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* Tim Timoney is a former Sangamon County Democratic Party Chairman and, aside from his local law practice and part ownership of a restaurant, he’s also Logan County’s chief public defender. Timoney is hoping to be appointed to a Sangamon County associate judgeship.
Keep all that in mind when reading Bernie’s column…
In August 2017, [Timoney] posted a story [on Facebook] about an off-duty Chicago fire lieutenant fatally shooting a teenage carjacker.
“I guess that punk learned his lesson,” Timoney wrote. “Concealed Carry: Reducing crime, one punk at a time.”
In December 2018, he posted a story about groups of youths, identified as mobs, attacking people on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, with four people injured and one arrested.
“Sounds more like animals let out of their cages,” Timoney wrote. “We need to bring back law and order.”
When I contacted him about his Facebook posts, Timoney told me he was “offended by my opinions being criticized. I’m not a sitting judge.” He said people are entitled to their opinions, and his posts “just express the frustrations that many people have in today’s world.” […]
In a 2018 post about a few downstate lawmakers calling for Chicago to be the 51st state, Timoney posted thumbs-up and praying-hands emojis.
There’s lots more, so go read the rest.
This is a free country. You are free to post whatever pops into your precious little head on Facebook, but people are also free to hold you account for your actions.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 9:45 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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===You are free to post whatever pops into your precious little head on Facebook, but people are also free to hold you account for your actions.===
Yup.
Comment by OutOfState Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 9:49 am
Freedom to say it, not freedom from consequences.
Comment by Anon E Moose Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 9:52 am
Playing to his audience , but what Anon E Moose said.
Comment by NothsideNoMore Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 9:53 am
Very poor judgement! Facebook is not a place for professionals. Why the need to go on Facebook? Measure your response my friend!
Comment by Professor Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 9:56 am
Tim has simply proven what many have been saying for years. He is a Democrat by bloodline only (his father Larry was a Northend Democrat leader}.
Tim is a typical Springfield Dem who graduated from SHG and is part of the good ole boy network of SHG grads who like to play both sides of the aisle, always looking for a contract or job for themselves or their kids or their cousin or relative and willing to put on any party label to get what they want.
When Tim was county chair the local candidates would tell you never trust him or his word as he was always playing ball with the local GOP.
He is about as much as a Dem as JB is a Republican. He can’t stand the heat now that his words are public.
Comment by Give Me A Break Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 9:58 am
wow…had no idea
Comment by Dozer Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:02 am
Tim Timoney, Tim Timoney, Tim Tim, Is Poo
Comment by A State Employee Guy Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:02 am
With rights come responsibilities. Say what you want be prepared to face the reaction.
Comment by Kevin Highland Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:02 am
===“Sounds more like animals let out of their cages,” Timoney wrote. “We need to bring back law and order.”===
That’s the public defender talking. Wow.
The most important quality a judge can have is an open mind and a commitment to fairness. Comments like this tell me he probably lacks the proper temperament and character to be a judge. Glad that Bernie exposed this side of the story.
There shouldn’t be any room on the bench for this guy.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:04 am
“There’s lots more, so go read the rest.”
There is much more and it was actually much worse than I’d imagined.
This man shouldn’t be a dog catcher, much less a public defender, much much less a judge of any kind.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:06 am
Let me admit up front that I know nothing about this man other than what I read about him.
Having said that- with opinions like these, did the defendants he represented get an adequate defense presented in court? Because this article gives me pause. Do his cases need reviewed looking for grounds to appeal?
Comment by thoughts matter Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:12 am
==offended by my opinions being criticized==
I’m offended by your offense. You are asking to be a judge. Your comments call into question your integrity and character. Judges should be held to a high standard. Based on your comments you don’t even come close to meeting the bar necessary to become a judge.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:14 am
I can’t decide what’s dumber, the opinions themselves or the online airing of them.
Comment by Ben Gazzara Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:18 am
Taking both into consideration, this is not a guy who should be on a public payroll.
Comment by Ben Gazzara Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:18 am
Sounds like a 1968 Democrat to me. Is he planning to go to Milwaukee for the 2020 convention?
Comment by Angry Republican Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:20 am
The guy is a lawyer and doesn’t understand that while he has the right to express himself, he has to deal with the consequences of that expression?
