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Question of the day

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* What is your biggest criticism of Gov. Pritzker’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis so far? Make sure to explain. Also, let’s just stipulate right now that some of you are very upset about his criticism of the POTUS. Leave that aside, and that goes for both sides.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:10 pm

Comments

The unwillingness to reconsider the State Park closure. There was an opportunity there to give the I.D.N.R. director some discretion to leave some open, and close others as appropriate. Instead, the one size fits all approach has gained nothing, and cost some people an opportunity to discover some of the State’s greatest assets.

Comment by Paul Powell Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:15 pm
Was 2 days late shutting everything down. St. Patrick day weekend went on as usual for too many bars.

Comment by Common Sense Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:18 pm
Not upset with Pritzker. He seems to be handling a very stressful and changing situation very well.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:18 pm
The open back and forth between the Governor and Washington is tough to listen to. I understand the frustration, but I’d prefer they have those arguments behind the scenes and just give us information we can use.

The slow rollout of various programs and applications is also frustrating. I get that most of that is due to lack of information, but some of it also seems a result of lack of prep and infrastructure on the State side.

Comment by fs Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:19 pm
I wish he could have found a solution to the primary election problem. (Can’t say I know what that solution would have been, btw)

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:19 pm
The initial delay in school closing was my biggest beef. Early mixed messages, but at least it only took him a couple days to come to a solid conclusion and not months.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:19 pm
JB tends to overcompensate on leadership in this crisis, always stressing himself and his decisions. We know he’s the big cheese. It would be nicer if he said “we” a little more. But that’s almost nitpicking, but still a little annoying.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:21 pm
If anything, the state might have saved a few illnesses and lives if it had issued stay-at-home directives on St. Patrick’s Day weekend when we knew enough that we had a problem. But overall better than average among the states, and our citizens for the most part seem to be taking him seriously.

Comment by Six Feet of Separation (temporary name) Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:22 pm
“Was 2 days late shutting everything down.”

We were literally the earliest state to do so in terms of the time between first case and total shutdown.

One criticism I’ve heard is that they wish he wore a tie at his daily presser. I don’t share that view but wanted to express it.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:22 pm
I have been following COVID-19 for awhile, and it was pretty evident how bad it was going to get in early February. If his staff wasn’t so top-heavy maybe someone would have had the bandwidth to take it seriously sooner.

Comment by CookCo Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:24 pm
I fervently believe that there was, has been, and remains a disconnect between the Governor’s office and how senior management at agencies have handled and or responded to this crisis.

This has resulted in the Governor making it very clear that the priority is on saving lives while the administration itself flounders with people preoccupied with over inflating the importance of their standard duties and in so doing put their lives and the lives of their subordinates at risk.

The Governor’s done a great job. Not all of the merit comp employees have and he’s going to need them to get on message and get on the program as this public health crisis evolves into an economic crisis.

===upset about his criticism of the POTUS.===

I do hope that after the news has broken about Trump’s personal interest in the company that produces the snake oil he is pitching and has had the federal government order many millions of dollars of supply will perhaps bring some of the supporters of Mr. Trump into a place of reason.

Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:25 pm
Other than perhaps reacting too late with St Patrick’s Day and the primary, I’ve been impressed.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:25 pm
In my opinion he waited too long to direct state workers to work from home. Overall I do appreciate and trust his leadership.

Comment by Fairycat Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:26 pm
He keeps stressing social distancing. When he has his daily pressers, he has people standing behind him. When he was at McCormick Place last Friday, he had dozens of workers nearby right next to one another. Double standard.

Comment by Lake county guy Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:27 pm
I agree that he was a little late in shutting things down. Before St. Patrick’s Day would have been good. And it’s been a little disjointed on the schools.

Overall I’ve been impressed. He’s not shied away from sharing difficult facts and appears to be as forthcoming as he can be.

Comment by thunderspirit Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:30 pm
Parting ways with the top epidemiologist (who now works for the Mayor) seemed like a bad idea.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:30 pm
Governor and his staff doing a really good job, I work all day with CSpan on and watch other Governor press conferences. His press conferences have featured other administration and business group leaders as much or more than most other states.

