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Rauner says he’ll file end of term report, clear clemency backlog

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Illinois

* Jim Thompson commissioned a book on his way out the door after 14 years as governor…

“The Governor, at the beginning of each annual session of the General Assembly and at the close of his term of office, shall report to the General Assembly on the condition of the State and recommend such measures as he deems desirable,” the Illinois Constitution says.

Rauner vows to do just that.

“Governors haven’t done it for, I don’t know how long, a long time,” Rauner said. “But we’re going to be issuing a report of our term; initiatives, activities, services, accomplishments, incompletes.”

I cannot wait.

* This, however, is a good idea…

Rauner said he plans to clear any clemency request backlog

He inherited a huge backlog from Blagojevich and Quinn.

* Also a good idea...

“I will not be issuing many executive orders that could undermine the efforts of the new administration,” Rauner said. “I will not be rushing to make appointments to fill positions with cronies as was done with prior administrations. That’s just not proper policy.”

Quinn issued several EOs on his way out.

* Meanwhile, the very capable Jennifer Hammer has left her job as director of the Department of Insurance. There was some confusion at the end, however. From an internal staff memo…

Dear Staff,

Yesterday, Director Hammer announced her departure and nomination of CJ Metcalf to replace her as Acting Director. However, in coordination with the governor’s office, it has been decided that I will fill the acting director role. I look forward to partnering with CJ and the rest of the staff to continue to implement DOI’s mission and vision. My goal is to create a seamless transition to the next administration. Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication.

Very respectfully,

Karin Zosel
Chief Operating Officer
Illinois Department of Insurance

The governor appointed Zosel as acting director yesterday.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 1:43 pm

Comments

The list of initiatives, activities, services, accomplishments could be written on a 3×5 card with room to spare.

The list of incompletes could rival the OED.

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:00 pm
===“I will not be issuing many executive orders that could undermine the efforts of the new administration,” Rauner said. “I will not be rushing to make appointments to fill positions with cronies as was done with prior administrations. That’s just not proper policy.”

Seriously–good for Rauner. I appreciate this bit of good governance at the end.

Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:00 pm
Would be a lot more meaningful if he had “cronies”

Comment by LizPhairTax Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:08 pm
“Rauner said he plans to clear any clemency request backlog”

Let’s hope he does so.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:13 pm
Both Rauner and Emanuel seem to have taken heightened interests in their jobs on their way out the door.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:14 pm
Maybe he could also stop wasting taxpayer dollars on the backpay lawsuit that he already lost.

Good to work on the clemency backlog. Do something useful this month.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:20 pm
==Yesterday, Director Hammer announced her departure and nomination of CJ Metcalf to replace her as Acting Director. However, in coordination with the governor’s office, it has been decided that I will fill the acting director role. ==

Low class to the bitter end. I know CJ, he’s a good dude who knows his stuff and doesn’t deserve to be jerked around like that. “In coordination with…” sure it was, and not because the hack threw a fit when she found out she got passed over. Ah well, will be marched out in early February anyway

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:23 pm
“….heightened interest in their jobs on the way out the door.”
It’s like the last 10 seconds in a boxing round, ‘go like heck’ and try to influence the judges on that round. Its a legacy move. Probably won’t have much effect on the judges.

Comment by Matts Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:27 pm
I second ArchPundit’s sentiment. Classy move by Rauner.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:29 pm
Clearing the clemency backlog — that’s really admirable. Kudos to the Governor and his staff.

Comment by Dan Johnson Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:31 pm
CJ is well-liked, capable, and has been there for quite a while through a number of administrations. New administration take note. He will serve you well if you let him.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:43 pm
Considering he denies the vast majority of the clemency petitions I guess it will be pretty easy to clear the rest out.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:48 pm
“Jenny trying to give her husband’s hockey buddy the director position.” Karin plays hockey too.

Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:53 pm
Most of it finally doing the job governor. I am really interested in what the governor claims as accomplishments

Comment by Union thug Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 2:53 pm
More of a short story of fiction than a report.

Comment by Jibba Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 3:12 pm
At this point, the only remaining question for this ‘ovenor is which costume he wears for the portrait.

Comment by qcrpe890u[ Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 3:13 pm
–Quinn issued several EOs on his way out.–

Yes, and Rauner junked them in one swoop.

Rauner already issued new executive orders that won’t take actual or practical effect until later, like EOs 18-6 and 18-7, both of which have provisions that take effect in January 2019.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 3:40 pm
Hey Rich. That would be a good question of the day. Accomplishments of the governor. Make it real fun and allow past governor’s

Comment by Union thug Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 3:43 pm
You do you. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. #hasbeen

Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 3:44 pm
Please just leave Bruce.

Comment by El Conquistador Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 4:33 pm
Rauner’s book will have two words: Fire Madigan

Comment by Angry Republican Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 4:44 pm
–Clearing the clemency backlog — that’s really admirable. Kudos to the Governor and his staff.–

I think I’ll wait to review what actions he actually takes before reaching a judgment.

Words are easy.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 8:30 pm
So…does that mean he just denies all of them? That will clear the backlog and not allow anyone else to consider the seriousness of the claim.

Comment by Union Thug Gramma Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 9:41 pm
From press releases I’ve seen, he’s clearing the clemency backlog by granting practically none. I guess that’s better than Blagojevich, who just ignored them.

Comment by Waterloo Fan Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 9:48 pm
Congrats on the bold promise to erase the clemency backlog, Governor….

Lumping Blago’s clemency record in with Quinn’s is ridiculously unfair… Blago ignored them, Quinn addressed them. Applications surged under Quinn when applicants, advocates, and attorneys realized there was an actual shot at having an application reviewed.

Just as Blago ignored most of them, Rauner has denied most of them… Seems that an honest review takes time, even if it means you don’t get good headlines about the numbers… Fully confident that Pritzker will inherit ZERO petitions… Congrats to Bruce on that…

But how many meritorious applications from decent people seeking a second chance is he going to deny to reach his goal? Will he be able to discuss any applications he honestly had a hard time deciding? How many hours are he and the remaining superstars going to spend reviewing them?

Whatever his faults are, Rahm’s sprinting to the finish of his term and throwing out some bold ideas to set the agenda for the mayor’s race.. Rauner, just like his campaign and entire term in office, is complaining about his predecessor from 4 years ago and, and making promises that sound impressive but ultimately hurt some deserving, disadvantaged people who depend upon state government for help in a tough time…

Here’s hoping that Bruce actually looks at some clemency applications in the next month rather than just denying them as he as in the past.

Comment by Bruce, Bruce, Bruce.... Thursday, Dec 13, 18 @ 11:06 pm
As soon as Rauner lost you gave of all pretense of neutral journalism and just started openly mocking and deriding him.

Says a lot about your character.

Comment by Political Animal Friday, Dec 14, 18 @ 7:46 am