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* I’ve been posting “Unsolicited advice” items for the past week or so. I’ve quite enjoyed doing them. But now it’s your turn.
* The Question: What unsolicited advice would you give Illinois’ political leaders? This can be a generic “Y’all need to…” or just for one person.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 10:51 am
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I would recommend that Sen. Dave Syverson bring more rock stars to the Senate floor!
Comment by Dirtybird Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 10:55 am
Dear Impeached Governor Blagojevich:
Shut up and go away.
Dear Senator Burris:
Just go away.
Dear conservatives:
As a Democrat in Illinois, I must say: keep doing what you’re doing.
Comment by the Other Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 10:56 am
Gov Quin:
Remove Carol Adams and and her crew;
Transfer CMS functions back to the agencies and or end the practice of CMS “charging” or what is in reality oversharging the state agencies for its services. CMS provides horrible service, and they take more money from agencies then the services they provide actually cost. This looks like a shell game where one state agency overcharges for what it does to drain the tight budgets of other agencies.
Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 10:59 am
Dear Illinois Leaders,
The time has come…we can wait no longer! We MUST invade Missouri now!! Before the spring flooding hits, we can secure most of the good parts before they know what hits them.
Cordially,
Vote Quimby!
Comment by Vote Quimby! Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:00 am
Dear elected officials,
Stop talking about reform and start enacting it. I know everyone’s nervous about losing their seat, but we should be more nervous about getting another Blagojevich. The Chicago Democratic machine is a disgrace. If we allow the same insiders’ network to stay in power, we’ll get more of the same self-interested, corrupt politicians we have now. I’ll say it again: the Chicago Democratic machine is a disgrace.
Comment by Sewanee Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:03 am
Illinois Government: Can you tell me were all the money went? You all need to account for what the heck you do with the money. I know there are a lot of agencies, programs and line items, but what they heck do they exactly do? I have no accountability measures tied to what you do. Please tell me exactly were the money is spent to the finest detail and then tell me if it worked before you ask for more.
Comment by Dudeman Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:09 am
VQ, at the rate things are going, I’d almost prefer having Missouri invade us
Comment by Secret Square Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:09 am
I would recommend to all Mayor Daley’s management employees to read the law for themselves and not follow the administrations way things are done. The Teflon man on 5 is second to none at funneling friends under the bus.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:11 am
Dear Gov. Quinn
Dump Filan and crew and get real budget advice.
Sorry Rich stole that from you
Comment by downstate hack Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:12 am
AMEN, Ghost!!!
Comment by Merit Comp Slave Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:15 am
Make tough decisions on new revenue, pay for the programs you have in place before you create new ones. Why cop-out and say “if I support a tax incresae, I won’t get re-elected.” Why do you want to get re-elected if you only keep facing the same problems.
Comment by Josh Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:19 am
Dear Pat Quinn,
Good job on proposing an adult budget with some novel and good ideas. Now it’s time to put your support behind the types of proposals, so similar to your own, that your Chief of Staff, the teacher’s unions, CTBA, James Meeks, and so many others have supported for years. Get your balanced budget, decrease property taxes, equitablly fund the schools, and don’t further raid the pension.
Comment by Sacks Romana Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:22 am
You all need to put the public welfare ahead of your reelection prospects and/or post-legislature futures.
Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:29 am
Make April Fool’s Day a state holiday in recognition of the role government plays in our lives.
Comment by walter sobchak Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:33 am
Dear Mike Bost:
If you’re ever going to run for statewide office, now is the time. Take that “I called for Blagojevich’s impeachment first, and long before anyone else” meme out for a walk. Couple that with fiscal responsibility and you have a strong message. If nothing else, it’ll give you statewide recognition for future runs, too.
Comment by Concerned Observer Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:35 am
The day of reckoning is approaching get your house in order or the voters will show the criminals the door.
Perhaps an Illinois wing in the local fed pen.
Comment by Plutocrat03 Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 11:53 am
All members of the General Assembly: Get a grip on reality. You are all as responsible for this financal mess in Illinois as are the Governors that pushed the programs.
Now is the time to accept responsibility for your actions and work with the current administration to get us back on the right road and quit posturing for things that won’t work but sound good.
I feel much better now!
Comment by Middle of the road Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 12:01 pm
@ Vote Quimby!
I laughed. And then I seriously considered the possibilities…
To the question:
Would the Republican Party please, please, PLEASE get serious about grooming candidates for statewide office? Pretty please?
Comment by Fan of the Game Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 12:06 pm
To repeat what others have said.
Gov. Quinn, If you want to be taken seriously and distance yourself from Blago, get rid of his crew!! Filan, and all the rest of the cronies. Get rid of CMS!!!
To all elected officials in this state, get a clue that we are all tired of the same old games. Government in this state is exactly like the old song ” The hole in the bucket”. In case you don’t know it, the gist of the song is; Henry tells Liza there is a hole in the bucket. She tells him to fix it. With what he asks. Straw she says. He tells her the straw is too long. She tells him to cut it. With what he asks. A knife, she says. He says it is too dull. Sharpen it she says. With what he asks. A stone she says. The stone is too dry he replies. Well wet it she says. With what he asks. Water she says. With what should I haul it, he asks. The bucket she says. There’s a hole in the bucket he replies.
