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Question of the day

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Illinois

* It’s that time again. Nominations are now open for our third annual Golden Horseshoe award.

Today’s categories are…

1) Best state legislative staffer

2) Best state legislative secretary/admin assistant

3) Best political bar/restaurant in Springfield (must be currently operational)

4) Best IL state agency director

As before, please keep in mind that this contest is not just based on the number of votes, but on the intensity of each vote. So, if you don’t explain your vote, or don’t explain it well, it will have far less weight or not be counted at all, depending on my mood.

Also, no negativity and no snark. Thanks.

I’ll announce the winners tomorrow during our second round of voting.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 11:25 am

Comments

1) Best Legislative Staffer - Jeanette Malafa, SGOP. Super knowledgeable, experienced, friendly and very good at her job. She’ll even smile when she is telling you she can’t help you.

2) Best secretary - Beth Hamilton, Leader Lang’s office. I know I voted for her last year and others have too - but she continues to impress with her energy, positive attitude and efficiency. If you are chasing down Lou, she will tell you “I gave him the message” (he’s avoiding you) or “he wants to see you go up to the floor.” No BS, never too busy to help a citizen.

3) Political bar - although its too bright for me, I think the Globe does a nice bit of political business. Maybe too heavy with lobbyists and light on legislators sometimes, but usually a nice mix of the two.

4) Best state agency director: IDOT Gary Hannig. He’s always doing just fine.

Comment by siriusly Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 11:35 am
Best secretary: Amanda Prentice, who works for Reps Mendoza & Berrios. She’s enthusiastic, cheerful & a good researcher..

Comment by respectful Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 11:42 am
Try answering as many of the questions as possible, please. Thanks.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 11:43 am
State agency director.

Michael Randle. He is trying to do something difficult and politically risky–reduce Illinois’
excessively large and extremely expensive prison population, whose costs are going to weigh increasingly heavily on the state’s future budgets. It may not work–he faces reform-averse employee unions and state prison contractors, local communities that find it easier to live off state cash than innovate, and now our waffling governor seems to be backtracking on at least some parts of early release. But that’s to be expected. I hope Randle keeps at it. He’s earning his pay.

Comment by cassandra Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 11:53 am
Staffer - Staci Wilson, SGOP. She’s smart, detailed, thorough, and knows her stuff.

Secretary - Robin Gragg, Sen. Cullerton’s office. She is cheery helpful, and just plain nice.

Bar - I’m not sure that there are any worth comment since the old Norb Andy’s closed, but I’ll try anyway. Brown’s is probably the best all around choice. While not strictly a bar, I’ll also give a shout out to the margarita’s at Brio, plus there’s almost always a few legislators having dinner and drinks there and willing to chat.

Director - Marc Miller, DNR. He came in at a really difficult time, grabbed the reins and has been out there fighting for the agency. It’s not uncommon to see him spending a lot of time at the rail buttonholing legislators.

Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:01 pm
Best Legislative Staffer: Melissa Black from Sen. Dem staff. Goes out of the way to find information no one else can. Knows her stuff and not afraid to take on tough bills or issues.

Best Secretary: Michelle Hampton (Demuzio). Always ready to help, can find her senator anywhere and understands when to “push the panic button” on something.

Bar: The Globe.

Agency Director: Saddler at DHS. She has not been there long but has already changed the culture there and is taking on the real issues which have gotten lost in recent years. Runner up: Hannig

Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:11 pm
1.) Best Legislative Staffer…lots of good ones but I would have to give the award to Senate Democratic Council Jim Dodge, he is incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of law, a straight shooter and a great guy

2.) Best Secretary is a tough one…they are really the unsung heroes from having to put up with enough BS for a lifetime within one session day but it would have to go to House Secretary Tammy Bristow (Davis and Boland) She is upbeat, professional and goes the extra mile to help folks who are visiting the capitol

3.) Political Bar…too bad we cant give a Posthumous award to Boone’s (ya know before it tried the “uptown” crap that led to its demise) I’m going to go with No Name bar in the State House…while it closes unpredictably and is often empty it still gets my nod for the atmosphere of Dr. Evil’s layer…nothing else comes close in the patch to it

4.)I think Brent Adams from IDPFR wins this one…nice guy, honest and someone who effectively regulates everyone from Nail Technicians to Home Inspectors should get some much deserved recognition

Comment by prairiestatedem Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:11 pm
Best Staffer: Giovanni Randazzo-He keeps the Senate Executive Committee running smoothly, among “many” other things under the Dome. You can always count on “Gio”

Best Secretary: Bunny Fourez-she’s been around here longer than most of us put together!!Since we can’t give her a Purple Heart, the Golden Horseshoe might be the next best thing.

