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* Other governors might have made Jerry wait until after the session so he could vote with the governor’s agenda. But Gov. Bruce Rauner did the same sort of thing by appointing legislators who didn’t love his policies to top agency jobs (pro-AFSCME folks like Raymond Poe) and then replacing them with people who would be more, um, amenable…
Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker appointed state Rep. Jerry Costello II to serve as the Director of Law Enforcement at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“After serving his country in the battlefields of Iraq and the people of Southern Illinois in the statehouse, I’m thrilled Jerry Costello is continuing his public service by leading law enforcement at the Department of Natural Resources,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “His wide-ranging experience brings much value to an important piece of state government.”
“It’s an honor to lead the dedicated group of men and women who keep Illinoisans safe while they enjoy our state’s natural resources,” said state Rep. Jerry Costello II. “I’m excited to start this new chapter, and I thank Gov. Pritzker for the opportunity to serve.”
Background
Jerry Costello II will serve as the Director of Law Enforcement for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Costello has represented the 116th district in the Illinois House of Representatives since 2011 and currently chairs the Agriculture and Conservation committee. A graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Costello decided to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Not long after signing up, he and his unit saw combat during Operation Desert Storm. Following his military service in Iraq, Costello returned to Illinois where he became a police officer and started a family. Initially a patrolman, he would rise through the ranks and become assistant chief of police. Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Costello lives in Smithton with his wife Lori and their three children.
Beginning his transition into the new role, Rep. Costello resigned from his House seat effective today.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:34 am
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One less Democratic House member to oppose the graduated income tax? I heard or read he was against it?
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:45 am
Ah hah, I see now what you were hinting about a couple of weeks ago, Miller….
If this kabuki dance was choreographed competently, it should be a +1 ace-in-the-hole on the graduated income tax, if needed.
Does this resignation rate an East Jackson Street LLC payday for the new gig?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:45 am
Does he get the $150,000 bonus package?
Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:46 am
He didn’t even get to be the head of DNR, just Director of Law Enforcement? That seems to be selling low.
Comment by anon Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:50 am
A bit presumptuous to assume that DINO Jerry would have voted for anything Pritzker supports.
Comment by Collinsville Kevin Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:50 am
@CollinsvilleKevin - exactly correct.
Now we have to wait and see who is selected to replace him.
Comment by illini Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:55 am
===Other governors might have made Jerry wait until after the session so he could vote with the governor’s agenda.===
Sulfur first, molasses after.
If this is the new rule for this Administration, to move up and out instead of horse trading a move… ok… but… you’re gonna be the ones held hostage instead of having the carrot as leverage.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:57 am
That’s the farthest South Dem in the House.
Comment by Exit 59 Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 10:58 am
===A bit presumptuous to assume that DINO Jerry would have voted for anything Pritzker supports===
That’s why they’re moving him up and out.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 11:00 am
When will a replacement be appointed? I’d assume no later than the end of this week for legislative purposes…
Comment by Orthogonian Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 11:02 am
===That’s why they’re moving him up and out.===
And why he probably won’t be getting the salary sweetener from East Jackson LLC.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 11:08 am
====One less Democratic House member to oppose the graduated income tax? I heard or read he was against it?==
Oldest Rule to a successful political career is Vote your district
Comment by JAH Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 11:09 am
Any word on who will fill the Conyears-Ervin vacancy?
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 11:10 am
If we get a son of Reitz, it will be a GOP
Seat in 2020. Take that to the bank.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 11:44 am
===Take that to the bank. ===
Not sure if the son is interested, but it’s a likely GOP seat no matter what.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 11:45 am
Your prolly right,Rich. Doubtful even a blue dog could hold on.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 12:04 pm
Haha. Couldn’t get the Director spot but Top Cop is better. Now he can continue to let things slide even more in So. IL hunting n fishing. Maybe rehire the GC that poached and got away with it. Hope Jerry can pass the swim test too.
Comment by Fun To Watch Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 12:55 pm
How many agency directors have been appointed by Governor Pritzker? There are still some big agencies out there with Rauner people in charge - Corrections? Five months and no movement….
Comment by Southern Illinoisan Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 1:12 pm
This would probably be a good fit for the Reitz kid. If he doesn’t plan to run in 2020. Take all the tough votes now, don’t run and let Madigan find another conservative Dem to run. They will probably lose anyway but this district will almost for sure be chopped up in 2022 and use the Dem areas to shore up Hoffman, Stewart and Brisco.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 1:14 pm
No one cares much about DNR…. not for over 15 years. It’s a landfill for legislators (Brunsvold. Granberg) wanting to bump pensions and for lobbyists (Redpath. Selinger) that couldn’t cut it on the rail.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 1:18 pm
Wouldn’t surprise me a bit if Dan Reitz takes a 18 month stint, makes the pro JB vote, and the Dems punt the district.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 2:23 pm
I wonder if Pritzker will prioritize appointing someone re-electable or someone amendable to his entire agenda.
Comment by intern Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 3:36 pm
Sorry for the repeat. I thought my comment did not go through.
Comment by Alex Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 3:49 pm
===I wonder if Pritzker will prioritize appointing someone re-electable or someone amendable to his entire agenda.===
Not up to him. It’s up to the county chairs / committeemen. But obviously he will have some influence but Madigan will also. I guess they press for someone to follow the agenda. There is a reason Cosetllo is already gone. District is toast anyway and is probably going to be redistrcted.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 4:02 pm
Jerry is a class act and a man who listens to his constituents has integrity.
Wish him all the best.
Comment by Old Gringo Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 8:15 pm
That’s how one removes opposition. I wish he’d turn it down and see what’s really going on. Betraying the voters.
Comment by Penny Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 11:00 pm