The posturing and sound bites have to stop and we have to progress, now! If you do not like the plan offered, come up with a constructive alternative. Get over yourselves and your party affiliations and do your job.
Comment by Irish Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 12:06 pm
Get rid of CMS’s managemnet “functions” that launder money from the road fund to the general fund. And stop hiring “appointees” to IDOT like the one that just started today in our office, at least until you get rid of the blago holdovers…..
Comment by IDOT Guy Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 12:07 pm
Dear General Assembly members,
Please refrain from introducing go-nowhere, reactionary, margin pleasing, wacko bills. You scare and disenfranchise as many voters as you please and do a general disservice to the public who don’t remember from year to year that you do this stuff every year and that it’s going nowhere.
Comment by Cinho Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 12:23 pm
Dear Gov Quinn,
Obviously your are too busy doing the work of the people to notice that the people are wondering how different you actually are from your predecessor. Honeymoon is ending, time to clean up state government under your control. Get rid of the former boss’s brass, cronies, appointees, nare-do-wells, slackers, wretches, tax leaches, etc. Then we can work on the politcal clean up which, we concede, is more under the control of the Chi-town leaders than is healthy. There ya go.
Comment by Slugo Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 12:24 pm
GA: Computerized, non-partisan redistricting. Please.
Rep. Rose (and the rest of the Republican crew): Stop complaining about the “nanny state” when you run bills like this: “every pawnbroker must take a digital image of each customer pledging or pawning any goods, articles, or other things and every item pawned or sold to the pawnbroker” (HB231)
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 12:51 pm
As a former state employee, please be advised that I can vouch for the fact that every time state agencies are combined, split apart, or rules affecting payrolls retroactively are put in place, every personnel/payroll/insurance staff is overwhelmed with paperwork and computer changes that slow the whole process of state government. It is time consuming, monitarily wasteful and does nothing to expedite the mission of the agencies or the state government.
Comment by Chanson Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 1:02 pm
Just echoing many others: Gov Quinn: Take a long hard look at ALL those highly paid folks in “double exempt” positions, then take them on a long walk to the garbage dump where most belong. P.S. Go deeply into DHS, DCFS, and CMS
Comment by Former State Employee Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 1:03 pm
Dear Elected Officials:
Please remember that you are public servants, and let the public in on the game once in a while.
Dear Public.
When they do let you in, like the recent special election for the 5th Congressional District, please at least feign an interest.
Sincerely,
LL
Comment by Lakefront Liberal Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 1:05 pm
Pot calling kettle - the pawn shop photo is to ID the burgler who stole the pawned item. Not everyone is pawning their own stuff.
Comment by Belle Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 1:09 pm
dear republican party,
please get your act together. it’s time for a return of two party rule in this state. no more petty fights, no more ****** matches, no more turf wars. get together and win something. next year, preferably.
c45
Comment by colt 45 Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 1:18 pm
GA–stop the gerrymandered districts–give us districts that provide a true contest.
Republican Party–start acting like you care about winning elections, and if you don’t, say so and get out of the way so that another party can step up to the plate.
Governor Quinn–clean house immediately of all Blago’s former cronies, like Filan and crew, and appoint and hire people who actually work to get the job done.
To all of you: stop spending money that we don’t have.
Comment by ChampaignDweller Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 1:24 pm
To all elected Illinois leaders;
Be honorable.
Be ethical.
Use the Highest morals in your decisions.
Make your work be of the best benefit of all Illinois citizens.
Do the right thing!
Comment by Rufus Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 1:26 pm
To the voters of Illinois -
If you hear a candidate say they will fund things by “cutting administrative waste” DON’T VOTE FOR THEM! If both major party candidates say that, vote for the 3rd party, and if there isn’t one, consider not voting for either.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 1:32 pm
==Not everyone is pawning their own stuff==
No freakin’ way. You mean pawn shops actually deal in stolen goods? My father started a pawn shop in the ‘patch because he wanted to keep the thieves out of his tavern. Note he didn’t want to stop buying the stolen goods….
Comment by Vote Quimby! Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 1:37 pm
Gov. Quinn:
If you want to balance the budget, impose a 5% tax on faxed newsletters. I understand that Rich Miller’s newsletter (I forget the name) could pay the annual pension fund contribution by itself.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 1:38 pm
The know the old saying “Rob from Peter to pay Paul” Your robbing days are done. It is now time to pay Peter (PENSION FUND)in full. You have lead your workers down the rabbit hole with no way out. How is your pension doing, did you rob from it…..doubt it! You know what happens to horse thieves and bank robbers……hung them from the nearest tree.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 1:42 pm
Question: Which one of the following two items in state government is good and why?
Blagojevich and the ISO program at IDOT
Answer: Blagojevich, because he’s gone.
