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Rauner asks mayors to help pass his “preferred” budget

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Illinois

* We talked yesterday about a letter sent to school superintendents by Gov. Bruce Rauner’s education czar which claimed Democrats were going to hold up education funding.

Well, the governor also sent a letter this week to the state’s mayors and village presidents that was a far more direct attack on Speaker Madigan and Senate President Cullerton…

Discuss.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:07 am

Comments

Bringin’ back right-to-work issues, really? Oh, and lest I forget the ever-so-clearly-legal pension reform! Priceless…..

Comment by Unicorn Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:12 am
Do the Rauner folks not know how to do a mail merge?

I mean, really? “Dear City Mayor or Village President”?

Comment by AlabamaShake Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:13 am
Until he quits campaigning and starts governing, the cost of the mailings is just one more bit of government waste that he claimed he would eliminate.

Comment by illinoised Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:13 am
Dear Mayors,
Please help me pass my unbalanced budget that relies on decimation of the middle class, even though the Constitution says I can’t, and even though state law requires each of your cities to balance their own budgets. If you don’t, your Local Government Distributive Fund will be (again) the next hostage, even though your cities are statutorily entitled to those dollars. Remember, we’re Winnin!
Bruce

Comment by out of touch Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:14 am
“Do the Rauner folks not know how to do a mail merge?

I mean, really? “Dear City Mayor or Village President”?”

This. All Day. $uper$tar$ I tell ya.

Comment by Dee Lay Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:16 am
Did Rahm send a nice letter back?
With what was it wrapped?

Comment by Keyrock Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:16 am
Fake Rauner: P.S. If you do not support me, I will assume you are asking for a problem.

Comment by Beaner Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:19 am
Translation:

Side with me or I will sweep your beloved Local Government Distributive Fund.

Comment by Phil Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:19 am
–“Dear City Mayor or Village President”–

LOL.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:20 am
What a sad, feeble, feckless man, whose been successful at “everything” he’s ever done, and can’t see why this letter is utterly embarrassing for an Illinois governor to sign, let alone send out with their signature.

Why Rauner wants to divide the state with the state seal and a signature because Rauner’s choices don’t answer Article VIII, Section 2, (a), and further, with nary a soul in Democratic leadership that may trust Rauner “at his word”, all this letter does is highlight that…

“Bruce Rauner failed… ”

I’m embarrassed for him. A governor groveling, while ignoring the true levers of governing, or worse, the purposeful destruction of many important safety nets cobbled together by Republicans and Democrats for a better Illinois.

The letter is telling. Rauner has learned nothing, and is willing to rebuked and ridiculed by mayors receiving this letter and mocking respond “Are you inept, or what?”.

“Hi, Rich-

I’ll be keeping track of all the mayors who support this feeble move, just ignore all the others who mock this as they should.

I’ll keep that running tally for comical purposes.

Thanks!
ck”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:20 am
For $20 million they should be able to purchase a mail merge program.

Comment by Niblets Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:20 am
Who paid for the postage for these?

Comment by Boooooooo Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:20 am
Poor Bruce, ever the victim of the job he choose and the leaders he knew he’d be working with when he took the job.

Comment by AC Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:22 am
I know exactly where the majority of the Mayors in my area will be filing this letter……

Comment by Been there, done that Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:22 am
“Do the Rauner folks not know how to do a mail merge?
I mean, really? “Dear City Mayor or Village President”?”

He might as well just address it to, “to whom it may concern…”

Comment by There is power in a union... Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:22 am
Dear Governor Rauner,

Start governing.

Sincerely,

City Mayors and Village Presidents

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:24 am
Letter incorporates much of the Municipal League’s legislative wish list:

https://capitolfax.com/2016/02/24/iml-proposals-could-include-compromise-roadmap/

Comment by GA Watcher Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:28 am
The letter might as well say “Dear Occupant”

Comment by Name Withheld Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:28 am
Am I the only person who thinks it is a big deal that Rep. Reggie Phillips crossed party lines yesterday to vote for a Dem bill that would fund the universities? There seems to be little talk of it.

