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* 11:49 am - From a press release…

Governor Pat Quinn announced two major appointments to the governor’s staff by naming Jerome Stermer as Chief of Staff and Theodore T. Chung as General Counsel. Stermer was President of Voices for Illinois Children and Chung was a partner in the Chicago office of Perkins Coie LLP.

“I am very pleased these two experienced and honorable professionals are joining my Administration,” said Governor Quinn. “I look forward to working with them in behalf of the people of Illinois.”

Jerome Stermer, 65, is a highly-regarded manager and community leader. As president of Voices for Illinois Children since 1987, Stermer built that organization into a leading child advocacy group that promotes public investment in children’s education, health care and early development. Stermer also has an extensive background in state government including positions as assistant to the director at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and executive director of the Legislative Advisory Committee on Public Aid.

Theodore Chung, 42, is a partner in Perkins Coie’s litigation practice. Prior to joining Perkins in 2007, Chung was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago and a First Assistant Corporation Counsel to the City of Chicago. He also served has General Counsel to the recently-formed Illinois Reform Commission.

Governor Quinn added that other key personnel decisions will be announced within the near future.

…Adding… Both of these appointments give us quite a bit of insight into how Quinn intends to govern. Appointing a person who ran a social services advocacy group as chief of staff during an extreme budget crisis tells us a lot, as does appointing a former Assistant US Attorney as chief counsel.

In other words, he appears to be moving to the left budget-wise. Here’s part of Stermer’s farewell letter to Voices for Illinois Children…

As you well know, this is a critical time in our state’s history. We’re facing a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit, and the needs of children and families are becoming more pressing even as I write to you. Our new governor is confronted with many challenges, only one of them being to restore the public’s faith in our state government. Your dedication and commitment to children and families is needed now more than ever as we seek to engage all citizens in our efforts. As we’ve done together through the years, we must continue to push for progress in early learning and childcare, public education, healthcare, and all the issues so important to Illinois families.

…And Quinn’s appointment of Chung may signal that he’s more concerned with ethics issues than running day to day operations.

We’ll see.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 11:50 am

Comments

Now, THIS is a choice that I can get behind.

Jerry Stermer is a class act, and has the knowledge and experience to lead.

Gov Quinn done good, here.

Comment by hmmm Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 11:56 am
The state will run whether there is a governor or not. Always has. These are 2 good choices and 2 top issues.

Comment by Belle Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:01 pm
===The state will run whether there is a governor or not. Always has.===

That is a very dangerous and erroneous assumption during a fiscal crisis. Sure, it’ll run itself… right into banruptcy.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:05 pm
I’ve got one word : “Wow”. Brilliant picks. Quinn is better at playing chess than he is sometimes given credit for. Stermer is both a brilliant manager, and has impeccable credentials. Read his bio at the Voices for Illinois Children’s web site. I sure am glad Quinn took the time to get this pick right. He sure hit it out of Sox park this time.

Comment by Mogwai Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:14 pm
I don’t think these two men are connected in any sense of the word…way to go Gov…

Comment by Anonymous45 Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:15 pm
Belle,

Inertia is not an option. Not here - not now. Rich says that without a governor the state will run itself into bankruptcy. What better evidence do we have than the current situation. We have not really had a governor for at least the last 2 years. An argument can be made that RodGov was not really engaged in proper governance since the last time he met with major elected state leaders (2003?). And if the state is not bankrupt now how long will that last w/a 9 billion dollar deficit? On the 2 appointments, ethics are important and so is concern for our best asset - children. I am awaiting the pronouncement on how it is going to be paid for.

Comment by DuPage Dan Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:15 pm
Rich-

Belle’s comment isn’t totally off the mark. It’s just that some agencies’ perpetual motion or inertia is better equipped than others’ to keep going, absent someone setting their overall priorities. You are correct that a sense of priorities and mission is needed at all agencies to keep them from turning into bigger fiefdoms than they already are, which happens with benign neglect combined with a budget.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:17 pm
Even if they do raise our taxes, there are limits to how high they can raise them right now, from a political perspective. So someone like Stermer,
with good liberal creds, may make a better messenger for Gov Quinn when some tough messages have to go out, not only to the taxpayers, but also to the agencies, to public employees, to unions and to the myriad of other special interest groups who will be howling for money, as they always do. This is not going to be a middle class taxpayer loses, everybody else wins affair.
The deficit is too high for that.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:23 pm
You can either see Stermer being a guy who will protect his peep’s turf, or being the guy who can break the bad news to his peeps.

We don’t know which Stermer will become, but reality does suggest the latter.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:24 pm
These comments are inevitably fueled by a shot or two of kool aid. I think Stermer is a great advocate for children but we’re talking about the fifth largest state in the country here. Is this guy ready to help make tough decisions for the entire state? I’m not so sure. I am glad someone was finally announced though, 11 days later. Chung seems extremely qualified but again we’ll see.