Comment by Nick Danger Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 2:11 pm
===My father started a pawn shop in the ‘patch because he wanted to keep the thieves out of his tavern. Note he didn’t want to stop buying the stolen goods….===
Obviously all Springfieldians have high integrity
Comment by Belle Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 2:22 pm
==Not everyone is pawning their own stuff==
And kids should wash their hands before eating lunch. That doesn’t mean every transaction need to be officially observed and recorded.
The “nanny state” comes in many forms. If someone wants to photograph all the transactions at all the pawnshops, they shouldn’t complain when someone else wants to make sure all the schoolkids wash their hands. Just sayin’
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 2:51 pm
Mr. Speaker,
Stop fighting campaign finance limits and start deciding how you want to shape them.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 3:08 pm
Former State Employee is right about the double exempts…many if not all need to go. They knew who they were working for. But also look at the many Democratic hacks hiding in four year term positions hoping that when their terms come up everyone will have forgotten them, or, at least, forgotten who put them there. Let them go when their terms are up and resist the clamors that they’ll starve and should be allowed to “voluntarily demote” into public service administrator jobs (now in the bargaining unit and hence safe for a lifetime). Evicting those with any kind of Dem clout from easy, well paid state jobs is going to take some determination in this current job market. Not sure Quinn has that from what we’ve seen so far.
Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 3:21 pm
State budget ‘gurus’—-join the 20th Century and use accrual accounting for ALL budgets!
Comment by Vote Quimby! Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 4:09 pm
Hey GA guys and gals…
Show us some action.
Show us some reform.
Show us some professionalism.
Show us some ethics.
Show us some movement.
Show us some conscience.
Show us some discipline.
Show us some transparency.
Show us some tax fairness.
Show us some sacrifice.
Show us some property tax reform.
Then. We just. Might.
Let you raise our income taxes.
But not a damn dime until then!
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 4:14 pm
Democrats
The situation the state is in belongs to all of you! Blagojevich was and still is a Democrat! 99% of you were at the inaugural balls laughing and partying for the power you had won! Now you pretend that he was some outsider and nobody was connected to him.
During this election cycle you all, even you Pat Quinn, will have to carry Blagojevich around your necks, and it will be Blagojevich who will do it for the GOP. Democrats will lose the Gov, AG, treasurer and comptrollers offices. Jessie will be the only Statewide left. Then you guys will do what the GOP had to do and that is remove the dead wood and REFORM! The old ways just will not cut it anymore. That New York election will go to the GOP when the absentees are counted that seat is just the beginning. The dominos are lined up and the first one just fell
Comment by mover631 Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 4:20 pm
Stop being so partisan in governing: we’re tired of it, and it doesn’t produce results, just campaign mailers
Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 5:08 pm
Hey - IDOT Guy - Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 12:07 pm:
What was the title of the guy that started in your office today? Christine Reed (and former secretary of transportation Milt Sees) promised that IDOT was going to start hiring engineers and technicians. Don’t tell me we got another ‘political do-nothing, know-nothing apointees’.
Comment by this voter will remember Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 5:26 pm
No new programs until we can pay for the ones we have.
Forget the stupid Peotone Airport.
Filan and all his cronies, payroll, consultants whatever (Deloitte, Ron “Nose” Picure) have to go.
No more pension raids, period. Debate the benefits, fine. These funds are one “holiday” away from insolvency.
If transparency is important, place a list of the double exempts on the State Web site.
Appoint some people that people have heard of-not talking about insiders or political hacks, but the Quinn “youth movement” does not inspire broad confidence in the stability and maturity of the Administration, particularly with Filan behind the curtain and Blagoites still running wild throughout most agencies.
Buy some new State Police cars. This, to old AA, is one of the biggest embarrassments of the Blago regime. Instead of assisting motorists, our Troopers are the ones with the hood up along the side of the Interstate. Thousands of dollars are tossed down the rathole fixing old cars that are about one notch above demolition derby-ready. Which leads me to….
CMS has to be cost-competitive or shut down. The Shared Services plug should be pulled before Filan can award another batch of contracts to his pals (Why does the State need a central timekeeping system-what’s wrong with Excel?) and the IPAM Lite property management fleecing of the agencies to pay rent on their own buildings needs to be undone. Centralized garages are a legacy that needs to pass on, as did the print shop and office supply years ago. Send the auditors back to the agencies. Let CMS do a few things well, like central procurement and telecommunications, and let the agencies do the rest.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 7:36 pm
Dear Pat Fitzgerald:
Keep going. You’re almost at the top.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 8:31 pm
Pay the Medicaid payments due to providers. So much of that money goes to seniors in nursing homes. We owe them a dignified end of life. And someday, that will be us.
Comment by Wheel n' Deal Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 8:38 pm
== State budget ‘gurus’—-join the 20th Century and use accrual accounting for ALL budgets! ==
Accrual accounting for revenue? NO WAY - that’s an open invitation to flim-flamery. Expenditures - that’s another story.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 8:39 pm
Take care of our Veterans.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 1, 09 @ 9:52 pm