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Rauner calls on Dunkin to resign from MWRD

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Illinois

* From Sherri Garrett’s press release about Tim Mapes…

In Spring 2013, former State Rep. Ken Dunkin approached the House Well and said to Ms. Garrett and another woman–“I want to take both of you home and see which one will be the naughtiest.” Ms. Garrett reported the incident. Ms. Garrett later heard that when Mr. Mapes was told about the incident, his response was that it would blow over. While the incident was appropriately addressed by other members of Ms. Garrett’s team ultimately, it later became clear to Ms. Garrett that Mr. Mapes did not take appropriate action to address Rep. Dunkin’s comment, and if it had been left up to Mr. Mapes, the entire incident would have been swept under the rug.

* Rauner administration press release…

For too long, a culture of abuse has been permitted within state government – we must not tolerate it. Our Administration has acted decisively to change it in the executive branch through administrative action and Executive Order. We have also called on Ken Dunkin to resign from the MWRD.

In recent months, women have stepped forward to share their stories involving the legislature – we applaud their bravery. To the women who haven’t stepped forward, who have their own stories to tell, know that we plan to act swiftly to ensure an independent process is in place to investigate future allegations and the culture Speaker Madigan has created.

Rachel Bold
Press Secretary
Office of Governor Bruce Rauner

Rauner appointed Dunkin to the MWRD not long ago.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:25 pm

Comments

I rarely, if ever applaud Rauner but I do in this instance.

Can’t he rescind his appointment rather than ask Dunkin to resign?

Comment by Because I said so.... Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:29 pm
It is absolutely amazing to me that the head of the Democratic Party has let the Governor get the upper hand on this.

From a purely political perspective, this is not a difficult call. Speaker needs to cut Mapes loose. The fact that they don’t seem to know this means only one thing for Democrats. A LOT more pain to come.

Comment by ILPundit Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:30 pm
Both candidates for Governor respond and the Speakers office remains silent. MJM, you are playing into your detractors hands.

Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:30 pm
===Rauner appointed Dunkin to the MWRD not long ago.===

Not long at all. Seem like hours ago. Nice vetting by the BTIA.

The fact is, they didn’t care that Dunkin was a creep before they appointed him and they are only backtracking now to try to keep the stink off of them. CYA 101.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:31 pm
Do MWRD commissioners have to be confirmed by the Senate?

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:31 pm
Rauner appointed Dunkin less than a month ago, anything Rauner says on this topic rings very hallow. Maybe it’s time to revisit the creepy red dress comments from Valentine’s Day 2017.

Comment by Concerned Dem Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:31 pm
If Rauner feels that strongly about it, why doesn’t he remove Dunkin like he did John Clough (from the prison review board) instead of having staff write a fluff release…. I mean press release.

Comment by Casper Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:31 pm
oops… hollow, not hallow… sorry Abe!

Comment by Concerned Dem Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:32 pm
===why doesn’t he remove Dunkin like he did John Clough===

Totally different types of boards.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:35 pm
Does this mean we will never have to hear about Ken Dunkin again? I sure hope.

Comment by So_Ill Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:35 pm
No Senate confirmation for MWRD Appointments

Comment by Grand Avenue Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:36 pm
=Do MWRD commissioners have to be confirmed by the Senate?=

I don’t believe that is the case. The MWRD is an elected office. The Governor appoints vacancies, I believe.

Comment by Colin O'Scopy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:36 pm
Gee, it seemed like such a good appointment at the time..

Governor has the power to appoint when there is a vacancy, but it’s an independent agency and commissioners are elected so he can’t remove a commissioner. I wonder if it could be rescinded if he hasn’t been sworn in yet by the MWRD, but swearing in might just be a ceremonial formality. Should certainly be looked into if Rauner is serious about removing Dunkin.

Comment by TopHatMonocle Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:36 pm
It’s silly to have the Governor appoint replacements for vacancies. It’s a 9 member board, so they can do fine missing one or two members until the next election.

Comment by Grand Avenue Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:38 pm
Just like Lieutenant Governor, if the office goes vacant it should stay vacant until the next election.

Comment by Grand Avenue Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:38 pm
I guess the Governor now wishes Dunkin stayed in New York City.

