    No more stonewalling, then. Release all the documents requested by the GA. Show how your exceptional performance could not have been improved on.

    Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:29 pm

  10. and don’t forget the baby who died while other workers were asked to close cases sooner so they could win gift cards or whatever. and he wants to outsource union jobs to the private sector to pay them less money and benefits. I’m sure there are people who would take those jobs, but what kind of quality would you get?

    DCFS and Veterans Affairs workers are putting their lives on the line at their jobs for a Governor who says they make to much money while he earns $90,000 an hour.

    Comment by Baloneymous Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:29 pm

  11. Perfidy, perfidy….

    Comment by TominChicago Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:30 pm

  12. JFC.

    – MrJM

    Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:35 pm

  13. I wonder what it would look like if Rauner we’re trying.

    Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:35 pm

  14. Heartless. There is a body count. If you lack genuine compassion and your narcissism insists that you avoid responsibility by denying that you have any then let me give you a message map for a suggested response: compassion for the families, conviction about making it right, optimism for the future. Bill me.

    Comment by Smartmouth Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:35 pm

  15. Actually, I’ll bill you.

    Comment by Smartmouth Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:38 pm

  16. Didn’t watch the video but those quotes are horrible for the Rauner campaign. The ads write themselves.

    Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:45 pm

  17. Just remember this - in a few weeks Bruce Rauner will introduce his 4th balanced budget.

    And he says it with such sincerity.

    Comment by Hamlets Ghost Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 8:55 pm

  18. To Kennedy…

    ===Unfortunately, his lack of humanity and his lack of morality are preventing that from happening.===

    This is the spot on way to address this.

    Rauner is soulless it seems to the tragedy.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 9:09 pm

  19. Privileged arrogance devoid of accountability and empathy. Looks like more campaign ad material indicating his unlikeabilty

    Comment by Jaxon Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 9:11 pm

  20. I think he or company he owned did same type of thing with nursing homes in Florado

    Comment by 13th Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 9:15 pm

  21. Has any reporter requested data on how many Quincy residents died of pneumonia before 2015?

    And of those, how many were tested for the presence of legionella.

    Thanks.

    Comment by Dan Biss's Ironing Board Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 9:17 pm

  22. ==I think he or company he owned did same type of thing with nursing homes in Florado==

    Is that where snowboarding was created?

    Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 9:26 pm

  23. –Actually, I’ll bill you.–

    Good luck with that. The dude has a lifetime record of willful deadbeatism.

    Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 9:34 pm

  24. —-“We handled it exceptionally well and we would not do anything different.——

    Spoken like a man who is not in charge. People died. Staff became sick. Yet “we handled it exceptionally well.” {sigh}

    Comment by Sigh Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 9:51 pm

  25. Black screen, white letters.

    “12 people died.”

    Rauner voice over
    “We would not do anything different.”

    Repeat for the next 6 months.

    End of political hopes.

    Comment by jibba Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 9:57 pm

  26. He is either heartless or just plain vicious.
    Maybe both.

    Comment by btowntruth from forgottonia Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 9:58 pm

  27. …what does Trump have to do with it?

    Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 10:13 pm

  28. –…what does Trump have to do with it?–==

    He’s trying to get Trump and the Fox Fever Dreamer’s attention to tee off on Rauner.

    Tweet from earlier:

    –Rep. David McSweeney@1980reagan
    Failed Governor Bruce Rauner hates @realDonaldTrump and refused to endorse @realDonaldTrump over @HillaryClinton . Rauner’s record - higher taxes and more spending. @JohnCabello @JudgeJeanine @seanhannity–

    Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 10:20 pm

  29. ==He’s trying to get Trump and the Fox Fever Dreamer’s attention to tee off on Rauner.==

    That’s…odd.

    Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 10:34 pm

  30. Kennedy pounces early.

    McSweeney rips the governor.

    Dormez-vous, Pritzker and Biss campaigns?

    The reverse on Trump-Rauner is saying Rauner doesn’t stand up to Trump to Democrats and their voters. Examples can be pointed out in which Republican governors publicly opposed Obamacare repeal bills, and Rauner stayed silent. Or when Rauner took a while to condemn Trump on Charlottesville, and his weak or nonexistent responses to Trump’s words and actions.

    Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 10:40 pm

  31. –That’s…odd.–

    Not if you’d enjoy seeing Rauner getting wailed on by Trump and the Fox loudmouths.

    There’s a wee bit of tension in state GOP ranks these days.

    Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 8, 18 @ 10:43 pm

  32. I’m pretty sure my grandfather would say different.

    Comment by Glengarry Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 12:10 am

  33. @ jibba–

    And don’t forget, yesterday we were told that Quincy Veterans Home staff learned about the Legionella by the Media, not their supervisors or anyone reporting to the Governor.

