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Mapes starts consulting firm, blasted by accuser

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Illinois

* On Point Consultant appears to be his own firm. And I don’t think he was at the Statehouse proper last week. He was around town, however…

Tim Mapes, who was ousted as Speaker Mike Madigan’s Chief of Staff earlier this year, has landed a new job in the state capital. […]

NBC 5 has learned Mapes has been hired as a Principal Consultant for On Point Consultants, and he was spotted this week at the State Capitol during the veto session.

While he was removed from his powerful positions tied to Speaker Madigan, political observers note Mapes will now be allowed to use those same connections and resources that he acquired after years of experience to help get things done in Springfield for his clients.

Mapes told NBC 5 he was not commenting on his new position.

* Press release…

In response to reports that Tim Mapes, former chief of staff to House Speaker Michael J. Madigan and executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois, has returned to work as a consultant in Springfield, Sherri Garrett, the statehouse employee who in June came forward with sexual harassment allegations against Mr. Mapes, issued the following statement on Friday:

“I was alarmed to learn that Mr. Mapes is apparently mounting a comeback in Springfield. Men who have been serially abusive in the workplace should not be able to simply take on a new job–in this case, ‘consulting’–and reenter that same workplace. Now, no longer a government employee, Mr. Mapes has even less accountability than he did before. He answers to no one.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Mapes isn’t the only harasser who has attempted to salvage his career by returning to Springfield as a ‘consultant,’ in some cases making even more money with even less recourse for bad behavior than before. We’re seeing a pattern emerge where these men are, in effect, rewarded for their abuse with lucrative contracts and little oversight. Victims of sexual misconduct everywhere should find this pattern alarming.

“We should all take issue with anyone who, even in this midst of the #MeToo movement, still happily hires known harassers or abusers as ‘consultants’ for their businesses in Springfield.”

Your thoughts?

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:21 am

Comments

Again.. the quality of reporting by Ms. Ahern is questionable.. Mr Mapes WAS NOT in the capitol building or “area” last week.. And again, the #metoo movement is only for one thing THE DEATH PENALTY.. I see why a number of women in Springfield are getting tired with this..

Comment by NotRich Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:26 am
Mapes has a right to try to make a living….and folks have a right to ask Mike Madigan if he’ll promise not to hire On Point Consultants for anything.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:28 am
I agree with Robert the Bruce.

Comment by Saluki Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:33 am
My thoughts are starting to be that the Kavanugh defenders had a point. It pains me to say that as my politics are anything but sympathetic to conservatives.

Comment by low level Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:35 am
Curious to know who his clients are.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:37 am
He’ll have no contact w her im certain. I agree w NotRich.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:39 am
“the #metoo movement is only for one thing THE DEATH PENALTY.”

What does that mean? I guess it’s Monday on a short week because I am having a hard time parsing how a movement about ending sexual harassment/assault is only for the death penalty.

“I see why a number of women . . .” Is that number like binders full of women?

Comment by Thankful for Turkey Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:40 am
I do not think that Mapes should be branded with a scarlet letter and denied any opportunity to earn an income at the Statehouse.

What he did was wrong. He was publicly humiliated for it. He lost his job and was stripped of his titles.

These are the proper punishments for his behavior.

If Ms Garrett or others think that justice has not been satisfied, they have recourse to justice through the civil courts.

But I think it odd — very odd — that we should decry the alleged “blacklisting” of Alaina Hampton and publicly demand it in Mapes’ case.

He’s a private citizen now, let him be.

Comment by Hester Prynne Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:42 am
So I am glad people are tracking the whereabouts of Mr. Mapes besides Mary Ann Ahern since people apparently know he wasn’t in the area.

Interesting question, since it seems he was not always the nicest guy to everyone is there anything to recommend him as a lobbyist besides his recent closeness to power?

Comment by OneMan Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:46 am
@Thankful for Turkey - THANK YOU! We’re all supposed to say our piece and go away? No.

