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* I wrote this the other day…
IMHO, under no circumstances should a governor - whoever it is - hire a chief of staff with no state government experience in Illinois. We do not need a Rauner repeat.
That was intended as a response to a suggestion elsewhere that a tech/business guy with no political or government experience might be in line to be JB Pritzker’s chief of staff should he be elected governor.
I’ve since re-thought that blanket assertion after discussing it over with some old hands in both parties. Gov. Rauner’s first chief of staff, for instance, had no state government experience. He and his team had their flubs, but the worst mistakes were made by the governor when he wouldn’t listen to his team’s advice, whether that was over doing a budget deal or whatever.
His third chief of staff also had no significant state government experience and that person was out after only a few chaotic months at the helm.
So, it can go either way. It really depends on the person and the top dog, not really the chief’s specific background. I let my Statehouse chauvinism show through too much. It happens on occasion.
* What the next governor (whoever it is) needs in a chief is someone he can totally trust to always look out for his and the state’s best interests. People are going to be coming at him from all directions with their own agendas, and with their hands or their swords (or both) out. So that chief will have to remind him that Illinoisans put him in that job for a reason and sometimes that means saying “No” to an ally and also means finding a way to get to “Yes” with others.
I think Gov. Rauner had that sort of chief when he was inaugurated, except the governor didn’t listen nearly enough. The governor wanted everything done right away and then got almost nothing done after the FY15 budget deal because that’s what happens when you demand too much, too fast in a divided government (or even in a one-party government).
* The bottom line here is that prior state government experience isn’t as all-important as I insisted the other day. I still think it would be helpful, but I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary. What matters most is a range of abilities and a bond of trust.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:24 pm
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I stand by this, every word.
My comment from the link Rich provided;
===It’s absolutely critical, like fundamentally critical, that Pritzker has one or a few that will tell him “no”, why it’s “no”, and also give the other side, politically and governmentally, to his governing.
Needs wonks, needs political types, and needs people who first, last, always are looking out for the state, the people, and the governor.
This ain’t Pollyanna, this is called actual governing.
My sincere hope is that Pritzker, and those who he trusts, and loves, and love him back enough to push back… my hope is that a professional Administration is formed, with solid old hands, new fresh faces with original ideas, and apolitical wonks… and Pritzker listens, assesses, and governs with the state, and her people, first on his mind.
If Pritzker wins, I hope for his Administration.
Oswego Willy===
Every. Single. Word.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:31 pm
I think you were right. The Chief needs some experience with the inner working of State Government. That being said, a fresh face with fresh ideas can be good. Experience leads to understanding and that would be a welcome change.
Comment by Retired Educator Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:33 pm
Rich, kudos to you for keeping an open mind about this and sharing your line of thinking with your readers.
In my opinion, more than anything, Pritzker will need a person who isn’t a “yes” man/woman and who is humble enough to know he/she doesn’t really know what they are walking into. The person must realize the best thing they can do is shut up and listen - really listen - for the next few weeks and put together a team of people who want to work together. They need to function as a team. Inevitably, there will be people vying for their own political power so they can make a name for themselves. Those people need to be put in line immediately.
Comment by potato Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:34 pm
I thought of Mike Z when you wrote that, too, but I also thought that running a U.S. Senator’s office was “close enough”. Collens seems like another thing entirely.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:36 pm
This is helpful advice for Rauner in his second term… …
Comment by Ok Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:38 pm
==The Chief needs some experience with the inner working of State Government. That being said, a fresh face with fresh ideas can be good. ==
Thing is, the next Governor of Illinois, whoever that is, is going to hire a bunch of people, so no one job needs to check all the boxes.
But CoS seems kind of ideal for the “make the trains run on time/know where the bodies are buried” role.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:39 pm
What really matters in Executive Office is you must be coachable. Every spot on the team. You must ask questions before making policy initiatives or rendering decisions. Find out the pros and cons of something before you step in it.
Are you coachable? Any of you?
Comment by Team Warwick Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:46 pm
It doesn’t have to be the Chief of Staff, but someone on the team needs to have enough political experience to be able to identify the players and their individual agendas … which may not match their stated agendas. Government experience at a fairly high level, either legislative or administrative, helps.
