Rauner promises return of government workers to Springfield

 

….Calling for an end to the exodus of government jobs from Springfield that began in 2003 under now-imprisoned Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner said he and his wife, Diana, will live in the Executive Mansion.

"Diana and I are honored to make Springfield our new home," the wealthy venture capitalist told a crowd gathered at a downtown restaurant as part of a statewide fly-around to thank supporters.

Although the Winnetka businessman's pronouncement wasn't new, it carried more weight Friday in the wake of his victory Tuesday over Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, who only stayed at the mansion when the legislature was in session.

Quinn's sparse use of the mansion, which mostly mirrored Blagojevich's behavior, rankled longtime capital city denizens, who decried the mansion's disuse and the transfer of state jobs from Springfield to the Chicago area.

A 2011 report showed that the central core of Springfield suffered a drop in population and commercial activity after more than 2,600 workers from the government and commercial sector left during the era of executive branch control by Chicago Democrats.

"We want the government headquartered here and located here again. That is one of my priorities," Rauner said.

He received his heartiest applause when he said his administration would bring state workers back to Sangamon County….

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