Best Bar: That all depends what time of the evening it might be. Early w/warm temps-Alamo Beer Garden…Late-JP Kelly’s …Really Really Late-2 Brothers.

Best Director: Judy Erwin-IBHE-because she puts in more hours on the road than an ABF over the road truck driver.

Comment by pheobe Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:14 pm
Director- Catherine Shannon at Labor. Nobody knows their agency better and cares more about doing a good job for the state.

Comment by Ozzie Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:22 pm
Best Bar: JP Kelly’s, great interior, close enough and picking up the clientelle.

Best Director: Marc Miller-DNR-took over a horrible situation, works tirelessly to make it better, nice honest guy too.

Comment by Duke Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:23 pm
I second the vote for Melissa Black for best legislative staffer (Senate Dems). Her co-workers have deemed her “chair of the midnight caucus” for working so constantly during session. And despite that, she takes time to mentor interns and answer “a quick medicaid question” for anyone.

Best LA - Katherine Galloway (Harmon). Always on top of everything, organized, polite, and professional.

Comment by Horseshoe Voter Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:23 pm
Director–my vote would also go to Director Miller at DNR. What a breath of fresh air after so many years of doom and gloom. A pure dedication and passion to a serious effort of rebuilding and he excels at extending the communcation lines in all groups/parties involved. Marc’s just what DNR needed and at a time that we needed him most.

Comment by Cindy Lou Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:38 pm
1.) legislative staffer - Kurt DeWeese (House D) - longevity, dedication and unparalleled institutional knowledge
2.) legislative secretary - Mary Alice Sieracki (DeLeo) and Kathy Knoles (McAuliffe) - both career legislative assistants, vast knowledge of both the Springfield Offices AND District Offices - and great relationships with other staff, their legislator and both excellent with constituent issues.
3.)bar - the Globe. an establishment is only as good as its staff, and Kathleen is one of the best.
4.) director - Warren Ribley. proactive, cares about his staff, progressive.

Comment by ted baxter Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:50 pm
Best IL State Agency Director - Mike McRaith

Now that Quinn has rightly put Insurance back into its own agency, I believe the Director will be able to shine even more. Director McRaith is a leading advocate for broad-based healthcare reform in the healthcare policy vacuum of Springfield. With national healthcare reform expected to produce a wave of reforms (and implementation measures) at the state level, Illinois is well positioned to take the lead.

Comment by George Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:51 pm
Staffer-Giovanni Randazzo. He is excellent, always in a great mood ready to dazzle everyone with his Kevin Nichelson-like stories. Wonderful guy and very capable.

Legislative Assistant-Senator Bond’s assist, Nicole Edwards. She is able to keep him on task which is really hard and can handle numerous tasks at once. Plus she is fun to talk to at her desk on long session days!

Bar-JP Kelly’s or Two Brothers

Director-Judy Erwin. She is a busy lady but holds it all together well.

Comment by McFierce Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:51 pm
4.) and amendment to #4 - if Hartke was still @ Ag it would be a tie between Ribley & Hartke.

Comment by ted baxter Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:52 pm
Unfortunately I can’t answer all questions, but:

4) have to agree with Marc Miller. Rod was absolutely gutting the agency for whatever reason, and it was a crying shame. Miller has taken hold of a bad situation and put it on a positive trajectory.

Comment by JonShibleyFan Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 12:53 pm
Can’t answer all because of lack of insight, but I’d say James Sledge of Central Services for #4. The mess he had to deal with when he got into that agency was huge. Now, CMS has actually stayed out of the news lately!

Comment by left government work Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 1:18 pm
Best Bar– DH Brown’s. Great specials every day of the week (at one time, I was going to Springfield enough to have them memorized), friendly atmosphere and staff who earn their tips. Always have a good time there. Popcorn is at the ready and enough TV in case there is a sporting event. At the same time, quiet enough to hold a conversation without screaming.

