Since the news on Governor Blagojevich broke Monday, my office has been inundated with phone calls, emails and faxes requesting the Governor's impeachment and furthermore, that he be stripped of all authority to appoint anyone to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-Elect Barack Obama.
I am in agreement with these requests, and am working to find a realistic solution, leading to both an impeachment and a way to ensure the appointment process is transparent, ethical and cost-effective. I do worry about a special election - based on two problems: First, The Governor can delay the signing of the bill for sixty days, which would in effect prevent the paperwork and the filing of petitions to be completed before the February Primary date. And second, the cost to administer such an election will be about $50 million, an amount which the state does not have in reserve at this time. I have recommended establishing a special nominating panel that would be comprised of non-legislators, and of citizens across the state of the highest reputation and ethical standards. This panel would develop criteria, interview candidates and eventually make the appointment. Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn could be chairman of this panel, as an example.
Either way, I am for moving Illinois out of this quagmire and into a new era, away from political arrogance and corruption.
As many of you know, I have stood up against the Governor and many of his political cronies for years, and most recently pushed back on legislators receiving a 14% pay increase. This was not a popular move with many of my colleagues, but as I said then, and will continue to say today, "We are public servants, working FOR the citizens of the state. Our responsibility is to work on behalf of Illinois taxpayers, and we should never lose sight of that ideal."
An article appeared in the Chicago Tribune on March 2, 2008, "Trial knocks on governor's door." I want to share my quote, just over nine months ago:
"The governor came here riding a white horse as our new ethics czar - but he definitely does not deserve a pass (on the alleged corruption). But I think it is really more important that we as legislators and leaders look into why this continues to happen over and over again."
As always, I appreciate your thoughts and comments.
December 11, 2008
The Governor must go!
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6 comments:
Susan -- A culture of corruption is hard to break. Only the voters can make a real change once they realize that they are empowered to do so. Every individual can take an active part in the political process to make things happen. I encourage them to join the nearest grassroots political organization and make their voices heard.
Susan -
Nobody agrees with you more than I. I hope you can all get rid of him soon.
I never felt that he was an honest man. Throughout the years of rumors of unethical behavior and scandals dogging this man make many of us wonder why he is still there. In hindsight, I wonder why the General Assembly would even consider not changing the law and allowing him to choose Barack's replacement. Unfortunately, we all have 20/20 vision now.
On to better, honest leadership for our future. Best of luck to you as always.
Great family picture on your holiday card!
Paul
http://issuesandthings.typepad.com/
I've heard it said, and I think there's a lot of truth to it, that corruption thrives when people let it - when they come to accept corruption as the norm. I hope the current revelations will serve as a wake-up call to the voters of Illinois: we don't have to take it any more! There are some clean, honest elected officials in Illinois (like Susan, like Pat Quinn) who need our support. It won't be easy, but it is possible to clean up this mess.
Everyone who was against instituting a Constitutional Convention are now painfully aware of the limitations of that docuement. It presently fails to provide automatic resignation or withdrawal procedure when a public official is charged with official misconduct.
Susan,
I watched as the House approved the impeachment of this totally incompetent governor. I would encourage you to vote him out of office.
I would also encourage you to push for a special election & let the people of this State make the decision!!! Yes it will cost money, but we can honestly know we have a representative in the Senate based on our choice and not a corrupt Democratic back room deal. Roland Burris is a nice guy, but shows very poor judgement in accepting this position. He knew the tainted aspect & admitted to giving money to one of the governor's pet projects. He should not be seated. Jesse White is correct in not certifying his appointment. As citizens of this State we have the Right to select our Senator. The back room actions have to stop!!
I also disagree w/ the Black Caucus that an African American has to or must have the seat. Let's just try for a qualified individual representing our State & forget the color issue. We need to stop being the laughing stock of the country for the absolute corruption we are witnessing!
Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
Richard W. Small
Highland Park
Susan,
The Governor keeps asking to bring witnesses before the Senate to clear his name. I would like to suggest that he start with Lon Monk and John Johnson.
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