He is sounding like Donald Trump.
Comment by Just Me Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:23 am
I’m so glad he’s finally being called out on this stuff that has been going on for years with no professional consequences
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:34 am
Lots of motions going to be coming from his PD clients raising ineffective counsel
Comment by DuPage Saint Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:35 am
Give Me A Break is exactly right about the SHG boys club that dominates Springfield and Sangamon County. I’m an SHG (well, just G at the time) grad myself from the same era and hate it. Truly an entitled lot.
Comment by The 11th Hour Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:42 am
You can have opinions, you can even voice them but don’t think for a second you can’t be held accountable for them.
Comment by Truthteller Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 10:43 am
I look forward to the results of the local Bar Association survey on his suitability for judgeship. I am hoping it is a resounding rejection.
Comment by Langhorne Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:03 am
Rich, your last two sentences should be posted on every Facebook page.
The only good news coming out of Bernie’s column is that there are a lot of contenders for the associate judge position.
Also, I noticed how he essentially maligned the position of associate judge by implying that it’s not an important position. News flash, Tim: any time you are in a position of power over someone else’s life, it’s an important job.
Comment by Bourbon Street Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:08 am
It sounds like Tim wants to retire in Florida. Maybe he should go there.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:08 am
== the SHG boys club ==
aka the Griffin mafia … of which I have to include myself as an alumni. If you check their history, the majority of local pols attended one of the Catholic high schools.
Comment by RNUG Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:10 am
First, Timoney’s comments are completely despicable. Second, it is beyond stupid to publish that stuff on line.
Comment by SAP Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:13 am
I don’t think Timoney was ever going to get the appointment, regardless of Bernie’s article. I heard it will probably go to the assistant state’s attorney
Comment by L.A. Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:20 am
“Someone tells you who they are… believe them.”
It’s only disappointing he feels this way.
I’m glad it’s public. Glad he decided to own it so much that it’s out there for all to see.
Putting him on the Bench would only nightlight how far the GOP is willing to go.
The question is… will that appointment be made?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:28 am
==how far the GOP is willing to go==
I’m a little confused by your post OW. Timoney is a Democrat.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:30 am
- Demoralized -
That’s on me. I thought Dem, and part got cut off…
“Putting him on the Bench would only nightlight how far the Dems is willing to go. Is this who *they* are?”
Then…
===The question is… will that appointment be made?===
That’s all on me. My bad.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:34 am
Let’s not hastily jump to conclusions. He may not be judge material, but to be sure, I need to know how much he likes beer.
Comment by Shark Sandwich Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:48 am
Man, that is some hall of fame worthy dumb-a– stuff to say in public. I’m in agreement with his right to say this stuff (obviously) but talk about being hoisted on your own petard!
In any event, it is not really shocking for some Public Defenders to be pretty law and order and it is not something that would prevent them from competently representing their clients.
Comment by Paddyrollingstone Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:54 am
Good thing for him that judicial candidates never get asked about what they did or said previously in their life. /s
Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 11:55 am
Too err is human OW….no breathakyzer needed
Comment by oh? Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 12:04 pm
===breathakyzer===
Well, not for me, friend…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 12:06 pm
Did it dawn on you that was for humorous purpose? I suppose not.
Comment by oh? Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 12:12 pm
Did it dawn on you your trolling is tiresome and hopefully my response reflects that?
I don’t suppose it, it’s obvious it didn’t.
To the Post,
Facebook has yet to be more helpful than hurtful… this continues to be the hurtful side.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 12:19 pm
Ha….from a guy who doesn’t know a D from an R. You consistently show an ungracious lack of humor, charity, knowledge. Generally speaking you are hust a jerk.
Comment by oh? Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 12:31 pm
Not sure what to think here. Is Timoney being criticized for having opinions which judges shouldn’t have? Or for having opinions a Democrat shouldn’t have? Not entirely sure either is true, but then, I’m neither a judge nor a Democrat.