The sales tax hiatus he announced for bars and restaurants to ease the crushing closure order only covered the lower 70-80%% of bars and restaurants and thus omitted a lot of places in Chicago nobody would consider high end (just high rent). That was a big bummer but it’s been incredibly dynamic situation, lack of huge mistakes in this chaos by staff worth toasting.

Comment by Chicago Bars Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:30 pm
Just think if the “other” guy would be trying to lead.
I like how JB is handling this world wide mess here in Illinois.

Comment by Oldhp Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:32 pm
I’m not usually a fan of any politician but I’ve developed a lot of respect for this one. If I were looking to find fault it’s proba in his management of state agencies - needs to press some of them a little more. I’m am very glad he is there - he’s one of Illinois greatest assets right now.

Comment by Rachel Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:33 pm
Would have been better to shutdown Illinois 1 week sooner. But all he is doing has been topnotch

Comment by truthteller Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:35 pm
=== Was 2 days late shutting everything down. St. Patrick day weekend went on as usual for too many bars.===
I wouldn’t say as usual. He shut down the parades. There were way too many people at bars but it seemed he was doing it in stages.

Comment by Been There Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:36 pm
needs the use of visuals that Cuomo displays. that said, Cuomo could use a huge dose of the clarity and brevity that Pritzker displays.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:40 pm
“I fervently believe that there was, has been, and remains a disconnect between the Governor’s office and how senior management at agencies have handled and or responded to this crisis.”

Yes, this has been my only issue thus far. It seems most of the controversy has come from agencies having to wait for direction on specific items from the GOV’s office.

Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:42 pm
Biggest criticism of JB is the failure to tell us what he is going to do for those who will have permanently lost their jobs. Or, what he will do to mitigate property taxes for those who wont be able to afford them. Quarantine, work from home is great if your one of the lucky ones. Pity the millions who will forever be impacted.

Comment by Blue Dog Dem Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:44 pm
Time to transition the daily health updates and issues to his team. His leadership, along with the rest of State government, is needed to restart or plan to restart the Illinois economy and repair State government finances - believe it or not, a much bigger problem - which also needs immediate attention. Unfortunately, loss of jobs, business closures, inability to afford college, foreclosures, bankruptcies, evictions, repossessions, etc. are going to impact a lot of residents.

Comment by Unstable Genius Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:46 pm
His staff has done a good job of preparing for media conferences but a very poor job in getting PPE and others needs to the front lines. He has also done a very poor job keeping members of the legislature updated often doing a repeat of his media availability instead of helping us with constituent requests. They basically are lying about who gets what on the PPE as I have had many healthcare people tell me such.

Comment by Not a Fan Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:47 pm
Hindsight is always 20/20. This man is handling this crisis with poise and transparency. He’s working hard everyday and I know he’s putting Illinois first. That’s the most you ask for in these unprecedented times.

Comment by Suzzz Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:48 pm
I think he’s doing a very good job. While he certainly needs to address the inmate population problem, my guess is that is not anywhere near a top priority for most Illinoisans yet he puts a lot of public attention on it. People are worried about their families and jobs. And the Arts community while a good part of society again is probably not a big priority to most Illinoisans.

Comment by Suburbs Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:49 pm
I’m going to be very constructive.

This administration has done an outstanding job in trying times, and the sympathy and empathy and leadership the governor has shown, I’m grateful.

The Cuomo standard is so difficult to reach.

The criticism I have is the daily briefing, which is truly top shelf, should be more visual with PowerPoint canned slides.

Here’s why I’m taking pause here, I’m sure “in all their spare time”… when not searching for PPE, or ventilators, or staffing hospitals, or 952 other things… I know. I do. It’s constructive criticism of a job being done ably.

The words of the Governor and Dr. Ezike have been so very thoughtful. These briefings for me have helped.