Strange also to me that Quinn is moving to the mansion but staffing with Chicago based people. Hopefully the tax payers won’t be footing the bill for a lot of back and forth travel.

Comment by gulp Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:25 pm
I worked with Stermer during the Walker years when he was assistant to Jerome Miller at DCFS. Miller was really “off the wall” when it came to leadership. Stermer was truly the steady rudder that kept that agency moving forward. He provided calm, predictable, and stable leadership when it was sorely needed. Over the years he has consistently been someone who accomplishes what he sets out to do and is visible and nonsecretive in his methodology. He should prove to be a real asset to Quinn and the rest of us.

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:26 pm
WOW! Now that is what I call Leadership! Way to go Governor Quinn!

Comment by Collar Observer Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:26 pm
–I don’t think these two men are connected in any sense of the word–

Works for me.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:34 pm
Good move by Pat. I know Jerry well and he will do a good job - he can work with both sides of the legislature and keep his eyes on the prize as his boss does too.

Doug

Comment by Doug Dobmeyer Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:38 pm
Jerry Stermer is the goods on issues and Chung is a great lawyer. Looking up, State of Illinois!

Comment by Amy Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:40 pm
Don’t know anything about Chung, but I’ve worked with Jerry Stermer before. Excellent choice, great guy.

Comment by Anonymous ZZZ Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:41 pm
I certainly hope that this works out for the best. We cannot afford to be wrong.

However, at a time when our economy and budget are in the tank, unemployment is at a 35-year high, and we have the worst-funded pension system in the U.S., I wonder why he installs a “tax eater” as his chief of staff.

Again, I hope that Stermer can send the message to the schools and other folks that EVERYONE needs to sacrifice.

Comment by 4 percent Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:45 pm
These are two good picks, but only if the budget job goes to a real number cruncher.

Also, if Chung is GC, what role is Jay Stewart playing?

Comment by Niles Township Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 12:56 pm
Niles - was thinking the same thing. Perhaps he can slot him in as a Deputy Governor?

Speaking of, anyone know what’s going on with Blago’s Deputy Gov’s? Are they still around and, if so, when will they be shown the door?

Comment by Cynic Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 1:04 pm
One of the toughest assingnments in state government is deciding what programs and services to continue, and which to drop as part of austerity measures leading up to a tax restructuring. Stermer knows the sorry state of the community based human services sector, and has a sense of what remaining services to prioritize - while any of it is still around.

One immediate target - the remaining state institutions under DHS, other than for the sex offender transfers after their prison terms expire. The unions won’t like it, but it has to be done. And it should be done, implementing the Olmstead Decision and as the right thing to do.

Comment by Capitol View Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 1:06 pm
Jerry Stermer has been a major, unabashed proponent of education funding reform. It will be interesting to see whether he brings his fervor for this issue to the Governor’s Office.

Comment by GA Watcher Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 1:11 pm
“And Quinn’s appointment of Chung may signal that he’s more concerned with ethics issues than running day to day operations.”

huh? how you figure?

Comment by BannedForLife Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 1:32 pm
Ok, obviously some very happy people here. But I’m not sure I get how Stermer is the right pick for these very tough and very dangerous times. I’d prefer someone with more recent and relevant experience.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 1:41 pm
===I’d prefer someone with more recent and relevant experience. ===

That would mean a high-level former Blagoejvich aide.

Sure you want that?

Just sayin…

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 1:43 pm
==That is a very dangerous and erroneous assumption during a fiscal crisis. Sure, it’ll run itself… right into banruptcy.== Gee Rich, nobody ever called me dangerous before. Opinionated but harmless. I put the blame for the current mess squarely at the top. The decisions made by, and culture cultivated by, both political parties got us here. To get out of this fiscal melt down there is only one thing I know for sure. Nobody is going to be happy. And I still like Quinn’s picks. I hope this is just the first of the good decisions, been awhile since there were any coming out the gov office

Comment by Belle Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 1:46 pm
Belle, I didn’t say “you” were dangerous. I said your assumption was.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 1:47 pm
Belle, The State did run itself without a governor the past several years and trust me it was not a good thing.

Comment by Say WHAT? Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 1:51 pm
I don’t know anything other than what I read about Stermer, but his resume looks good to me. This is the type of job no one is really prepared for, particularly with the current fiscal crisis.

I know people who have worked with Ted Chung. I have heard nothing but positive comments. He is smart and has integrity.

The next question is who will be the Budget Director? That has to be the hardest job and one that will require some inside knowledge with an outsider perspective.

Comment by Objective Dem Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 1:54 pm
the commentator who warns us that everyone will have to make sacrifices hasn’t been payinf attention—every one has made sacrifices—even healthcare which blago claimed to support is in a crisis—asked to do more and more with less and less—it is true all across the budget—we are out of gimmicks and past bare bones—we will be 9 billion bucks in the hole and that means tax increases folks

Comment by publius Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 2:11 pm
great question OD! Rich, care to throw a name or two out there?