As for Alaina Hampton, she’s still blacklisted, while Mr. Mapes forms what I assume will be a highlight lucrative “consulting” firm. And THAT’S the difference!

You know what I’m tired of? Men acting like getting caught for lifelong bad behavior should just be forgiven. A few months in exile and everyone forgets. So glad we all spoke up…

Comment by Because I said so... Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:47 am
Mapes can Mapes all he wants. the question is can he fly under the radar or will his presence become a constant reminder of Madigan’s lip service to the #Meetoo movement?

Comment by Iggy Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 9:48 am
=== But I think it odd — very odd — that we should decry the alleged “blacklisting” of Alaina Hampton and publicly demand it in Mapes’ case.===

Mapes paid for his failures and shortcomings. He is no threat.

Comment by anon2 Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:01 am
@Because…

I thought Hampton was working on the McCready race in North Carolina? No?

Seems like she would have a good shot at a post on the Lt Gov staff.

Comment by Hester Prynne Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:08 am
It will be difficult to know his client list. Since he is not lobbying, registration will not be required.. purely consulting on various issues..
As far as Ms. Ahern.. “people in glass houses”…

Comment by NotRich Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:13 am
@Hester, are you comparing working on a campaign to a new consulting business by Mapes? If you don’t understand the difference, that’s a problem.

Comment by Because I said so... Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:15 am
–But I think it odd — very odd — that we should decry the alleged “blacklisting” of Alaina Hampton and publicly demand it in Mapes’ case.

She is a victim. He is a perpetrator. The fact that you see no difference tells me all that I need to know about the way you view what he did.

Comment by Urban Girl Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:19 am
Noted

Comment by Langhorne Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:20 am
Hampton has been all over. A simple google search will can confirm this.

==since it seems he was not always the nicest guy to everyone is there anything to recommend him as a lobbyist besides his recent closeness to power?==

Winning elections in difficult districts; helping to bring Dems back to power after near wipeout; having worked w numerous current and former policymakers.

To Because I said so: there was no pattern of harassment. Mapes made a mistake and was fired immediately. In Decreamer’s case it was because he yelled at someone? Im tired of women treating every man who made a mistake as if he was Harvey Weinstein when a pattern was present over years.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:27 am
–Since he is not lobbying, registration will not be required.. purely consulting on various issues..–

I was born in the daytime, but not yesterday…..

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:29 am
All the women he helped elect and progressive policies he helped enact… all that counts for nada. He should work, if it all, at McDonalds? Thats the attitude. Wonderful

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:38 am
Taking a glance at the look back machine shows there have been plenty of lobbyist who have had checkered pasts and have done remarkably well in the consulting business. Just show up at the rail I you will run into at least a half dozen on any given day.

Comment by Been There Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:39 am
==is there anything to recommend him as a lobbyist besides his recent closeness to power?==

Is there ever? The two qualifications for lobbying at the state house have always seemed to me to be either previous proximity to power, or nepotism. Lobbying has never really been a career path available to just anyone with a bachelors degree

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:59 am
“Lobbying has never really been a career path available to just anyone with a bachelors degree”

There are no doubt plenty of lobbyists who fit your cynical view, but your blanket statement is wrong. There are a lot of us that didn’t come through the Speaker’s staff nor related to a legislator.

Comment by Kyle Hillman Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:17 am
===There are no doubt plenty of lobbyists who fit your cynical view, but your blanket statement is wrong. There are a lot of us that didn’t come through the Speaker’s staff nor related to a legislator. ====
I will agree Kyle except there is a difference between a contract lobbyist who needs to get clients and one who is in-house. Contract lobbyist tend to get their clients because they have those prior connections. In-house lobbyist can learn on the job. But if they in turn go out and become a contract lobbyist its because of their previous relationships also.

Comment by Been There Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:58 am
Anon 10:27- “To Because I said so: there was no pattern of harassment.”

Um, that’s not what Ms. Garrett said. I also think Rep. Cassidy may take issue with that characterization.

