http://capitolfaxcom.disqus.com/NoneenFri, 02 May 2008 15:38:18 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154917<p><b>This is getting really long and we have some new information. Comments are now closed on this post. <a href="http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/05/02/just-how-much-did-that-recall-vote-cost/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" title="http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/05/02/just-how-much-did-that-recall-vote-cost/">Click on this link for the new updates</a> and comment there instead.</b></p>Rich MillerFri, 02 May 2008 15:38:18 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154916<p>"The law means nothing to (Gov. Rod Blagojevich).”<br>Well, you have to give it him............he is consistent!</p>South of I-80Fri, 02 May 2008 15:37:04 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154915<p>The State of Illinois was in the process of buying the Benton home to tear down for parking for the DNR's Benton Mines &amp; Minerals office. (That's how long ago it was) I was the state employee who rec'd the call notifying the state of its historic relationship to George Harrison. The call came from Bob Bartel a big Beatle fan who then got in touch with Geo's sister Lou for add'ls support. HPA verified the information and the state traded the home for an adjacent home to tear down. A group of private buyers purchased it and currently it is a The Beatle House Bed &amp; Breakfast.</p><p>As far as moving IDOT staff - this admin does what it wants - even abolishing commission's via Executive Order all to say they are saving money when in fact the cost to constitutents is not lowered and beneficial services are lost.</p>central illinoisFri, 02 May 2008 15:36:04 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154914<p>If the Governor really cares about getting jobs to Central and Southern Illinois, and really cares about saving money with a move then I have a great idea for him to pursue:</p><p>Close the State of Illinois building and the Thompson Center and return those state jobs to the state capital of Illinois. It would save millions and get those jobs where they are needed. It would also fulfill the purpose of having a state capital.</p><p>Unfortunately, we haven't seen this governor doing what he is claiming he wants to see with this move. He doesn't even bother showing up for work where his job is located, does he?</p><p>This is just political retaliation and it should not be allowed.</p><p>Certainly nothing against Marion, but why are we arguing over the decisions made by some guy who doesn't leave Chicago, but wants to move state jobs around. No one should be listening to Blagojevich anymore, anyway, should we?</p>VanillaManFri, 02 May 2008 15:34:30 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154913<p>Is this the same IDOT that laid off 17 workers from DTS in 2004 claiming a cost savings?</p><p>http://www.auditor.illinoi<br><a href="http://s.gov/Audit-Reports/Performa" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" title="s.gov/Audit-Reports/Performa">s.gov/Audit-Reports/Performa</a><br>nce-Special-Multi/Performance-Audit<br>s/FY06-IDOT-MGMT-PGM-full.pdf</p>Innocent BystanderFri, 02 May 2008 15:31:43 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154912<p>The gov has simply lost it. He is vindictive and unfortunately for us has lost his ability to act in a reasonably manner. I see a man falling from grace and tearing everything down around him as he falls. He can no longer govern. It is truly sad.</p>JusticeFri, 02 May 2008 15:29:14 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154911<p>===Many of the jobs are being filled by handicapped individuals with limited ability to work elsewhere. ===</p><p>Joe Schmoe, you're wrong. I checked with the union. Only a couple of people over there are handicapped. But thanks for taking time out of my day.</p><p>I should've figured. More IDOT employee rumors.</p>Rich MillerFri, 02 May 2008 15:17:16 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154910<p>I lived in the area about 30 years ago and fell in love with the area and the people. Sailed on Lake Carlyle and camped as well as played golf at Rend Lake. I also learned about politics in the area and Chicago has nothing on them! Why do you think I-57 and I-64 merge for about 5 miles or so around Mt Vernon! Just be careful when you say "poor ol county boy"!</p>South of I-80Fri, 02 May 2008 15:11:38 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154908<p>And one more thing - Springfield citizens aren't "squealing pigs" over State jobs - and without them our economy is pretty much NOTHING! We have NO INDUSTRY. We have almost no private sector, minus Horace Mann and the Hospitals. And even the hospitals are hurting - our future Medical District had its funding completely slashed. Does anyone also realize that many people moved TO Springfield for State jobs in the first place? In most states THAT is what you do if you want to work for State Governmeent.</p>Like it or not ...Fri, 02 May 2008 15:04:28 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154907<p>Like it or not, people, Springfield is the CAPITOL. Maybe everyone has forgotten, since CHICAGO has gotten so many jobs. Look at other states - especially ones with like NY (where the capitol isn't NYC) and CA (where the capitol isn't LA). Other states keep the majority of their jobs in the capitols, minus exceptions such as regional offices and agencies that have offices in every county. That's the way government is set up, that is why we HAVE capitols. Why is this so hard to comprehend? This will just make travel expenses go even higher! The mgmt in Benton will have to travel to SPI and CHI for meetings and vice versa. This isn't going to save any money. It's just another example of Blagojevich's disdain toward Springfield. And I'm a Dem who was dumb enough to vote for him the first time around - who actually believed that he was going to make a difference. Well, on second thought, ... I guess he HAS!!