Best Director– Michael P. Randle
He has more than demonstrated that he has a grasp of the issues facing IDOC. If there was an “objective process” for hiring at that level, in meeting him, you could definitely see how he could be selected. He is hands on and idealistic. He has the youthful enthusiasm that carries him across the State to as many facilities as he can get to. While he knows a lot, he knows enough to listen and weigh what he hears. He has clearly demonstrated he is up to the job and that he is a good man.
Like anyone who would have been put in that position, he has a lot to do and he does not mind doing it. While he leads, he does so with a servant’s heart. The public has been well-served by him. If there is change in the Governor’s mansion, the public would be well-served if he is retained.

Comment by Richard Afflis Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 1:36 pm
Best Leg. Staffer - Colleen Atterbury, HGOP. Don’t know what to say except that she knows everything, is nice, but tells it like it is.

Best Bar - Right now it has to be Brown’s just for its longevity.

Best Director - I don’t know the man, but I think I could concur with those that say Michael Randle. CMS is a giant hornets nest. It’s a death-defying act to run the agency. He seems to be keeping the boat on a steady course at least.

Comment by RJW Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 1:49 pm
1. 2nd Kurt DeWeese an institution
2. Beth Hamilton does those little things to make you feel special
3. Browns still good
4. McRaith is a pro

Comment by Brother Darryl Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 2:25 pm
Bar- Two Brothers (great place to meet people); agency director- James Sledge at CMS (no thrills just common sense approach to running the most challenging agency in state government)

Comment by Tony M. Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 2:37 pm
1. N/a
2. N/a
3. The Globe
4. Andrew Vasquez, IEMA

Comment by country boy Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 2:52 pm
No explanation means the vote doesn’t really count.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 2:54 pm
Legislative staffer- Melissa Black, hardest working person I know.

Best bar- JP Kelly’s- great staff and I had a fun night there this past weekend

Agency director- CMS director James Sledge is one of the most ethical guys you will meet.

Comment by South Side Mike Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 3:12 pm
My vote is for Melissa Black for BEST Legislative Staffer. Compassionate, kind, patient, HARD worker, great team player and wears some really great shoes!

Best Secretary has to go to Robin Gragg! Always a smile, ready to help or just listen, gives good phone and keeps you laughing. We all love Robin!

Best bar: Sushi bar at Pao

Best agency Director: Judy Erwin

Comment by Fan of Cap Fax Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 3:26 pm
Staff person– Jeannette Malafa: helpful, responsive, experienced, and very intelligent with a good dose of wit. There are many others in both parties and both chambers that really are the foundation of the legislative process.

Legislative assistant: Nancy Hill in Sen. Maloney’s office has always impressed me with her organizational acumen and attention to the interaction between the Senator and those who seek his attention.

Bar: I don’t drink much, and never with legislators, so can’t say on this one.

Best Director: Warren Ribley seems to have a pretty good handle on guiding the many tentacles of DCEO in a meaningful way that are especially helpful facilitating the many inter-agency and inter-governmental relationships the agency has.

Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 3:34 pm
I vote for Adam Margolin for best staff person. He is an extremely hardworker, and always good for a laugh!

Comment by Lady Gaga Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 4:14 pm
Best staff person: I’ll probably get laughed at for this, but if Steve Brown qualifies in this category, I think he’s top-notch. Madigan smells like roses after being in the stables for so long.

Best admin: This is tough because there are so many good choices, but I’ll second someone earlier who nominated Bunny Fourez. She’s put up with a lot over the years and still comes back for more, doesn’t take anything personally and has a great sense of humor.

Best bar: I’ve long resisted the Globe because it doesn’t serve Heineken or Jameson, and I’m not a Beck’s/Bushmills kind of drinker. Now, IIRC, they have both, so it makes my list for convenience, service (ditto others on Kathleen) and one-stop shopping for all your legislative contact needs.

Agency Director: It’s close between Jan Kostner at tourism and Jim Sledge at CMS. Jan’s done great work with a declining budget and Jim has got CMS back on the rails and off the front page.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 4:32 pm
Brown won last year.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 4:37 pm
Isn’t he technically a “consultant” and not on staff per se? And how did I forget last year?

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 4:39 pm
Director is Catherine Shannon at Labor. Knows the place very well and handles herself like a pro in the male dominated labor arena.

Comment by old pro Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 4:43 pm
Agree on Catherine Shannon. Reminds me of a younger Margaret Blackshere.

Comment by In the know Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 4:45 pm
Yes 47 we are laughing at you.

A staffer is someone who does the actual work for the legislators. Brown is a pr flack.