    I think the ad comes pretty close to writing itself.

    Comment by Lynn S. Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 12:54 am

  34. === …we would not do anything different. ===

    I believe you. One of the many reasons you are the worst governor, make that the worst example of tone deaf privilege, I’ve ever encountered in Illinois. The only bright spot is that Trump has you beat as a national embarrassment. No thinking human being should vote for you, and as a Marine Corps veteran, I will not be. I will actively work against you this election.

    Comment by PublicServant Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 5:01 am

  35. I do health and safety for the state.

    When I first started their were like 10 inspectors for my agency….during the time of the 2nd outbreak we had like 3 or 4 statewide.

    Rauner simply is wrecking the ability for state agencies to be effective because of his attack on us workers. He really doesn’t want you to know this. I think that’s the cover up more or less is he knows he shrank these heath and safety workers.

    Comment by Anonymous Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 5:06 am

  36. succulent successfulness, I would give myself an A for things I control

    Comment by Rabid Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 7:04 am

  37. Plutocrats do not care when little people or poor die. In fact, you may think that they wish those folk would hurry up and do it. So, it is only natural that a mere 13 or so deaths would be seen as “good work” by Rauner. This is why we need fewer billionaires in our government.

    Comment by Terry Salad Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 8:33 am

  38. There’s a unique perverseness in Rauner’s patting himself on the back here. It’s narcissistic for sure — but it’s also fairly status quo for politicians these days.

    Perverse, however, is the word that stuck in my mind when I watched that Crain’s confab. Obsession, is the other word: the Madigan obsession. But we know that.

    Perversity — this one is new.

    Comment by Bobby T Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 8:42 am

  39. —-I do health and safety for the state.

    When I first started their were like 10 inspectors for my agency….during the time of the 2nd outbreak we had like 3 or 4 statewide.

    Rauner simply is wrecking the ability for state agencies to be effective because of his attack on us workers. He really doesn’t want you to know this. I think that’s the cover up more or less is he knows he shrank these heath and safety workers—-/

    Are you saying you do long term care facility inspections?

    Comment by Sigh Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:00 am

  40. New theory: Rauner’s plan is to say so much crazy stuff- “Not in charge” “exceptionally well”- that no one can focus on any one of them.

    It kinda worked for Trump.

    Comment by Arsenal Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:29 am

  41. –It kinda worked for Trump.–

    Rauner no longer has the support of an outside propaganda machine. The one he used to have is now openly hostile to him.

    Comment by wordslinger Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:36 am

  42. ===“He would’ve never made it in the military, where you are charged to take care of the people under your charge and held accountable for what happens on your watch.”===

    Maybe a lil better edit was needed there. I’m not saying this statement is wrong, but…

    ===“The only thing more shameful than the disastrous results of his absentee governorship is his complete unwillingness to answer to the Illinois veterans, and their families, whom he failed,” said Ives.===

    This is actually well said.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:36 am

  43. “We handled it exceptionally well and we would not do anything different.”

    What is left unsaid is “… once word of the deaths got out to the public.”

    Comment by Huh? Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:37 am

  44. ==Maybe a lil better edit was needed there.==

    Maybe, but it wouldn’t hurt her a bit to talk about her military service *more*, even if she has to awkwardly shoehorn it in.

    Comment by Arsenal Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:38 am

  45. @ Sigh: could it also be possible that the person who made that statement is in Public Health? “Health and safety” covers a lot of ground, doesn’t just mean nursing home inspectors.

    The department my sibling works in has seen similar cutbacks. Sibling is 45 and the youngest person, lowest level person in that job description.

    Sibling questions when State will replace retiring co-workers, or is plan to kill department by attrition? And sibling’s department covers how chemicals are used around people, so think about that for a few minutes.

    (And there is a reason I am avoiding pronouns that might reveal gender.)

    Comment by Lynn S. Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:39 am

  46. ==Rauner no longer has the support of an outside propaganda machine. The one he used to have is now openly hostile to him.==

    1) I was mostly snarking;
    2) Couldn’t he just buy a new one?
    3) Or better yet, buy the old one again? Look, ProPublica has made it clear that they’re for sale, he’s just gotta find their price.

    Comment by Arsenal Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:40 am

  47. I dub thee Governor Rauner shall now beith forward called Cadet Photo-op.

    Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:41 am

  48. Raunie, you’re doing a heckuva job.

    Comment by Whatever Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:47 am

  49. Rauner no longer has the support of an outside propaganda machine. The one he used to have is now openly hostile to him.

    Have you ever heard of the Chicago Tribune?

