Governor Rauner Learns A Lesson (Hopefully!!)

From the Recesses of My Mind

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Governor Rauner Learns A Lesson (Hopefully!!)

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By HHH Is My Hero, Friday at 11:39 am

Lost amid all the detritus of Primary Election Day was the news that Governor Rauner had lost both of his surrogate battles with Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. Perhaps the most galling of the defeats for the Governor was that of Kenneth Dunkin, mainly because the good Governor had invested so much time and money on that particular campaign. The fact that Mike Madigan somehow emerged on top on election day should hardly come under the heading of "SURPRISE". Mr. Madigan is a pretty heady political operative with a firm hand on an effective political organization.

What Governor Rauner should have learned by now is, any battle between a sitting Illinois governor and Speaker Madigan is like the race between the Hare and the Tortoise, with Speaker Madigan playing the role of Mr. Tortoise. Mike Madigan has been a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for 45 years. Governors come. Governors go. Mike Madigan marches on. For the most part, Mr. Madigan knows he can twiddle his thumbs and do nothing without risking his continued tenure as a state representative. Governors have four years in which to impress the general voting public enough to merit re-election. And what every Illinois governor has discovered is that if he wants to accomplish anything, the path to achievement runs through Speaker Madigan's office.

This is precisely why Governor Rauner wants to pass a bill mandating term limits. If Speaker Madigan had been term limited, he couldn't have been a thorn in the side of a couple of Illinois governors at least. But he sits safely ensconced in a friendly House district that he can defend rather easily, as he demonstrated in this past primary election. Governor Rauner knows that the only way to defeat Speaker Madigan is to take away his source of power, namely the Speakership. And the best way to do that is to take him out of the picture entirely. Simple as pie isn't it? Have you ever tried to MAKE a pie? As it turns out, the art of pie-making is no simple thing.

To a certain extent, this is all about public perception. Elected Chief Executive officers are "out there". Their names and faces are well known. In effect, they have a bulls-eye written right on their backs for all the world to see. If conditions in Illinois worsen, who do we blame? The governor, precisely!! And the governor has only four years to impress us with what he can do, and even this isn't exactly true either, if you think about it. Illinois has a relatively early primary. What this means is that you really have to start circulating election petitions in December of the year BEFORE the election, so really the political hunting season for governors is about three years, three years to leave an impression on the voters. And in order for you to accomplish ANYTHING, you have to make nice with the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.

Bruce Rauner is a wealthy man and like most wealthy people, he believes he can buy anything his heart desires. After all, to a certain extent he bought himself the governorship. While Mike Madigan may not be able to match him dollar for dollar personally, he's never had any problem raising enough money to run a very effective statewide political organization. So he can't be out spent. He can't be bought off. And he can just sit there in the Speaker's office, counting down the days until the NEXT election when Bruce Rauner will have to once again face the people. If the governor refuses to negotiate seriously with Speaker Madigan, all well and good. But the next election will turn out to be a referendum on the effectiveness of Bruce Rauner as governor. If he comes before the voters of the state of Illinois, not only with NO accomplishments but also without even having been able to pass a budget, what chance will he have to win that referendum?

So, hopefully, our esteemed governor will have learned a lesson from the recent primary election. Mike Madigan ain't goin' ANY PLACE! And if you want to accomplish anything, eventually, you're going to have to cut a deal with him. Take heart Governor Rauner, it's a lesson a number of OTHER governors have had to learn before YOU!!

Above is from:  http://www.chicagonow.com/recesses-mind/2016/03/governor-rauner-learns-a-lesson-hopefully/

WIFR: Bad Ballots Raise Election Concerns

STATELINE (WIFR) -- Election offices in Winnebago and Boone County admit some voters were given incorrect ballots by election judges on Tuesday and now leaders in both counties are questioning the final vote.

"The problem has to be more widespread than what the election authorities are letting on," says John Sweeney, Republican.

Out of a combined 2,452 submissions, John Sweeney fell 37 votes shy of keeping his seat on the Winnebago County Board.

"You win, you win; you lose, you lose. I'm at peace with that but my concern is that when my wife and I went to go to vote that morning, we were both given incorrect ballots," says Sweeney.