Comment by RNUG Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:47 pm
Whether or not they have state government experience, a good chief of staff will have the power of abstract thought, and know his or her own weaknesses in the job. I remember once, a thick-headed political type telling me, “I am almost always the smartest guy in the room, and when I’m not, I’ll tell you.” He didn’t last too long, because he really knew almost nothing, and he didn’t know that he knew almost nothing. But he did give me a new philosophy, “I assume I am always the dumbest guy in the room, and when I’m proven wrong, I won’t say a word about it.”
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:53 pm
The last thing we need is someone who wants to run the state like a business. Illinois is not a business. it’s a government and needs to be run like a government. A tech or business type doesn’t understand that.
And please God, I hope JB doesn’t have a Twitter account like Trump.
Comment by Streamwood Retiree Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:54 pm
We have learned some painful lessons these past 4 years. I hope and pray that we do not have to live through these painful times yet again.
Thank you, Rich, for your cogent and pointed comments. Our next Governor needs to pay attention to your advice.
Comment by illini Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:55 pm
=== What the next governor (whoever it is) needs in a chief is someone he can totally trust to always look out for his and the state’s best interests. People are going to be coming at him from all directions with their own agendas, and with their hands or their swords (or both) out. So that chief will have to remind him that Illinoisans put him in that job for a reason and sometimes that means saying “No” to an ally and also means finding a way to get to “Yes” with others.===
Yep. Often times, telling the Governor “no” is the hardest thing to do but also the most necessary. It takes tact, trust and truth-telling.
The Governor works for the whole state, and the Chief needs to constantly steer everything toward that North Star. If everybody isn’t pulling in the same direction, the administration will be rudderless, adrift and most likely headed for the shoals. The seas are rough and unpredictable and the Captain needs a reliable helmsman (or helmswoman).
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:55 pm
I’m probably more interested in the “kitchen cabinet” types.
While not necessarily involved in the day to day, the influence, politically, and the raw politics to governing, their advice and counsel could be, doesn’t mean it will by any measure, a signal to how things could shake out.
Pritzker is going from a 200 or so campaign staff to dozens of agencies, hundreds of folks he and his administration may take responsibility for to move his agenda.
Then there are the thousands of state workers.
But, let’s get to the manageable, and the pinnacle… how to shape an Administration, and my thoughts above, and the kitchen cabinet, they will speak to a lot of it.
I keep in mind, if Pritzker wins, I want him to succeed, that means Illinois succeeds, and helping Pritzker succeed should be a goal, even well within partisan divisions.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 12:57 pm
===I keep in mind, if Pritzker wins, I want him to succeed, that means Illinois succeeds, and helping Pritzker succeed should be a goal, even well within partisan divisions.===
That’s a darn rare sentiment these days.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:05 pm
Wonder how Bruce feels when he reads stuff that clarifies the cliche about “measuring the drapes”. He may not like it, but I do.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:06 pm
Another element I’m curious about: If Democrats lose some seats nationally, including some governor’s mansions, might we be seeing some top agency people brought in from elsewhere?
Then again, we did recently experiment with bringing a former Governor of Hawaii in…
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:06 pm
===That’s a darn rare sentiment these days.===
Thanks. After 4 years of Raunerism, I need a state government, at all levels to work, and work together.
Two years without a budget, we need to make up for that and then some.
Raunerites left in the GA better realize… they need to show results not roadblocks, to get into the discussion.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:07 pm
State government experience for a COS should not be a prerequisite. That said, if the applicant doesnt have it then other demonstrable skills (like the aforementioned ones in the post) need to be present.
On the flip side, lots of COS’s with state government experience have failed. And not just cause the G didnt listen.
Comment by Gallactic Cupcake Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:11 pm
I also want a Governor who will listen to opposing ideas and one who is willing to go against party if that is in the states best interest. A little give and take so to speak. A Governor with an open mind. Ya know. Just the opposite we have had the last 4 years.
Comment by Generic Drone Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:16 pm
I don’t really agree, Rich. When governors bring in those people they “trust most,” that easily translates into “the chief voice in the echo chamber.”
I think we need somebody who understands how government — specifically, Illinois state government – works. I don’t know how someone from outside could possibly be effective if they don’t know the players without a scorecard. (Although I do think it’s also critically important to have people from other states in key positions, so we have at least the possibility of moving beyond parochial solutions.
It will be interesting to see who is in put in charge, and how long it takes to form a cabinet. That should give us a clear idea of how professional and effective this new administration will be.