A lot of posters seem to know a lot about what Mapes is planning. If I were a client or a campaign, I would think really really hard about hiring him. The risk/reward doesn’t add up.

From what I hear, Mapes is a capable administrator. I’m sure there are plenty of positions for him that don’t involve state government.

Comment by Anonchalant Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:03 pm
Maybe Sherri Garrett should start a Go Fund Me account for Tim Mapes so he won’t have to support himself.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:06 pm
If the original post would have said contract lobbyist, I could debate this… but it didn’t. It said “The two qualifications for lobbying at the state house have always seemed to me to be either previous proximity to power, or nepotism.” I am saying that just isn’t true for a lot of us.

Comment by Kyle Hillman Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:16 pm
If all the other victims Men and Women would come forward on this guy and tell all that he has done to them over the years a lot of you people would not be so quick to jump in his corner , also not going to shed a tear for someone who could just fade away and collect over $11,000 a month in retirement.

Comment by Anon32 Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:18 pm
Rain maker.

Comment by NoGifts Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:31 pm
==If all the other victims Men and Women would come forward on this guy and tell all that he has done to them over the years a lot of you people would not be so quick to jump in his corner ==

I think I will give him the benefit of the doubt on complaints that have not been made.

Comment by Bigtwich Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:48 pm
===I am saying that just isn’t true for a lot of us. ====
Agree

Comment by Been There Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:04 pm
Until we know who, if anyone, has hired or will hire him or his firm, this is pretty much a non-story. If Madigan tries to rehire him, even through some number of intermediaries, then it becomes a story.

Comment by Perrid Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:05 pm
DeCramer seems to have landed and survived as will Mr. Mapes

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:13 pm
==if the numerous people came forward you wouldnt jump=

Then come forward. Personally I found him very professional and everyone else I worked w under him I think would say the same.

Its interesting that years later, years after service, the renegades like Erwin and Kasak havent come forward w tales of how bad it was if he was really so awful.

Comment by low leveland Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:24 pm
Mr. MAPES really should consider new license plates. They are really hard to miss around the capitol drive.

Comment by mocking jay Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:27 pm
So if you are accused of any conversations or comments deamed inappropriate, you should be punished for a lifetime. Don’t you think that is just a wee bit crazy?

Comment by Mrs Doubt Fire Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:31 pm
==Curious to know who his clients are.==

I’m with Sling on this one. Hmmm.

Comment by A guy Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:44 pm
the moderator of this site has an agenda…no free speech zone here

Comment by Spfld voter Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:48 pm
–the moderator of this site has an agenda…no free speech zone here–

I don’t know — your whiny victim message is coming through loud and clear.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:06 pm
===the moderator of this site has an agenda===

Yep. And part of the agenda is to keep morons like you off my site.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:22 pm
…Won’t see him no more.

Anyone else care to test me today?

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:29 pm
==My thoughts are starting to be that the Kavanugh defenders had a point. It pains me to say that as my politics are anything but sympathetic to conservatives.==

Does it? Does it pain you? You seem fine.

Bigger picture, as the list of men outed for sexual harassment and assault grows longer, this is an issue we’re going to have to address collectively. Based on this thread, it’s going to get really uncomfortable and feel really icky for a lot of you.

Comment by Who else Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:33 pm
Can someone inform my new State Rep, Anne Stava-Murray of this new development for Mr. Mapes? I would LOVE to know what she thinks of this. Perhaps Mapes could consult with her on how to best succeed under the dome?

Comment by Flat Bed Ford Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:40 pm
He lost his job and his reputation is damaged beyond repair. He has a right to try and make a living. I would have tried a different line of work.

Comment by Dodger's Blue Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:51 pm
I agree with Kyle some of us work hard to get and keep our clients.

Comment by Austinman Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:53 pm
“there was no pattern of harassment. Mapes made a mistake and was fired immediately.”

𝘼 mistake? Nope.

Garrett spoke of brash conversations either overheard or had with Mapes regarding a wave of sexual harassment problems in Springfield.

