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Search committee selected to pick Mapes DPI replacement

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Illinois

* Tim Mapes was DPI’s executive director until Wednesday, when he was forced to resign…

Michael J. Madigan, chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, announced formation of a committee which will select the party’s next executive director.

The search committee will be comprised of the 18 elected Democratic State Central Committeewomen, and chaired jointly by Juliana Stratton, Iris Martinez, Jayne Mazzotti, Carol Ronen and Karen Yarbrough.

“The members of this search committee share a commitment to the success of our Democratic Party, and also recognize the need for a better culture throughout Illinois government and politics,” Madigan said. “I know they will conduct a thorough search and select a candidate who reflects our commitment to a strong statewide party and a better future for all. I appreciate the work they are preparing to undertake.”

Those chairs are interesting. Mazzotti and Yarbrough can be considered Madigan people, but Stratton, Martinez and Ronen are most definitely not. Looks like the Pritzker folks had some influence there.

* Meanwhile…

Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed into law a measure that will increase independence in the investigation of legislative ethics complaints in Illinois. This new law, which makes significant reforms to the Legislative Ethics Commission and Office of the Legislative Inspector General, changes the process of handling ethics complaints to provide those who would come forward greater confidence that their concerns will be reviewed in a timely, transparent manner.

“This bill is a victory for the heroic women who have stepped forward to take on the culture of fear, abuse and retaliation that permeates too much of state government. Illinoisans should applaud this improvement and champion the women who stood up to Illinois’ political power structure in order to make this change happen.” Rauner said in his signing message. “Through their courageous words and actions, they have declared that the culture in Springfield must change.”

Under HB 138 the Legislative Inspector General (LIG) will be allowed to conduct independent investigations into sexual harassment allegations without obtaining consent from the Legislative Ethics Commission (LEC). The new law will create an independent search committee to recommend candidates for LIG, establish new restrictions on political parties and lobbying firms, and bring greater transparency to the management of ethics complaints. It also makes it possible to hire a full-time LIG, instead of the current part-time position, to more quickly investigate ethics complaints.

“Those who have been subject to sexual harassment can now have greater confidence that the investigatory process will not be controlled by those who are being investigated. The era of self-dealing in Springfield must come to an end,” Rauner said. “Victims should not live in fear that the truth they tell will bring more pain into their lives. That’s why I’m signing this bill – because it will help protect Illinois’ daughters, mothers, wives and others who dedicate their lives to improving state government.”

While this legislation is a step in the right direction, Rauner identified two critical flaws that should be addressed quickly by the legislature. First, the LIG should not need the legislature’s approval to investigate any type of ethics allegations.

“The same independent investigation that is needed for claims of sexual harassment is also needed for allegations such as bribery, fraud, prohibited political activity, and other crimes and ethics violations,” Rauner said, noting that the legislature has the authority to make those changes.

Rauner also noted that the LEC, which oversees investigations of claims against legislators and legislative staff, should not be composed of legislators. Outside individuals, not connected to the legislative process, should be tasked with oversight of the General Assembly.

“Illinois has one of the nation’s highest rates of public corruption, and Illinoisans have the lowest confidence in their government compared to citizens of every other state. An independent Legislative Inspector General and independent commission are needed to help restore Illinoisans’ confidence in the legislature,” Rauner said.

While work remains to be done, Rauner commended the work of the members of the General Assembly who made this step forward possible, and urged them to continue pushing for reform.

“I have to applaud the Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus who really championed this issue and have made this advancement possible,” Rauner said. “I hope they will stay vigilant, and remain engaged as we continue to work together to take on this toxic culture of corruption in Springfield.”

The new law also makes various changes aimed at increasing transparency including requiring enhanced reporting of matters brought to the LEC and the Executive Ethics Commission, procedures for LEC members to recuse themselves, and addresses limitations concerning the sharing of information about complaints and the investigative process with complainants. It also allows the Secretary of State Inspector General to enforce rules that apply to lobbyists, providing for suspension or revocation of a lobbyist’s registration for a sexual harassment violation.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 11:40 am

Comments

This will be interesting to see how much influence JB has/will have moving forward. Some people keep assuming Madigan holds sway over JB, but I think it’s more equal then that and if JB wins then they might be equals.