Comment by Colin O'Scopy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:39 pm
===never have to hear about Ken Dunkin again?===

Only if you think he will actually resign.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:39 pm
MWRD Commissioners are elected, and therefore not subject to Senate confirmation. Here, Dunkin was appointed under statute to fill an unexpired vacancy until after a replacement is elected in November. Without digging into the books too far, I’m pretty certain that once appointed to an elected office, the Governor loses the power to rescind the appointment, as the appointee has obtained a property right in the office and would be entitled to due process and removal proceedings like any other elected official. Thus, all they can do is call for him to resign.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:40 pm
a write in effort was successful on the Dem side. appoint the winner.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:40 pm
When are the Rauner folks going to answer questions about Murashko? Since they are adopting this holier than thou stance and all? Or why the Gaming Board administrator and the Liquor Control GC were sacked?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:43 pm
Anyone want to bet on whether or not Dunkin resigns? I am not seeing it based on what has been shared on the blog about Dunkin.

Rauner should have (or his BTIA team) been well aware of the allegations regarding Dunkin in the past. He should not have been appointed but Rauner is doing business much the same way as MJM.

Glass houses and stones governor.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:55 pm
JB better go up with some ad’s on Rauner appointing Dunkin to that board even after those allegations were made public per Madigans statement. A Governor should of been fully aware.

Comment by Real Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:00 pm
Everyone who has ever been in the same building as Dunkin knows exactly who he is. He wouldn’t let you escape without knowing. It’s laughable to assert that Rauner is “getting out in front of this.” He gave the scoundrel a soft landing place, and now some commend him for asking him to kindly land where he should have thumped after being primaried.

Be better.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:01 pm
I am sure Ken Dunkin will do the honorable thing here . . .

Comment by Henry Fancis Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:01 pm
–JB better go up with some ad’s on Rauner appointing Dunkin to that board even after those allegations were made public per Madigans statement. A Governor should of been fully aware.–

Two things. 1. The allegation was made public but no name was attached to it until today. 2. JB has his own indirect ties to all this mess to worry about.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:16 pm
Why are we focusing so much on Rauner. Madigan had to have known the type of culture he has allowed for so long. Nothing ever happened without his knowledge, nothing. Focus on the issue…Time for Madigan to go.

Comment by Here we go Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:22 pm
Unless there is more that might come out, I don’t see Dunkin resigning. He’s already got the reputational damage whether he resigns or not. He doesn’t lose much by staying as long as he can. And undoubtedly, he doesn’t think he did much.

Comment by State worker Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:22 pm
===Focus on the issue… ===

Hmm.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:24 pm
== Focus on the issue…Time for Madigan to go. ==

There’s just one person who wants to see Mike Madigan stay put more than Mike Madigan does. His name is Bruce Rauner.

Comment by TNR Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:36 pm
Rauner worked his tail off for dunkin, madigan kicked his tail out of the party

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:43 pm
TNR has a good point. Rauner does not want Madigan to resign. He would have to redo most of his commercials and come up with a new campaign strategy.

Comment by "Old Timer Dem" Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:45 pm
Was Dunkin’s behavior public knowledge before the appointment?

“My office was aware of the comments made by then Representative Dunkin and took action to handle the matter. That issue had been disclosed publicly earlier this year by my office along with all other known allegations of harassment.”

Comment by Anon90 Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:14 pm
Rauner loved Dunkin when he stopped the 71 from happening.

Now Rauner wants us to think he’s going after Dunkin.

Rauner lied to Cardinal Cupich.

You can’t believe anything Rauner says.

Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:20 pm
It’s good to see a former legislator who had a reputation for hitting on young lobbyists and staffers finally get identified.

Comment by anon2 Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:45 pm
What a rare opportunity Mr. Dunkin has created for the Governor. An appointment freely given and taken away to be used another day. All caused by the appointees fowl play.

Comment by Ms. Silence Dogood Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 5:54 pm
The comments about Dunkin are 100% correct and reflect my experience as with him as well. Ego doesnt begin to describe him.

That said, Rauner wants us to believe he knew absolutely nothing about Ken Dunkin before he appointed him to the Water Rec district? Please. That is absolutely laughable.

Comment by low level Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 6:35 pm
Dunkin is a perfect fit for the Sewer Department. The voters will bounce him in due time. Thanks to all who answered my question.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 7:08 pm
There is no way Mr. Paychecks resigns before his term ends. NO. WAY.

Comment by Baggs McCoy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 7:48 pm
What’s the over/under on Dunkin resigning?
What?
We are a gambling state right? Might as well start with the biggest bloodsport in the state, politics.

Comment by DuPage Bard Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 8:56 pm
The only way Dunkin resigns is a hefty severance from some shell company comes his way. He needs the paycheck.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 10:07 pm