Comment by Anonymous45 Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 2:12 pm
Rich:

Same a few have asked, are you hearing any scuttle on who budget director might be. Other than an initial mentioned of John Filan, which I assume cannot be true, I have not heard a word.

Comment by Niles Township Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 2:30 pm
Should say..since a few have asked… Sorry for not proofing.

Comment by Niles Township Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 2:30 pm
BTW, I am told that Quinn has its first fundraiser since becoming governor tonight in Chicago. It was scheduled while he was still Lite Guv. It will be interesting to see how much bigger this event is than the old typical Quinn events, and even more interesting to see who it is that might show up.

Comment by Niles Township Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 2:45 pm
How about Brian Hammer for Budget Director? He has good ties with Quinn, has a great reputation, and knows the numbers.

Comment by Objective Dem Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 3:28 pm
Encouraging news. I have not heard of either appointee. I was afraid of the rumored Jack Lavin as Chief of Staff. A quick look at the weak management (or lack there of) team at DCEO could tell you that Lavin was a poor choice. Good News. Looking forward to more appointments and terminations.

Is Governor Quinn the real reform and renewal that was promise 6 years ago?

Good start Governor Quinn!

Comment by Larry Mullholland Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 3:46 pm
Bravo! don’t stop there Governor. Review all these non-productive union bashin’ agency directors and deputy directors. They are costing the state millions in wrongful lockouts and discharges. Not to mention backpay when the employee get his job back. Just start with DHS, Corrections and Juvenile justice. It’s time to establish some sort of respect for these workers.

Comment by STATE WORKER Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 4:31 pm
=== …And Quinn’s appointment of Chung may signal that he’s more concerned with ethics issues than running day to day operations. ===

If anything, I’d say Quinn’s pick of Stermer shows that he thinks ethics are INSEPARABLE from day-to-day operations.

Whether you agree or disagree with Stermer on policy issues, everyone I know who’s dealt with Stermer will tell you his starting point in the discussion is always “What’s the moral/ethical thing to do?”

Stermer’s moral compass points unerringly Due North.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 4:56 pm
Objective Dem,

Brian Hamer’s reputation took a big hit with the ABC News I Team report “Dire Consequences”. Hamer and other agency leaders must be vetted again by Governor Quinn. Unfortunately, for Governor Quinn he may not know all of the things some of his new colleagues were up to in supporting former Governor Blagojevich. The people of Illinois want change. Hamer should be one of those people fumigated from government no matter who their friends are.

Comment by Dave Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 5:04 pm
We need an honest accountant like Enron whistle blower Sherron Watkins to be the state’s chief financial officer.

Comment by Mark Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 5:26 pm
Any reported sightings of John Filan? Have picked up rumors he is involved in financial matters at this time.

Comment by We Can Hope Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 9:48 pm
John Filan, Blago’s finance director, is the one who constantly took DNR’s money from day one to fund the Governor’s pet projects. When will Quinn show him the door? With all Blago’s Chicago/Springfield flying trips, will his latest two Chicago appointees Stermer & Chung also make the trip daily or actually move to Springfield where the Governor plans to live.

Comment by More of Same Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 10:04 pm
More of the Same -
On the rank and file ISP blog, http://ispeeved.blogspot.com , there is a poster, Numbersguy, who talks about Filan pulling many of the same shenanigans under Walker.

Comment by We Can Hope Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 10:12 pm
Gov. Quinn is showing mature, thoughtful leadership. Not just with these choices but in nearly every other public decision he has made thus far. The contrast between Quinn and Blago (in just a short time I realize) is startling. I am empressed by this guy. The citizens of Illinois desperately need real leadership.

Comment by Robroy Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 10:18 pm
Robroy - are you sitting in Quinn’s office reading and answering the blogs? Answer the question, will the latest two appointees fly to Springfield or live there?

Comment by More of Same Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 10:27 pm
Ironically, Obama could never get away with hiring Jerry to be his chief of staff because he is a registered lobbyist — which just shows how ludicrous it is to set a “holier than thou” standard on these things.

And Filan and Quinn are thisclose, dating back to those Walker days. Get used to some budget redux.

Comment by Kettle Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 10:42 pm
Kettle -
Rich interviewed Quinn the week of impeachment where he said (some paraphrase of something not in quotes) that “Filan was happy where he was.” Can’t google it - must be for suscribers only.

Comment by We Can Hope Monday, Feb 9, 09 @ 11:02 pm
We can hope, I too have heard rumors that Filan and Greg Wass, both Blago people, are both heavily involved in financial matters.

Comment by half pint Tuesday, Feb 10, 09 @ 2:14 pm