According to election officials, seven voters were given incorrect ballots at the Our Saviors Lutheran Polling Station. Sweeney says two current County Board Members say his name was left off their ballot.

"I think it's completely unacceptable. One of the fundamentals of our country here is open and accurate elections and for people to have the responsibility on themselves to have to know that, I don't think is quite fair. Especially in a County Board Race where people may not even know who their county board member is," says Sweeney.

"People make mistakes. They don't mean to, it wasn't done intentionally, it's just human error," says Jean Crosby, winner of the Winnebago Co. Board Member District 16 race.

Crosby claimed victory over Sweeney Tuesday night. Crosby says the controversy doesn't take anything away from her victory but it does need to be addressed.

"We don't have people lined up at the door to be election judges, these are the people that are well indented and want to be a part of the process and want to be part of the solution. I believe giving this viability will cause our election judges to be more diligent and be better. It's a good conversation. It's a very good conversation to have and we all will benefit from it," says Crosby.

Boone County's referendum to use a new ambulance failed by 118 votes. I'm told voters were given the wrong ballots at multiple polling spots out there.

Once ballots are in, nothing can be done. We need to inspect our ballot and raise questions to the election judge if anything is wrong. It's our responsibility but election officials in both counties say they are taking the problem very seriously and training will be more rigorous.

Above is from:  http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/Bad-Ballots-Raise-Election-Concerns-372613332.html

Brown Co. WI health director resigns

 

 

Brown County Health Director Chua Xiong has resigned a few months after she concluded the Shirley Wind Farm turbines can't be linked to health problems.

Neighbors of the Shirley Wind Farm in Brown County were upset by Xiong's ruling in December that there wasn't enough evidence to show turbines caused health problems. During a Jan. 27 meeting, Xoing said there isn't a comprehensive study on wind farm health impacts that the medical world has endorsed.

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach has temporarily appointed Debbie Armbruster to serve as interim health director until a full recruitment is conducted to replace Xiong. 

Armbruster currently serves as a nurse manager with the department and was the former executive director of Hemophilia Outreach Center. Armbruster is also a registered nurse licensed by Wisconsin and has more than 40 years of experience as a health professional.

Xiong's last day as health director is Friday. Streckenbach said the search for a new director of health will start this week.

"I want you to know that while I have enjoyed my time here at the health department, I am ready to move on to the next phase of my career, " Xiong said in a statement sent to NBC26. "I have received an opportunity that I am excited about, and I know this opportunity will allow me to continue to grow professionally."

Xiong, who started working for the health department in 2002 and advanced through the ranks to become director, also said she is leaving the health department in good hands with Armbruster until a replacement director is found. 

“I wish Chua all the best in her future endeavors,” Streckenbach said. 

Above is from:  http://www.nbc26.com/news/health-department-director-resigns

Ric Brereton, son of former Belvidere mayor, announces candidacy

By Adam Poulisse
Staff writer

Posted Mar. 18, 2016 at 2:35 PM
Updated at 6:01 PM

BELVIDERE — Ric Brereton, city treasurer and son to former longtime mayor Fred Brereton, has announced he is running for mayor next year.

Brereton, 39, announced his campaign Thursday at Bush Gardens in downtown Belvidere.

He was the first to announce his candidacy for the 2017 election. The Republican primary will take place on Feb. 28 with the general election following on April 4, 2017.

He said he wants the city to be more communicative and transparent with its residents.

"The main issue I hear about is communication," Brereton said. "I just think we can communicate better with people using today's technology."

Brereton has been city treasurer since 2013. He is also serving his second term as president of the Boone County Republican Club. Both positions have prepared him for his run for office, he said.

"(I've built) very good relationships with all the departments in City Hall, all departments in Belvidere Township as well as other governing bodies in the state," Brereton said. "I'm in City Hall every day. I have a front-row seat in what's going on."

Brereton's father is one of the longest running mayors, serving 16 years and four terms. Lester E. Cunningham was mayor for five terms.

In 2013, as Fred Brereton was leaving office, he said he wanted to see the next generation step up to the plate. He said it's "extremely exciting" that is happening now.