</p>Like it or not ...Fri, 02 May 2008 15:00:00 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154905<p>To Loop Lady, Benton used to be coal country...that all pretty much ended with the Clean Air act. Just a mine or two now, nothing like it was 20-30 years ago. But its a good thing, since mining is dangerous, unpredictable work. The local economy no longer hinges on the coal mines, which is also a very good thing. Still, some local politicians, including some who should know better - like Sen. Forby - still see the miners as a voting block and tout all sorts of "bring back coal" programs. Its never gonna happen, and it shouldn't happen. They should give up on the past and start looking toward the future. That's just another reason why the only thing Forby will be running for in the next election is the county line.</p>Deep SouthFri, 02 May 2008 14:57:11 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154904<p>You're missing the point. It's not locating something new elsewhere, it's relocating a current office. A big one. With a lot of employees.</p>Rich MillerFri, 02 May 2008 14:52:57 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154903<p>Shelbyville is a very nice town too and you can commute between there and Springfield. I am sure we would appreciate the jobs.</p><p>But, I don't think they will seriously move DTS either. Funny thing is, I used to work there - under Frank Cellini.</p>ShelbyvilleFri, 02 May 2008 14:52:36 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154902<p>I hope the jobs do go to Benton. Downstate can use the help and the squealing pigs in Springfield should stop their sense of entitlement to state jobs and goodies. It's about time someone looked out for downstaters.</p>Codd1Fri, 02 May 2008 14:52:33 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154901<p>Does the average resident of Springfield actually believe that all or the bulk of state jobs are supposed to be located in Springfield? There really is no requirement of that. In fact, I would argue it's somewhat unjust to other regions to take that stance. If units are cohesive enough to function without constant input from other groups that are located in Springfield, I see no reason why they can't be located elsewhere. After all, everyone in the state pays taxes, so fair is fair.</p><p>I believe the IL Const simply requires that the GA meet in Springfield, not that every office of state gov't be located there.</p>cermak_rdFri, 02 May 2008 14:46:02 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154900<p>Old Shepherd, if you think these are bad, you should see the ones I've deleted.</p><p>But I agree. Stop the regional bashing.</p><p>Final warning.</p>Rich MillerFri, 02 May 2008 14:41:37 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154899<p>Benton is coal country...is this being done cuz Future Gen went bust? Is the Rodder spreading the wealth to reward someone or make way for a new appointee? I'll bet yes...</p>Loop LadyFri, 02 May 2008 14:41:25 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154898<p>A few months back, Rich posted a question of the day relating to animosity among various regions of the state. Some of these posts represent why there is animostiy between many in Southern Illinois and upstate. You may disagree with Senator Forby and the Governor, but that is no reason to disparage Southern Illinois and the people who live here.</p>Old ShepherdFri, 02 May 2008 14:38:00 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154897<p>This Cellini guy cracks me up. He gets a taste of everything. He's truly the Willie Sutton of Illinois government:</p><p>"What's your interest in state government, Mr. Cellini"?</p><p>"That's where the money is."</p><p>Maybe there should just be a Bill Cellini checkoff on the state tax form. If he got out of the business of state government, it might be cheaper in the long run.</p>wordslingerFri, 02 May 2008 14:33:50 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154896<p>You caught us Dr. DumberThanYouThink. We do have a bowling alley at the IEPA. Sadly (for you), one can not bowl in it because it's actually a conference room and is usually reserved for meetings with the public.</p><p>I hear there's a vacant house on 5th Street near downtown Springfield. Maybe you can hold your next kegger there.</p>King PinFri, 02 May 2008 14:32:38 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154895<p>Rod is definitely campaigning hard for Impeachment. What is the For/Against tally re: Impeachment now?</p>A CitizenFri, 02 May 2008 14:19:48 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154894<p><a href="http://www.harddaysnitebnb.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" title="www.harddaysnitebnb.com">www.harddaysnitebnb.com</a></p>Six Degrees of SeparationFri, 02 May 2008 14:17:16 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154893<p>Aren't there a few higher ups that are from Southern Illinois at IDOT. See's, Phelps, Sheriff???? Makes them look good. Just wondering!</p>AnonFri, 02 May 2008 14:16:38 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154892<p>Mayor Davlin must only be drinking the Bud Lite at the Barrelhead and not the "Blago Kool-Aide". Maybe Davlin can send the "Bird Whisperer" up to Ravenswood.</p>Dan S, a Voter &amp; Cubs FanFri, 02 May 2008 14:16:09 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/02/this-just-in-121/#comment-18154891<p>Those people aren't going anywhere. It's one thing to move jobs one at a time to Chicago so "managers" can go home at night. It's quite another thing to move a whole division. This is just a cage rattler.</p><p>BTW - the "managers" come to Springfield a couple of days a week to visit their staffs. Only costs the taxpayer nearly $500/week, per person:</p><p>Drive to/fro Springfield $200 Train? pshaw<br>2 nights hotel w/tax, etc $190<br> Crown Plaza preferably, Hilton will do<br>11 quarters per diem $ 77<br>Add several hours of overtime they will use in the future to get out of their offices.</p><p>Moving managers to the same city as their staffs would save a ton of money. But then, with Rod and his gang, it's never about saving money, is it?</p>Savings IdeaFri, 02 May 2008 14:16:07 -0000