Brown could be nominated in either the spokesperson or cronie categories.

Comment by siriusly Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 4:53 pm
You’re right. He won for spokesman. My bad.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 4:54 pm
Yeah, typing his name in the staffer category just felt, well, wrong. Crony is a good category though, I’ll renominate him when that section comes up.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 5:02 pm
What about a Best Crony award?

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 5:14 pm
Staffer - There are so many great staffers, but I vote for Giovanni Randazzo. He is funny, on top of things, doesn’t seem to go home during session, and seems to have the respect of the other caucuses.

Secretary - Mary Alice Sieracki (Senator DeLeo) - a great person with a great member. She has vast knowledge of both Springfield and the district.

Bar - The No Name Bar, but all time is still old Norb Andy’s.

Director - I think this is a tie between Warren Ribley and Gary Hannig and they will need to be the best to get people back to work and the infrastructure of the State rebuilt.

Comment by Cold in Springfield Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 5:14 pm
1) Best state legislative staffer:

Lindsay Hansen Anderson (Quinn’s legislative director)- Took over the almost impossible job of building a legislative staff from scratch and is very smart and always helpful.

2) Best state legislative secretary/admin assistant:

Amanda Prentice (Mendoza and Berrios)- Is smart, organized, and very cool.

3) Best political bar/restaurant in Springfield (must be currently operational):

Basement of Sebastians.

4) Best IL state agency director:

Many good ones. For those of you who complain about fumigation, look at new agency directors. Quinn’s picks (Hanning, Saddler, Adams, McRaith, Ribley, etc) are top notch. It is taking a little longer than people hoped to change things but Quinn obviously is putting qualified, smart people in place.

I’m going to go with McRaith. Has an amazing knowledge of a very complex regulatory agency. Is great to work with, and is always on top of his game. 2nd to Saddler at DHS. She has taken a disaster of an agency and changed the culture quickly. My guess is she is a runaway winner next year.

Comment by Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 5:19 pm
Director: Ribley. He is accessible and his business card lists his cell phone number.

Comment by wilecoyote Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 5:22 pm
“Give Me a Break”, please give me a break re: Michelle Saddler at DHS. She’s been there for 10 minutes and doesn’t know anything about anything. True, it’s difficult to imagine anyone worse than Carol Adams, but Saddler’s total lack of information is not a good indicator for the future.

But “best director”?? Not a chance.

Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 5:41 pm
Best Staffer - Melissa Black - top notch. Takes time to understand issue and picks up on the little details quickly, which is impressive when you consider that she handles Medicaid and HFS as part of her responsibilities. Not an easy task. She really cares and can keep smiling even when it seems like it is all going to come crashing down, which happens quite frequently. She is an exemplary example of a professional. But I’d like to note that there are a lot of unsung heroes that do good work and get little recognition.

Bar/restuarant - DH Browns since it memorializes the days when Illinois had a stronger more accomplished budget office before the black death of John Filan set in.

Comment by Hoping For Rational Thought Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 5:55 pm
Staffer: DeWeese for an outstanding career. Knows more about Health care than most agency directors….If Kurt weren’t retiring I would give it to Dave Ellis — hard to forget the job the House Prosecutor did
Secretary: Beth Hamilton is a great choice alway friendly and puts up with Lou
Bar: Thank goodness no one really know how good the Butternut Hut is ( please don’t tell anyone)

Best Director: Warren and Hannig are great but the real star is Pat Delfino at the Appellate Proscutor …p.s. memo to DuPageDave 10 minutes was all Michelle needed to surpass DrCarolAdams for total comman of agency matters.

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 6:35 pm
1) Best legislative staffer- Heather Wier Vaught, attorney in Speaker Madigan’s office and co-counsel for the impeachment of Rod. If it is a tough issue, changes are she is handling it. If you need answers, chances are she has them. David Ellis receives all the recognition, but Heather is a real superstar.

2) Best state legislative secretary/admin assistant - Another vote for Beth Hamilton. Not only is she always willing to answer questions, she’s always willing to make you laugh

3) Best political bar/restaurant in Springfield - It pains me to say it but I think it has to be the basement of Sebastians. If it is dinner time or sometime around then, you can usually find some of the top dogs there.

4) Best IL state agency director - Another vote for Judy Irwin. She truly understands her agency and is willing to stand up to Governor and the legislative leaders if necessary. She gets the job done.