Comment by Anon1 Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:28 am
That’s it Governor, instead of finding a new way, keep trying the old way which hasn’t worked for the past year. You just keep digging that hole deeper every day and it doesn’t appear that you are any closer to turning this state around than you were a year ago. Given your high disapproval numbers I’ll bet the Mayors follow your lead and begin ripping on the Democratic leaders immediately.

Comment by The Dude Abides Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:30 am
Ok. Let’s see the cuts, Governor. The Democrats have so clearly said no to your preferred path.

Comment by Century Club Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:34 am
Dear Occupant or Person Pretending to be Governor:
We are doing our jobs. How about doing yours?
Your truly,
Mayors and Village Presidents

Comment by kimocat Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:36 am
Just another piece of junk mail to recycle. Unfortunately, somebody has to open the envelop and read the letter to see if it is worthwhile.

Comment by Huh? Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:37 am
Rahm ought to send it back wrapped around an Asian carp. /s

Comment by Huh? Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:39 am
Wow, his staff can’t even take the time to customize the letter.

Why would anyone want to help the Governor at this point? I’d send the letter back and just write “Bite Me” in red ink across it.

Comment by jerry 101 Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:40 am
This sounds just like his Turnaround ploy that worked so well.
Are we now going to start getting a “Your Daily preferred budget path update” on CapFax?!

Comment by Person 8 Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:42 am
Was there a check enclosed with the letter?

Comment by Trolling Troll Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:42 am
@FakeLTrover - RT if the letter makes the Governor’s Office look inept, “Like” if you think the Governor’s Office is just plain lazy #TwitterPoll #ItsWhatWeDo

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:46 am
Another fine example of a total lack of self-awareness. He’s got chutzpah to request support for his “path.” Most gov’s are asking for support of actual budgets at this point.

Hope the “City Mayor or Village President” had a good laugh.

Comment by Politix Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:47 am
Will anyone ask him why revenue without his turnaround is not an option? Seriously, why are there only two options?

Comment by Elo Kiddies Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:47 am
This is the type of government fraud, abuse and waste we need to stop. Paper and postage spent on a political mailing that will have zero impact. Those locals who are true believers have already made their pitch to the Solons. Others know it’s a waste of their time and a politically dangerous action. See the react to Rauner’s RTW resolution.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:50 am
The post-it attached to the letter reads “You must send this on in 3 hours after reading to ten different people. If you do this, you will receive unbelievably good luck.”

Comment by Jocko Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:51 am
If he had any manners at all, he would have apologized for withholding the local money until late last fall.

I imagine there are still “funds” that should be being distributed.

Don’t get played local peeps. Your a pawn.

Comment by cdog Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:51 am
As if the Mayor’s don’t have their own problems to deal with at the local level. Now they have to get this thinly veiled threat in the mail. It is pathetic that this Governor cannot figure out how to govern. We had Blago, who was mentally unstable, Quinn who always had his finger in the wind, now we have a guy that is so the political equivalent of the husband who won’t ask for directions after driving 8 hours in the wrong direction.

Comment by Saluki Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:52 am
you’re

Comment by cdog Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:52 am
===Am I the only person who thinks it is a big deal that Rep. Reggie Phillips===

No. Reggie agrees with you. One day late, dude.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:52 am
He couldn’t be bothered to call the mayors by name? Or is he just emphasizing his lack of respect for them?

Comment by northsider (the original) Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 9:54 am
Never before saw an extortion note written as a form letter. Amateur hour.

Comment by Independent retired lawyer, journalist Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:03 am
==Am I the only person who thinks it is a big deal that Rep. Reggie Phillips crossed party lines yesterday to vote for a Dem bill that would fund the universities?==

I was stunned at that, too. I’m thinking Reggie just fumble fingered and hit the wrong button. That vote was one shy of veto-proof. The trouble is, it’s smoke and mirrors without a tax hike.