"One of the last messages that I delivered leaving office was trying to encourage somebody from the next generation to step up to the plate. Unfortunately in that election, nobody did it," Fred Brereton said. "This time around, I didn't know it would be my son, but at least the next generation is getting involved. That has to be encouraging for everyone."

Mayor Mike Chamberlain declined to comment on Ric Brereton's campaign, or confirm if he will run again.

"It is assumed the incumbent will run," he said, "but at this time I'm not ready to announce."

Adam Poulisse: 815-987-1344; apoulisse@rrstar.com; @adampoulisse

Above is from:  http://www.rrstar.com/news/20160318/ric-brereton-son-of-former-belvidere-mayor-announces-candidacy

Boone County boards to fill vacancies

Posted Mar. 18, 2016 at 9:00 AM

BELVIDERE — The Boone County government recently announced six vacancies on five volunteer boards.

The following boards have vacancies for three-year terms that will expire May 2019: Boone County Fire Protection Districts No. 1, 2, 3 and 5 boards of trustees and the Boone County Sanitary District. The district No. 5 board also has a vacancy for a three-year term that will expire in April 2019.

Interested parties should send a letter and/or resume expressing their interest, with their qualifications and contact information, by April 1 to Boone County Board Chairman Bob Walberg, Administration Campus, 1212 Logan Ave., Suite 102, Belvidere, IL 61008. For information: 815-547-4770.

Kirk calls for vote on Garland Court Nomination

First GOP senator calls for vote on Garland court nomination

 

By ALAN FRAM 3 hours ago

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Judge Merrick Garland, President Barack Obama’s choice to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court, sits during a meeting with Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, March 17, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Mark Kirk became the first Republican senator to break with party leaders and call for a vote on President Barack Obama's Supreme Court selection, saying Friday, "It's just man up and cast a vote."

We'll review and make changes needed.Undo

The statement by Kirk, who faces a difficult re-election battle this fall in Democratic-leaning Illinois, came two days after Obama nominated Merrick Garland to fill the vacancy created by the February death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Garland, a Chicago native, is chief judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Kirk's stance directly contradicts the path charted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., that most GOP senators have followed. McConnell has said for weeks that there will be no Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for any Obama nominee for the vacancy and no confirmation vote by the Senate.

"Right, it's just man up and cast a vote," Kirk said on the "'Big' John Howell" show on Chicago radio station WLS. "The tough thing about these senatorial jobs is you get yes or no votes. Your whole job is to either say yes or no and explain why."

Kirk said he believes McConnell won't relent, saying, "I don't see his view changing too much."

Kirk is being challenged in November by Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and is considered one of the GOP's most endangered incumbents.

Illinois Democratic Party spokesman Sean Savett said Kirk should "publicly rebuke the strategy of the Republican majority leader he voted for, not predict the strategy's success."

Democrats in next-door Iowa pounced on Kirk's comment.

"If our neighboring senator is willing to cast an up-or-down vote on Judge Garland, why isn't Chuck Grassley?" said former Lt. Gov. Patty Judge, hoping to be the Democratic candidate against the longtime senator and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Grassley has supported McConnell's refusal to hold committee hearings or a Senate vote.

Friday evening, Grassley campaign spokesman Eric Woolson said, "Chuck Grassley is elected by the people of Iowa and he is standing up for the people of Iowa."

With presidential and congressional campaigns underway and the ideological balance of the 4-4 high court at stake, Democrats have attacked Republicans daily for refusing to consider a Scalia replacement. They say political pressure to relent will be especially intense on a half-dozen GOP senators like Kirk from swing or Democratic-leaning states facing November contests.

Kirk and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, have previously said they favored Judiciary Committee hearings on Obama's pick. A small number of GOP senators have said they would be willing to meet with Garland.

Democrats say they believe the number of Republicans wanting the confirmation process to proceed will only grow, a prospect that GOP leaders have disputed.

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Associated Press writer Kathleen Hennessey contributed to this report

Above is from:  http://news.yahoo.com/first-gop-senator-calls-vote-garland-court-nomination-202044212--politics.html