Back to the critique, those visuals, a presentation to give those words some backing. It also allows a “following along” lede instead of hearing, where some might lose focus or tune out for moments.

The rest?

These decisions, you or I may agree or strongly disagree, I see, for me, the following;

When I see government officials act, in times like this, I ask myself …“do I feel, if I agree or not, that this person is acting in what they feel is the best given what they know for everyone’s safety”

The answer is yes so far for this governor.

If they added to the briefings more to the information being given, that would be “more” to the more we’re getting.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:57 pm
===repair State government finances - believe it or not, a much bigger problem===

People are dying. That might be more important right now.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:58 pm
With the caveat that I think the Governor has done a top notch job in a constantly-evolving, dangerous situation, I wish he’d shut everything down a week earlier.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 2:59 pm
~~Or, what he will do to mitigate property taxes for those who wont be able to afford them.~~

It’s hard to see a win-win on this one.

Both the spouse and I are laid off- so zero income. Tax bill is 9k and I absolutely don’t have that without tapping into my already lowered 401k.

On the other side, my neighbors are still employed- working from home and are hoping that the tax payments get deferred with the sole intent on investing it in the market like they are doing with their federal stimulus.

Comment by jimbo Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:08 pm
I have trouble criticizing him for anything significant so far. Nitpicks only.

Comment by JIbba Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:08 pm
Jimbo. I hear your pain. I am blessed. Old but blessed. I am afraid many,many others will be in your shoes. Jamie diamond thinks so too. That’s why I am now in the mindset that were probably going to open up the economy sooner than the scientists want. As wonderful as they are, their expertise doesnt fix the pain and suffering losing ones job or house brings about.

Comment by Blue Dog Dem Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:18 pm
I think he’s done an excellent job overall and feel his leadership should be highlighted more at the national level than what is occurring.

In hindsight: he waited a few days too long to close down schools - businesses. Maybe the primary should have been postponed, not sure. (But cf. Wisconsin … )Four or five days would have made a big difference, but again, that’s all hindsight.

I’d like to see / hear reports (not daily, but regularly) from someone representing IDOC, from someone knowledgeable about nursing homes, and from someone working to ameliorate conditions among the homeless population of Chicago. I fully understand that these aren’t priorities for everyone, but all three populations are highly vulnerable and outbreaks among any of these groups could presage/signal a flare-up of infection among the communities where they are located.

I think that in addition to being a few days late to begin shutting the state down, Pritzker was presented with an almost insuperable problem when the President declared - without warning or preparation - that he’d be shutting down air traffic from the EU. This probably proved decisive for Illinois’ incidence spike (I think the same happened in NYC with Kennedy), but I just can’t see what else he could have done. It was an impossible situation with tragic consequences.

Overall impressed by his leadership, by his apparent harmony with Lightfoot (other states are by no means as fortunate), and also by Director of IDPH Ngozi Ezike - we should be proud and humbled by her being at the helm in this terrible crisis.

Comment by dbk Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:22 pm
Overall I have to give high marks, and feel that he has done a much better job than many many other governors. I noticed from the start that he does display empathy - something not seen in many other states.

At best my wish is indeed nit picky - but I wish he would speak a bit on essential travel and how that applies to outdoor recreation.

We are getting swamped in southern IL by people traveling in from 50- 300 miles away to hike, fish, hunt, recreate outdoors.

There are still private campgrounds, cabins etc. advertising “Come Social Distance with us! We are Open!”

It’s being justified as “essential travel” because hiking and getting outside was listed as an essential activity.

Clarification of essential travel or even increased encouragement to limit the distance traveled to recreate would be nice.

Comment by DownSouth Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:23 pm
While he could have acted days sooner not enough of a time frame to be upset about. I’m more upset with the lack of control/follow through with his DoIT folks. They continually drop the ball and leave the Gov hanging.

Comment by Union thug Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:24 pm
My biggest criticism is that his hair looks very overgrown. He claims it grows really fast, but I think he’s just reluctant to cut it himself. If he doesn’t get it under control soon, I’m going to start calling him Governor Shaggy.