Comment by Soccermom Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:16 pm
===if they don’t know the players without a scorecard===
I see your point, but people without lots of state experience can still know many of the players.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:23 pm
“range of abilities and a bond of trust.”
Would add the following:
Respect others, particularly those who are needed to pass the legislation needed to achieve the agenda.
Honesty. We have seen the last 4 years that the lack of honesty has eroded what little goodwill could have been grown.
Don’t take everything personally. Differences of opinion are to be expected.
Achieve the do able. To use a worn cliche, half a loaf is better than none.
Be polite, responsive and credible.
Comment by Huh? Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:30 pm
Mike Z was a horrible chief of staff and directly responsible for Rauner’s complete failure of a legislative salary. His pet, Goldberg, was just as bad.
The only reason Rasmussen didn’t work out is because Rauner was too stubborn and ignorant to heed good advice.
Comment by Political Animal Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:31 pm
Rich +1
Also, imho, Pritzker should utilize Stratton in her Lt Gov roll in a similar role as Gov Thompson used LG Ryan. LG Ryan had been Speaker and Thompson smartly made the most of this legislative experience and the relationships and goodwill he brought to the Governor’s office. Similarly, Pritzker should ask LG Stratton to work out of the Governor’s Office in the Capitol when the GA is in session and to spend time with her former colleagues. Rauner, Quinn, Blago - all struggled with GA relations, all lacked a former legislator as LG.
Play your players.
Comment by Scott Fawell's Cellmate Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:33 pm
Legislative strategy*, not salary. Autocorrect to my fat fingers on iPhone.
Comment by Political Animal Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:35 pm
===Mike Z was a horrible chief of staff and directly responsible for Rauner’s complete failure of a legislative salary. His pet, Goldberg, was just as bad.
The only reason Rasmussen didn’t work out is because Rauner was too stubborn and ignorant to heed good advice.===
… and yet, it was when Rauner cleaned house of the Superstars, hired the BTIA(tm), by every measure of polling and public scrutiny, including press scrutiny, Rauner, as a white male, was far worse off with the IPI running the store.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:35 pm
= except the governor didn’t listen nearly enough=
You can have the best, most highly qualified COS, but if you don’t listen, it doesn’t matter.
Comment by JoanP Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:41 pm
Scott Fawell’s plus 1
Comment by walker Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 1:50 pm
Well said
Comment by Shytown Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 2:04 pm
Since Rauner could never count votes, I don’t think it mattered much who his chief of staff was.
Comment by DuPage Dave Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 2:47 pm
Sorry to bring the same dish, my Navy experience, for a third time. This casserole has crispy onions on top.
Salty Chiefs paired with Ensigns. Check
But here’s the new bit.
To “fight the ship” think about the elements the Navy needs
Good order and discipline across all ranks
Achieved in Goverment by solid labor management relationships. Work with the unions. Firm but fair. Rauners sociopathic relationship to Labor damaged this severely. Repair it and keep it as a priority. It will keep things good with the folks below deck.
Clear cut authority, chain of command and the communications lines to match it. Openness and transparency
With officers, follow wardroom etiquette ( google it)
Praise in public criticize in private
Never ever disparage or dishonor your ship. Saying some against our Illinois is gonna get you in a scrum. Rauner, my God. Can you see the Captain of the real USS Illinois saying his submarine was structurally wrong and was not as good as the USS Indiana?
A real XO with clear cut duties. Rauner never really used or empowered anyone. He was a tyrant. The Captain cannot fight the ship alone.
Officers-never surprise the command. Always be transparent open and forthcoming. Go Read the Naval Officers Guide. Go watch YouTube videos about life aboard a carrier.
Study how they interact and discipline. How they communicate.
Look these folks have to work in an environment were lives are on the line…..just like government.
Fair winds and following seas JB
Oh and when COB OW, Word and others say something
Love of God, listen and factor it in.
And when Rich posts something
Well……you best treat it as the best headsup you’re ever gonna get.
Comment by Honeybear Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 3:27 pm
Thoughtful post, Rich. I recalled later that the late Art Quern did not have a lot of government experience, but was a great Chief for Thompson. In that instance, there were others in the front office who had that experience like Paula Wolff and the team was very strong as a result.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Nov 2, 18 @ 3:43 pm