    Comment by Real Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:48 am

  50. Ives, McSweeney and Kifowit… there’s a real brain trust.

    Comment by Just Visiting Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:48 am

  51. –Have you ever heard of the Chicago Tribune?–

    There are reporters there who play it straight. It will be interesting to see what marching orders Ferro gives the edit board going forward.

    Comment by wordslinger Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:55 am

  52. @LynnS-I would assume the person worked at IDPH based on “When I first started their were like 10 inspectors for my agency….during the time of the 2nd outbreak we had like 3 or 4 statewide.” However, in order to confirm the anonymous comment or the implied comment that at the time of the 2nd outbreak, there was a staffing issue, people need more details before they go on a research mission to confirm the connection to the legionella outbreak.

    If this person would not inspect the Quincy Home & is in a different bureau, then that is an entirely separate discussion. Yes, staffing levels are down.

    —- And sibling’s department covers how chemicals are used around people, so think about that for a few minutes——

    Ok. That department could be Department of Agiculture and pesticides or 3 other state agencies.

    Comment by Sigh Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 10:09 am

  53. Is Rauner a veteran? If so, can they sentence him to the Veteran’s Home? He seems to like it there…

    Comment by downstate commissioner Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 10:12 am

  54. He has to be trying to lose at this point. Nobody can be this politically inept.

    Comment by So_Ill Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 10:12 am

  55. “We handled it exceptionally well and we would not do anything different.”

    These things happen.
    Never been happier

    Comment by Langhorne Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 10:13 am

  56. ==If so, can they sentence him to the Veteran’s Home? ==

    It’s not supposed to be a *punishment*…

    Comment by Arsenal Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 10:14 am

  57. I had real hopes for Governor Rauner and he had some ideas I agreed and still agree with…

    That being said.

    It isn’t working. I’ve kind of known it for a while, but this response kind of makes it obvious to me.

    Even a business perspective on this whole situation would require a response like this.

    “We need to take a long look at our processes and procedures and figure out what we could have done better and what we did wrong. Obviously, this shouldn’t have happened, but it did. We need to figure out how we can reduce the risk of it happening again.”

    That isn’t that hard, come on man, people died, that is never a ‘good enough’ situation.

    Instead, you responded like I would expect a politician to respond.

    One of the things I had really wanted you to bring to the government was an improved ability and desire to identify what wasn’t working, what was being done because that was the way we always did it. That hasn’t seemed to have happened yet either.

    You are still a better pick than Ives, so you got that going for you.

    To my Democratic friends, be careful pinning your hopes to a rich guy without government experience.

    Comment by OneMan Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 10:27 am

  58. Wonder what part GovJunk was “handled”? The funerals?

    Comment by Annonin' Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 10:31 am

  59. By the end of the three day weekend, if there are no ads crushing Rauner on this or the blind trust lie then I’m at a loss.

    Can OW,WS, Michelle or any other of our excellent commenters tell me what Pritzker is waiting for.

    Comment by don the legend Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 10:35 am

  60. Rauner said he wouldn’t do anything different. So if re-elected we can look forward to four more years of Rauner getting caught off-guard by potentially deadly situations.

    Comment by A Jack Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 10:43 am

  61. Ohh boy… these general election ads are writing themselves. TV stations reporting the deaths followed by that question and answer. ouch

    Comment by Person 8 Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 10:43 am

  62. Never a Legionnaire’s outbreak at our state-run facilities under a prior governor.

    Never a Legionnaire’s outbreak at any government-run facility in any of the fifty state’s that I can find.

    13 dead, Governor Rauner. If you really believe that is the best you can do, you should resign.

    Speaking of which: why is it your administration has not released any data on the number of child deaths in Illinois since July, something every other governor has provided on a monthly basis going back over 30 years?

    https://www.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/newsandreports/Documents/CANStat.pdf

    Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 10:57 am

  63. ===By the end of the three day weekend, if there are no ads crushing Rauner on this or the blind trust lie then I’m at a loss.===

    What Rauner did in 2014 was swamp everyone and took control of the campaign and the narrative and never, ever let go.

    Here is where Pritzker really is missing this whole thing.

    They had a chance to lay out that they led, were leading, and had the cash to continually own the day.

    Where are they now?

    They’re upside down in polling.

    That’s a Crew error.

    The candidate with the most resources and the best chance to own the day, every day, now is upside down in polling.

    Why they’ve been so passive has been a head scratcher.

    Someone missed the whole “what did you say to the FBI” question.

    That’s a standard self Oppo question…

    “Been involved in any court cases? Criminal? Ever been interviewed by law inforcement? FBI?”

    They freely admitted they have no idea what could be out there. That’s not a great look.

    I’ve wondered for now seems like weeks…

    Where o where is the “blind trust - broken trust” ad.