Other than that, I don’t really have any complaints.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:27 pm
I am generally very impressed and can only fall into the nit-pick realm as well.

Probably just something as simple as having wipes to use on the podium between users. Fairly simple and would reinforce the new norm during this fight. Similar to his starting use of the mask, this shows that the folks on the dias are adjusting like we should. The six food separation dance that they do when changing speakers does this, it is like my visit to the grocery store on Sunday.

Comment by Proud Sucker Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:33 pm
The Illinois primary should not have been held in March.

Comment by Tankward Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:35 pm
I wish he or someone on his staff would tell Dr. Ezike and others to stop gushing about his amazing leadership skills every day. Every time she or the national guard adjutant or whoever gets up to the podium, the first words out of their mouths are about how thankful they are for his incredible leadership. That stuff really grinds my gears. Yeah he’s doing a good job, but he isn’t trump - he doesn’t need to have his ego constantly stroked (or so I assume) in order to do his job. Save that stuff for when this is all over

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:42 pm
I agree about being just a little slow shutting things down (my wife and I began isolating on March 9) but considering there are governors that have still not issued stay-at-home orders, I will not fault him. I have been impressed by Pritzker and his administrations response. He has taken “Miss Rona” seriously and acted appropriately. However, he needs to turn attention, resources, and messaging to the Chicago African-American community, which is being hit hard.

Comment by RIJ Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:46 pm
I believe the Governor is doing a good job. The way I see it, if you leave out those items, he has been a strong leader. The problems that he has had are problems that always exist when working with bureaucracies. I have recognised the frustration he has had, because that is the stress that one gets when dealing with a crisis and needing things yesterday. Hopefully after this is over he can look at reducing the bureaucrats that make things move too slow. But that’s for later.
As far as should he have shut things down earlier, I support the decisions he made. Its hard to take steps that noone has seen before and order things that are unheard of. He exercised caution and used the information available at the time to make an informed decision, and one that was difficult and should never be taken too lightly or too quickly. So I have nothing to complain about with his actions or leadership.

Comment by SOIL M Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:47 pm
Generally I’ve been impressed. I wish he was more willing to pull the trigger on stay-at-home orders so others could plan accordingly, but maybe there’s a reason that I’m not aware of.

Comment by Stuff Happens Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 3:50 pm
Can we ask the same question about our mayor, particularly the Chicago mayor? I’m curious to see how one would feel about the leadership on multiple levels…

Comment by Iamthepita Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 4:01 pm
I really appreciate his leadership at this time. My biggest criticism would be the IDES website issues.

Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 4:03 pm
Communications has been a mess.

Every minute at his press conference not spent talking about what people should be doing collectively to keep each other safe is not just a minute wasted, it interferes with his primary objective.

What is the core message? “All In Illinois”? What does that mean?

Going “All in” is a gambling term that means you are taking a huge risk. It’s a leap of faith. Seems off kilter.

Comment by Thomas Paine Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 4:05 pm
He has done a really good job, like seriously I hope this is followed with a what do you like post.

To answer your question, the same things I don’t like normally from the Governor‘s office: DCFS and DOC

It is not surprising the two departments with questionable leadership and problems going into this crisis are the two still lagging behind in a crisis.

Comment by Kyle Hillman Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 4:10 pm
=== I hope this is followed with a what do you like post===

Prolly not. People say nice things about him every day.

The reasoning behind this question is similar to when I asked people to come up with something nice to say about Bruce Rauner. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 4:11 pm
“is similar to when I asked people to come up with something nice to say about Bruce Rauner. lol”

Oh the times they have a changed

Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 4:22 pm
I think it’s a fair question to ask, but I don’t really have a complaint. His briefings are factual and based on science. He gives equal credit to all leading on his team and externally, and he doesn’t make this about himself. It feels reassuring to watch his briefings and they often bring me a sense of calm. More please.