Comment by PrairieDog Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 12:32 pm
- oh? -
I fed ya. Good luck.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 12:37 pm
==criticized for having opinions which judges shouldn’t have?==
I’d like to think a judge doesn’t view people of color as a “punk”, “like animals”, or deserving of “karma”
Comment by Jocko Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 12:41 pm
Jocko;
Do you automatically assume that all “punks”,”carjackers” and people who act “like animals” are necessarily people of color?
Comment by PrairieDog Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 1:00 pm
PD
If you use the google, you can find a link to the carjacker’s family and a picture of DeMarlon Thomas. As far as assumptions, you’ll have to take that up with Tim Timoney.
Comment by Jocko Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 1:15 pm
Jocko;
But you’re willing to make assumptions about Timoney knew. Do you google everyone in the news accused of a crime?
Comment by PrairieDog Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 1:19 pm
In the stories in which he commented that were noted above, the persons involved were African-American. If he read the stories he knew this. For a judicial candidate, and maybe even worse for a public defender to exhibit such prejudice and bias against an entire race of people whose rights they are supposed to uphold is grossly inappropriate and would violate judicial canons of ethics if done while on the bench. Best way to prevent such issues in the future is to never put him there.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 1:23 pm
Ron Burgundy;
Reading the SJR article I did not get the impression that Timoney was making comments about “an entire race”. I get the impression that folks who don’t like Timoney (whom I knew nothing about before reading the article and the posts here)are trying to gin up his comments into something outrageous. He’s also being accused (here and in the article) of having opinions a Democrat shouldn’t have, as if there is some set orthodoxy of acceptable Democrat opinions. Naturally, making him sound, even indirectly, like a “racist” is the easiest way to use his comments against him.
Comment by PrairieDog Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 1:59 pm
OK take race and party out of it. He is making those comments about potentially accused criminals as a judicial candidate whose job it would be to uphold their rights and give them a fair trial on the facts and the law, not on their characteristics. He is also making comments about potentially accused criminals as a public defender, the very people he has sworn to defend. Exhibiting bias to one side or the other on the bench is also more than enough reason to discipline a judge. Race and party aside. Bottom line is they have 10 candidates for the vacancy and I’m sure they can find at least one of the remaining 9 who is qualified and doesn’t have this baggage.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 2:32 pm
==Is Timoney being criticized for having opinions which judges shouldn’t have?==
Rarely does a newspaper story or police blotter have all the facts. So someone who has such a knee jerk reaction to a story without knowing all the facts doesn’t have the temperament of a good judge, Democratic nor Republican.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 2:33 pm
Rich wouldn’t phrase it this bluntly, but it could be restated as:
This is a free country. You are free to be stupid.
Comment by RNUG Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 2:38 pm
It seems to me that the highly moral democratic left is willing to lose the next election by sacrificing the “Timoney Vote”. In 2016 there were just enough people to think in the same down home practical way about the kind of thugs who attempt carjacking or the illegal immigrants who are flooding the working wage market while competing for entry level jobs. DA Big Bad Wolf is probably right about Timoney’s judgement(nobody can gainsay something you did not say) but this is politics and vote counts so maybe think about the real cost of that moral high ground you enjoy so much.
Comment by Matt Vernau Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 3:20 pm
Don’t know if his circuit does bar association evaluations like Cook County does, but if standards of impartiality, judicial temperament, etc. are applied as opposed to Justice Brett “I like beer, damnit, and I have the temperament of a honey badger!” Kavenaugh standard, then there is no way this goof gets appointed. Besides a complete lack of common sense in thinking his posts shouldn’t be taken into consideration when applying to be a judge, it seems like he’s just looking for a short time gig before packing off to Florida. And now that he’s opened up this can of worms with his application, maybe Logan County might be thinking he just might not be the best choice as chief PD.
Comment by West Side the Best Side Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 3:21 pm
P-Dog: I was criticizing Mr. Timoney for having opinions that a human should not have and for being foolish enough to make them public.
Comment by SAP Friday, Jun 28, 19 @ 4:22 pm
Matt Vernau are we to believe that by not making foolish statements the other contenders for the judge position are pro car jacking? I would be surprised if that were true.
Who is the “Timoney vote”? Do you think we should get bad judges in order to have the Democratic party in position?I’ll gladly vote for a reasonable Republican instead.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Monday, Jul 1, 19 @ 9:13 am