    They seem to be trying to get their bearing back, but the issues of this campaign are really being seen, like literally being so passive to the obvious strengths, and now instead of building on a huge swamping of messaging to offset these tapes, that they knew existed or not (but knew J.B. talked to the FBI), we have a free-falling where Mary Ann Ahern is calling out things on Twitter.

    Maybe their biggest issue isn’t the back porch ad?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 11:00 am

  64. =To my Democratic friends, be careful pinning your hopes to a rich guy without government experience.=

    Being a rich guy, Democrat or Republican doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t effectively govern. Rick Scott and Mark Dayton are two examples of rich guys who seem to be doing ok in their respective states.

    Comment by Pundent Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 11:08 am

  65. Mark Dayton’s first elective office wasn’t governor…

    Comment by OneMan Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 11:12 am

  66. –Rick Scott and Mark Dayton are two examples of rich guys who seem to be doing ok in their respective states.–

    Rick Scott is not your poster boy for taking action to prevent deaths at long-term-care homes.

    Comment by wordslinger Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 11:19 am

  67. I can only hope JB and/or all 3 Dem candidates for Governor come up with a combination of ad buys that hit upon the “blind trust = broken trust”, the constant lies by the Gov and the Quincy veteran fiasco and start them ASAP and keep playing them until the March primary is over.

    Comment by Honeybadger Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 11:20 am

  68. Obviously Scott has a history with issues and yes Dayton did hold office before being elected governor. But I offer both as examples of why being “rich” isn’t of itself a reason to think that an elected official can’t be effective. In the same way that I wouldn’t vote for a candidate simply because they were a successful business person I also wouldn’t see that success as disqualifying.

    Comment by Pundent Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 11:53 am

  69. You can always expect Michael Hastings to wrap himself in the flag on these and be partisan on these occasions.
    He never mentions how his Dem machine father greased his West Point appointment with Durbin and that he had a desk job while in the Army. Its always the guys who did the least that talk the most.

    Comment by Essential Earl Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 11:56 am

  70. =To my Democratic friends, be careful pinning your hopes to a rich guy without government experience.=

    Being a rich guy, Democrat or Republican doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t effectively govern. Rick Scott and Mark Dayton are two examples of rich guys who seem to be doing ok in their respective states.

    Guess I missed where I said.
    To my Democratic friends, be careful pinning your hopes to a rich guy or a guy without government experience.

    Comment by OneMan Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 12:03 pm

  71. @- Sigh - Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 9:00 am:

    ===I do health and safety for the state.

    When I first started their were like 10 inspectors for my agency….during the time of the 2nd outbreak we had like 3 or 4 statewide.===

    I have seen mid-level public sector administrators laugh about their immunity from federal OSHA. All sorts of practices go on that would result in a large fine if a private sector employer was caught by OSHA. The public administrators misrepresent the OSHA response of “we have no jurisdiction” to say “OSHA is not going to even come out to look at this, BECAUSE IT IS SAFE”. The state inspectors usually only come out in cases where a public employee is killed on the job, such as when an employee of Glendale Heights drowned in an underground sewer accident. At that time I read in a newspaper that there were only 3 inspectors to cover the entire state. I thought that was a misprint, but what you said seems to confirm that number.

    I have a question. I have heard that no matter how egregious a safety violation a state inspector writes up, no fine is involved, just a report saying what should be corrected, and they have 30 days to correct it. Is this true?

    Comment by DuPage Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 12:14 pm

  72. Rauners statement is rather crass

    Comment by Rabid Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 12:43 pm

  73. ==We handled it exceptionally well and we would not do anything different.==

    First of all it couldn’t have been the royal “we.” He’s not in charge of anything.

    Second, he’s got an odd definition of exceptionally well given the number of people that died and the failure to inform anyone.

    Comment by Demoralized Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 1:26 pm

  74. @ DuPage- I think there is a little confusion. I copied the response from an a comment that I was asking for further information on. I have no knowledge of inspectors being down to 3 or 4 - someone else said that. But I believe the overall state employee numbers are down.

    —-I have a question. I have heard that no matter how egregious a safety violation a state inspector writes up, no fine is involved, just a report saying what should be corrected, and they have 30 days to correct it. Is this true—-

    I can’t honestly answer your question bc each state agency is different and it depends on the type of violation and the statutory and administrative regulations.

    Comment by Sigh Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 2:29 pm

  75. @Sigh-Sorry, I misread the post. My question should have been to Anonymous 5:06AM

    @Anonymous 5:06AM ===I do health and safety for the state.

    When I first started their were like 10 inspectors for my agency….during the time of the 2nd outbreak we had like 3 or 4 statewide.===

    My question was actually in response to your post. Would you happen to know about the policies regarding state and local governments never being fined for health and safety violations?

    Comment by DuPage Friday, Feb 9, 18 @ 3:01 pm

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