Comment by Shytown Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 4:35 pm
the political play against Trump–smart play on Trump is to make him the hero–he’s so simple minded–he could have been played Trump like a fiddle and Illinois would have benefitted. God knows what resources we lost as a result of picking a partisan fight with the most powerful person on the planet.

Comment by ANON Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 4:38 pm
Maybe one good Question of the Day would be if anyone knows any public officials around the state that have been doing a good job in handling their local response. Most of the news focuses on JB/Lori and/or local officials who did not react fast enough in some corners of the state (or were just plain in denial about this being a crisis).

Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 4:45 pm
I give him and his team an A grade. His daily presentations are heartfelt. It feels good to know that rational human beings are in charge in our state.

Comment by DuPage Dave Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 4:58 pm
My first nit pick is the same as Lester Holt’s Mustache. Have the speakers knock off the praise. I think his actions are better than the praise which comes off as tone deaf right now.

Second, I think his discussion of burn rate needed to happen earlier. It puts the situation in very tangible form and helps support why he is often upset.

Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 6:32 pm
== I wish he could have found a solution to the primary election problem. (Can’t say I know what that solution would have been, btw) ==

In either regular or special session, the Legislature could have reset the primary date and made other temporary changes to deal with it. They may have to tweak things for the November General Election.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 6:37 pm
== Or, what he will do to mitigate property taxes for those who wont be able to afford them. ==

Can’t do what you don’t have the authority to do, i.e., rewrite existing statutes. Again, the Legislature can provide a solution.

Maybe a 6 month or year interest free deferral on property tax due date if you filed an unemployment claim of being laid off due to the virus. Or just don’t hold any tax auctions this year.

But that brings a different issue of loss of local revenue; the State may have to find a way to float loans to local governments; maybe float bonds backed either directly or indirectly by property tax revenue. That might also require Legislative action.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 6:45 pm
As to JB’s handling of things, we can nitpick over timing or some poor word choices, but he overall doing a good job … especially when you understand the models are flawed and they have to adjust and make up the plans on the fly with no real precedent.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 6:48 pm
How many counties in Illinois Has JB visited in the last two weeks?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 6:54 pm
DHS has been out in front of this with information, guidance and even timely financial help to agencies that depend upon them.

The Dept. of Health and Family Services, conversely, is a cluster and in a wrestling match with the Managed Care Organizations (MCO’s) as to how to handle billing/reimbursement during this crisis. Not surprising as the MCO’s are a disaster and a non-value added middle man that acts as a human rain delay in terms of providers being paid on a good day.

Comment by Good Grief Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 6:57 pm
===The reasoning behind this question is similar to when I asked people to come up with something nice to say about Bruce Rauner. lol===

Oh shoot. I remember not being able to say anything nice about Rauner, and now I’m having trouble saying anything negative about JB. In hindsight maybe he could have shut things down a bit earlier, but even with that he was ahead of most in making a bold decision.

Comment by Leslie K Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 7:21 pm
Please open the state parks. Tell me I can go fishing and then close most of the best fishing holes.

Comment by Reelpro Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 7:22 pm
Which places are you referring?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 7:30 pm
He should have delayed the primary

Comment by Just a citizen Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 7:38 pm
Considering the task at hand, very good, I also think when he poked Trump its was in the honest belief it would help Illinois save lives.

Comment by rutro Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 8:26 pm
sorry, didn’t read whole ?

Comment by rutro Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 8:27 pm
I’ll give him a pass on this since this was out of his control, but any momentum the state has gained in the last few years on the financial side is likely lost. I’m thinking the State budget is going to have to take a haircut similar to how hospitals have with elective procedures to help rebound the state’s financials. Some of the cuts were probably unthinkable a month ago, but the same could be said about the elective procedures.

Comment by AD Tuesday, Apr 7, 20 @ 9:18 pm
(Which places are you referring)

Silver Springs State Park is stocked with trout every spring. Starved Rock State park, Illinois River. Shabbona Lake State Park. Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. Hennepin Canal Parkway state park. There are many more.

Comment by Reelpro Wednesday, Apr 8, 20 @ 3:31 am