Comment by MSIX Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:03 am
“Meh. You call that a letter?” - Richard Goldberg

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:04 am
I can understand the salutation. The envelops were addressed to:

Current Resident
City Hall/Village Hall
Any Town, Illinois

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:05 am
The town of Madeupville, Illinois will consider this after the cotton candy clouds rain gumdrops upon the gingerbread city hall…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:10 am
Can “Help, I’m in London and lost my wallet and passport” be far behind?

Comment by Rod sez I'm pork Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:12 am
The letter would have been more realistic and effective if it were pasted together with letters of different types and shapes cut out from magazines.

Comment by Decaff Coffee Party Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:13 am
These get mailed out, but reminders for driver’s license and license renewals are a thing of the past. Boy, Rauner sure cares about the average guy…..

Comment by Frank Ambrose Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:18 am
“Rahm ought to send it back wrapped around an Asian carp. /s”

Remember when the Asian carp proliferation was one of IL biggest threats? Those were the days.

Comment by Politix Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:19 am
The mental health services it appears the governor needs are no longer available because of his own failed policies. #Catch22

Comment by Decaff Coffee Party Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:20 am
You knew when B.Cole made his proposals a couple weeks, smart money knew LGDF is about the only big ticket item left.

Comment by blue dog dem Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:20 am
This is so minor but says so much: “Dear City Mayor of Village President”

They couldn’t spend 15 minutes personalizing a letter that is asking for support!?!?!? Hell, CREDO still remembers my name from that $50 I gave in 2008. Rauner can’t be bothered to mail merge?

It’s borderline disrespectful. “Hey, I don’t know who you are, and I don’t care, but join my team”.

Comment by Ferris Wheel Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:24 am
Morning Rich,

I wanted to let you know that this was the 2nd draft of this letter. For context I’ve attached the unedited version of the 1st draft below:

Dear Anyone who opens this letter,

My name is Bruce Rauner, and I’m typing this out by hand because I don’t use email. Please don’t attempt to contact me by phone or text either for response. It’s not needed or necessary.

Please know that everything that is happening is for the better good, and it’s in your personal best interest to just agree to everything. Although I haven’t accomplished anything yet (literally) I promise you that by agreeing to everything I propose I’ll go far, and you’ll be worse off.

Sincerely
Bruce

Best,
ck!

Comment by How Ironic Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:27 am
Reggie showed real courage……….too late for him to get the “treatment” and become Mc canned by the governor so he gets a pass while the rest of the GOP stuck with the governor.

Comment by Elliott Ness Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:28 am
Amateur Hour

Comment by Xavier Woods Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:30 am
The Governor is going to govern sometime soon, right? Somebody might want to tell him that sending out letters whining about the situation doesn’t qualify.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:30 am
If Charleston or ANY person connected to EIU votes for Reggie Phillips now, they are cutting off their nose to spite their face.

Way, way, WAY too late.

“Vote Accordingly” with Reggie Phillips, before it’s too late to save EIU or Charleston(?)

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:33 am
LOOK!
A note from the kidnapper!

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:35 am
@- VanillaMan - Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:35 am:

“LOOK!
A note from the kidnapper!”

VMan for the win! It’s going to be hard to top that.

Comment by How Ironic Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:37 am
I think it’s time for Mayors and Village Managers and State Legislators to petition for a Federal Government takeover of the state.

Seeing as how the State has a Governor who won’t do his job, yet won’t resign.

Comment by jerry 101 Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:37 am
And VanillaMan just won

Comment by L.A. Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:39 am
Perhaps the letters should have been addressed to:

Dear CURRENT City Mayor/Village President (whose term ENDS 2017/2019 unless I choose otherwise)…

Comment by morgan Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:40 am
Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 10:33 am +1

Comment by Norseman Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 11:00 am
I’d call this junk mail except all of mine happens to be personalized.