Comment by let's think about this Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 6:55 pm
1.) Hands down, Melissa Black - She is intelligent, thorough, classy and professional.

2.) Beth Hamilton - Her positive, upbeat attitude cannot be beat.

3.) Sebastian’s - only because it’s the only one I can stand to be in….

4.) Mike McRaith - Really knows his “stuff.”

Comment by Glorified Babysitter Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 7:04 pm
Staffer: definitely David Ellis and Heather Wier for their stellar work during the impeachment of the governor.

Secretary: Beth Hamilton because it is her birthday and she is awesome.

Bar: the Globe because they have a piano for Burke.

Director: none

Comment by ANON Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 7:14 pm
Best bar/restaurant in Springfield - Saputo’s (need I say more?)

Best agency director - I have to go with Jim Sledge at CMS as well. A lot of these other directors nominated have been on the scene for what, 5 mins? I think Sledge may be the only holdover actually re-confirmed by Senate? That speaks volumes to me about the job he is doing in a tough environment.

Comment by Tiny Tim Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 7:33 pm
Dont forget Louis Mossos! He is hilarious, hardworking, and most important, GREEK!

Comment by dont forget Louie Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 7:42 pm
1) Best state legislative staffer………Heather Wier in the Speaker’s Office. She is the most dedicated person under the dome and deserves some time off.

2) Best state legislative secretary/admin assistant………Joanne Sullivan (Speaker Madigan) and Kathryn Underwood (President Cullerton) for dealing with the leaders, chiefs of staff, legislators, staffers, and lobbyists.

3) Best political bar/restaurant in Springfield……….The Globe, but only when Danny Burke is on the piano.

4) Best IL state agency director……..Mark Pruitt of the Illinois Power Agency. Electricity is hard to figure out but his agency is less than 2 years old and it has saved Illinois ratepayers millions of dollars $$$.

Comment by Government Cheese Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 8:58 pm
Staffer - Giovanni. Fun and enjoyable to go have a drink with.
Admin asst. - Beth Hamilton. Fun and enjoyable to go have a drink with.
Bar - The Globe. Fun and enjoyable place to go have a drink at.
Restaurant - Saputo’s - Fun and enjoyable place to eat at. Also good food in the non-pasta categories
Agency Director - Geoff Obrzut @ Community Colleges - Fun and enjoyable to go have a drink with.

Comment by Been There Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 9:18 pm
Staffer: Ted Fetters who works in Rep. Currie’s office is quick, sharp and gets back to people in no time, with answers.
Admin Asst: Amanda Prentice for all the reasons cited.
Agency Director: Randle of IDOC has the toughest job imaginable. His agency is in the worst shape, with the most entrenched players circling the tent to oppose any cuts or reforms. Because this is corrections, the public has the most to fear and freak out about if he makes any changes. But, he appears to be a long-term reformer, making thoughtful examinations of whole systems. He is honest, direct, accessible and clear in his intentions and answers to questions. Most we can ask for in a situation like this.

Comment by Bob (the other Bob, not the hysterical one) Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 10:42 pm
1. Frank Straus with House GOP is the most dedicated and knowledgeable staffer in the building hands down.
2. Gosh, I don’t know. Some of them are so nice and helpful. Others, well…..
3. Globe always has an interesting crowd, and its nice to complain about other politicans with politicans themselves who have even better stories about said-politician.
4. Gary Hannig has been able to re-build a lot of relationships that were damaged. In this climate I consider that to be a success.

Comment by Fitz Fan Monday, Dec 14, 09 @ 11:46 pm
1. You probably don’t know her by name, but if you have ever had to deal with Dave Ellis’ office you have encountered Sally Smith. She knows everything and is an incredibly hard working individual.

2. The person who answers the phone when you call the President’s office. I have no idea what her name it, but she always happens to remain calm and pleasant. That cannot be easy in that office.

3. 5th floor of the Capitol

4. Randle at IDOC. Couldnt even imagine how that guy functions with no budget, no support, and lots of people breathing down his neck. He’s done a great job and does the best with what he has.

Comment by I nominate Tuesday, Dec 15, 09 @ 8:53 am
Fitz Fan–
I agree. Frank Straus is excellent. Incredible depth of knowledge and not afraid to share it. A great public servant.

Comment by Bob (the other Bob, not the hysterical one) Tuesday, Dec 15, 09 @ 2:57 pm