Comment by HorseShoe Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 11:51 am
Just as Speaker Madigan wisely chose Jessica Basham to succeed Tim Mapes, I suspect you will see an equally talented woman named ED of DPI.

Ironically, Alaina Hampton would have been a good fit…

Comment by Colin O'Scopy Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 11:53 am
Rich, did you list Martinez twice because of lasting resentment over that Rich Bradley primary in 2008?

Comment by Juice Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 11:54 am
–Looks like the Pritzker folks had some influence there.–

I hear gubernatorial nominees who write million-dollar-checks can be influential.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 11:56 am
How about credit to the women themselves for getting named to the committee? The power of speaking up.

Comment by Amalia Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 12:00 pm
Has Rauner introduced Ken Dunkin as pointman yet?

Comment by DeseDemDose Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 12:05 pm
The Speaker should send out a policy member to every male State Rep, male Staffer, male Lobboiest directing said males to Immediately Resign their positions if they have done the following:
1. If you have ever texted a Female subordinate or coworker your romance interest.
2. If within the last 10 years made any off colored remake toward any female anywhere and anytime.
3. If you have ever communicated in an angry or frustrated manner toward a Female.
4. If you have ever been accused of verbal abuse of a wife or girlfriend.

Comment by Pc Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 12:21 pm
PC really is just telling on himself

Comment by Lucky Charms Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 12:27 pm
PC@12:21, you’re giving yourself away a bit there. This is a legitimate issue that needs to be addressed. I’d agree there is a (small) amount of hysteria or exaggeration with some allegations, and people are equating rude jokes with groping, painting all “offenders” with the same brush, which I find silly, but we as a culture have to redraw the lines of what is acceptable and what is not, because the lines are not working where they are.

Comment by Perrid Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 12:43 pm
=The Speaker should send out a policy member to every male State Rep, male Staffer, male Lobboiest directing said males to Immediately Resign their positions if they have done the following:=

Harassment happens TO men and women BY men and women. To only direct this at men isn’t helpful.

Comment by Bad Actors, both genders Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 12:43 pm
This is not a political policy leadership position. It is a highly-detailed, analytical, process management role. As such, if the committee does their job, most of the public will never have heard of the person they select.

The real changes of political interest, would come with a change in the Chair.

Comment by walker Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 12:45 pm
Agree with Walker. I’m skeptical it will pan out that way, but if it is a figurehead that gets the job there needs to be a detailed COS type role behind the scenes.

Comment by Centennial Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 12:51 pm
==but Stratton, Martinez and Ronen are most definitely not==

Which is not to say that they’re hostile to the Speaker, either, though. But still, I take your meaning.

One of the posts the other day asked if Madigan’s on his way out. My answer is that Madigan, as we’ve known him for the last 2 decades, is out. He will probably be allowed to realize this slowly and with some dignity.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 1:58 pm
The beginnings of a functioning DPI someday?

Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 2:02 pm
With these words we know nothing will change…”Michael J. Madigan, chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, announced …..”

Comment by Texas Red Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 2:20 pm
I am continually bemused and unhappy how Carol “8 weeks working for Blagojevich, for a $38,000 pension bump per year for life” Ronen still commands such high prestige as a Democratic elder statesman.

Comment by ZC Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 2:32 pm
Whoever is picked should hate the speaker and try where possible to help Bruce.

Comment by Rauner guy Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 2:39 pm
It’s unlikely that DPI will continue to play the same role that it did. Which means it is unlikely that Madigan will continue to fundraise for DPI as he did. Which ironically makes DPI a whole lot less relevant. Pritzker already has his own quasi-party organization that he controls completely.

Seems likely DPI will become what ILgop is: a mechanism for evading contribution caps. The job of ED isn’t going to be too sexy if that happens.

Comment by Thomas Paine Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 2:46 pm
How is Stratton not a “Madigan person”? Obvisous JB connection, but Didn’t she get recruited and or recieve mjm staff at first? Does she differ on her votes? Just seeking clarifcation

Comment by Most def not Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 3:59 pm
===How is Stratton not a “Madigan person”?===

Please. She’s leaving the House in January. Her campaign manager was Alaina Hampton. Could you be more ridic?

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 3:59 pm