Rauner has achieved below junk status!

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 11:02 am
DEaR CIty maYOR or VIlLaGe PReSiDENt

LAsT yEaR, I ~~DEMANDED~~ RequeSTed ThAt U DO RIgHt BY Me, oR Mr. bIGglEswORtTh WILL bE AVEgeNDeD! aNGRy and pEOpLE WILL dIE!

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 11:09 am
Geek alert - I wonder if TOWN Mayor Chris Koos of Normal or TOWN President Larry Dominick of Cicero are offended by the salutation.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 11:11 am
@saluki

==Quinn who always had his finger in the wind==

What?

Say what you will about him, Quinn was not afraid to ruffle feathers. That’s not a finger to the wind.

Maybe if he’d kept his finger a bit closer to the wind he’d still be governor.

Comment by Handle Bar Mustache Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 11:23 am
Dear Governor,

In response to your letter of 3/3/16, please note that I have been Mayor of Anytown for the past 20 years and have a bit of experience in reaching agreements with my city council despite our differences so I would like to offer you some advice. It may surprise you, but, I have never had to mail the residents of the municipality to get the council to negotiate with me, instead, I pick up the phone and speak to the council members directly. I also have a policy of avoiding disparagement of the members in public. Some times we even meet to discuss our issues. I know this may seem a bit extreme, but I assure you it is effective to have discussions with the folks you need to compromise with.

One last little piece of advice, offering to loan someone the money you owe them at a low interest rate is pretty out there.

I hope you find this advice helpful.

Sincerely,

Mayor Anytown, Il.

Comment by burbanite Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 11:24 am
The most efficient solution to the budget dilemma is for the Governor to resign.

Comment by Union Man Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 11:43 am
Only thing missing was the 3rd grade part at the bottom. “Circle Y or N if you’ll go out with me”

Comment by How Ironic Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 12:28 pm
Hey for a guy who doesn’t use email, this came to our Village via email. What the heck?

Comment by Cable Line Beer Gardener Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 1:02 pm
Rich,

Before you ask, we do know of mayors across the state who have advocated for our reforms. There is one in northern Illinois AND one in southern Illinois!

Best,

ck!

/s

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 1:11 pm
Cable Line Beer Gardener- Hit Reply and see what happens;)

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 1:25 pm
The letter may be ham fisted, but the ask is not. The Illinois Municipal League put out a legislative agenda about 2 weeks ago and advocated for many of the turnaround agenda items - Prevailing Wage, additional Workers Comp Reform, amongst other goodies. Mayors have been asking for this stuff for years, and have never had an ear in the GA to listen - seems like they still don’t. But that agenda was put out by the Municipal League, not Rauner. Mayors want this stuff. I know this for a fact.

Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 1:31 pm
You without their money for 7 months, forced to release it, and then ask for help? Whoa…

Comment by Mama Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Dear Governor,

Thanks for your interest in our communities. We’re having a home sale this week due to the employees at our universities losing their jobs. Maybe you would like to buy a few to add to your collection. Just doesn’t feel like we’re winnin’.

Fake Mayors of Macomb and Charleston

Comment by skeptical Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 1:49 pm
Dear State Governor or Plutocrat,

Please enclose a Turnaround Agenda check for $10 million for each of our municipalities with your next letter to help us maintain basic services and facilities. Then we can engage in meaningful dialogue per your most recent query.

Yours,
City Mayors and Village Presidents of Illinois

Comment by turned around Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 2:59 pm
allknowingmasterofracoondom - Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 1:31 pm:

Not all Mayors, I know mine doesnt.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Mar 4, 16 @ 4:01 pm
The people of Illinois should boycott voting on March 15.

Comment by No Sense Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 12:12 pm