In one instance in April, Garrett claims she heard Mapes tell a colleague, “Are you going to sex training today?” That was in reference to mandatory sexual harassment training which state employees, members of the Illinois General Assembly and their staff and lobbyists had to undergo as part of Madigan’s response to a harassment problem under the dome.

Other examples included a December 2014 conversation in which Mapes allegedly told her not show her “pink bra” at an inauguration event. In two other incidents, Garrett claims Mapes swept harassment allegations under the rug when women came to her with allegations of sexual harassment.

In one, Garrett said she was approached by a young woman in September 2015 who had worked in the clerk’s office. She alleged sexual harassment allegations against a member of the House Democratic Caucus and came to Garrett.

When Garrett told Mapes about the situation, Mapes allegedly told Garrett; “Are you reporting the situation because you are upset the representative isn’t paying attention to you?”

Garrett said there is no “safe path” in Springfield for women to report harassment. She said she hasn’t gone directly to Madigan because she’d have to make an appointment through Mapes.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/woman-unleashes-harassment-claims-against-madigan-chief-of-staff-tim-mapes/

If don’t want to believe Sherri Garrett, I won’t try to change your mind — but don’t try to minimize the repeated sexual misconduct that Garrett alleges.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 3:12 pm
Why is everything either good or bad. The guy harassed and abused A LOT of staffers over the years. He paid a price that he deserved to pay. Sherri has concerns that the guy will continue harassing and intimidating. That is likely considering his past power and access. Madigan should know he should not be there. Go work somewhere else. Not the state capitol.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 3:12 pm
Misterjem -
Very well. And he was terminated immediately. Is further remedy required?

Comment by low level Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 3:16 pm
Sheesh you guys are a touchy bunch, aren’t you? Sorry Kyle, didn’t mean to offend. Yes, I meant contract lobbyists - I tend to draw distinction between the two subgroups in my mind and didn’t think the clarification was necessary.

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 3:57 pm
I wouldn’t say that as a consultant Mapes is now less accountable. People have a right to make amends and start anew. I am certain that with all of the controversy, past sins will not be repeated. I do hate for anyone to experience negative behavior, especially having experienced it to the extent that I have. However, I judge people solely upon my own direct and personal experience and not upon hearsay. I am fortunate that as a female, my experience with Mapes was always positive, and I wish him the best of luck.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 4:21 pm
“And he was terminated immediately. Is further remedy required?”

When an employee is fired for malfeasance, it’s at least in part to minimize bad behavior in the workplace by ensuring that the bad actor is no longer in the workplace in which they engaged in bad behavior.

It’s the reason why employees who steal are banned from the stores from which they stole.

“You abused our staff so badly that we’re terminating you immediately — but come on back anytime.”

That would be a very curious approach to managing a workplace.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 4:27 pm
I find it very curious that Ahern reported that Mapes “landed a new job.” He hired himself after forming a business for himself. Does she not know what “Principal” means in the context of being one for a company? I generally like her work, but this is some very weak sauce.

Comment by Shevek Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 5:23 pm
== I judge people solely upon my own direct and personal experience and not upon hearsay.==

I guess it needs to be said again that just because a person has not harassed or assaulted you does not mean they have not harassed or assaulted someone else. If they have not harassed you, but have harassed others, you are fortunate.

I recall almost everyone in Springfield wearing black to show solidarity with women when the metoo conversation began. It’s gonna take more than an outfit choice to end this.

Comment by Emily Miller Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 7:19 pm
Hey. Who used my sign in name. That was not me Rich.

Comment by Who Else Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 10:27 pm
==I recall almost everyone in Springfield wearing black to show solidarity with women when the metoo conversation began. It’s gonna take more than an outfit choice to end this–

Emily Miller has game.

Like I will beat you reactionaries like a rented mule in spectacular fashion with my reason and decency — game.

Good on you, mate.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 20, 18 @ 12:02 am