Dec 2, 2007 10:49 am US/Central
Viewer Feedback On Gov. Blagojevich
-
-
Gov. Rod Blagojevich (File)
CBS
We asked CBS 2 viewers to send in comments about Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration. Here are your responses:
Say what you will about George (Ryan), and nearly everyone has, when Ryan was Governor he was directly involved in every legislative process. He was in his Springfield office as long either chamber was in session. Meals were brought in to feed him and his staff and on occasions he was in his office till the wee hours of the morning. I know because I was there.
Blago on the other hand is a major no show. He is perceived as a dishonest, disrespectful, self-centered, selfish, inept, incompetent, show-boating braggart who is more concerned about his political future than he is about the welfare of the State of Illinois.
As for the administrations accusation of the story being "sleazy," I was around Flannery for several years and Mike does not do "sleazy". If the press really, really, really dug into Blago's activities and exposed him for what he really is there would be less of a call for impeachment and more of a call for incarceration.
--Anonymous
I just want to offer my two cents on Governor Blagojevich. While I am supportive of his efforts to make domestically produced E-85 gasoline much more available that puts consumers' money back into the hands of hard-working Americans instead of unstable governments in the Middle East, I have a bone to pick with him on several other issues.
I am outraged by his drive to create new school health centers that can dispense birth control pills and condoms. These things murder the unborn. Thou shalt not kill!
I am also angered by the use of tax dollars to fund embryonic stem cell research. I find embryonic stem cell research shockingly similar to medical experiments conducted in Nazi Germany in the name of "science." Those who forget history are forced to repeat it!
Last but not least I am enraged by his support for the homosexual agenda in many ways. I find homosexuality to be morally wrong. Marriage is the union of one man and one woman, for crying out loud! I also find legislation that punishes dissenters to the homosexual agenda to be extremely oppressive. Whatever happened to freedom of conscience? Look at the mess up north in Canada!
I may not live in the Land of Lincoln, but I am extremely concerned about how such dangerous legislation could wind up in other state General Assemblies, as well as the halls of Congress in Washington, D. C.!
--James C. Schul
Governor (Rod) Kennedy wanna be, should be concerned about the fact that he is crushing any chances of getting elected again for any major appointment. I am a 52-year resident of Illinois, who is now looking at getting out of this state for good. Our Gov. Blagojevich has done nothing to help the middle class working people of this state; only the not so well to do, and the more "well to do". The working class people of this state are footing the bills for all of our own lying, cheating state residents; while he believes we owe it to them to cover their incompetencies by bailing them out?
The way I was raised, you reap what you sow; you plan for your own life's retirement by working hard and doing the right things. If you accept aid from the state you reside in, when you know you don't have to; everyone else gets screwed paying for your lack of ethics in carrying out your own responsibilities to your fellow taxpayers.
Edgar was the best governor we've had in this state for many years, until he resigned his commission because of politically generated scandals that he felt he would be taken apart over. I wish he would have stuck it out; we wouldn't be in this mess today if he had stayed in the Capitol.
I think the only thing that Gov. Blagojevich is guilty off is, not trying to stop the same behavior every governor we've had over the past several decades has had to deal with. He should be the one setting the example for change, because in the long run; integrity always wins out.
--Mark Lambert
I can't believe what I'm reading! For one ...who wants to live in Springfield? If you were the Governor you will live in Chicago too! Last time I checked...It was called CTA...Chicago Transit Authority,NOT ITA..Illinois Transit Authority! You give this mayor a pass...when he appointed a fool to run the CTA in the first place.People have been screaming for 10 years to dump Daley's buddy. But, they bankrupt the the CTA, then run to Governor for help. Daley walks out of the first meeting alone with Madigan...But, Both get a pass! Your Mayor sits on like 400 to 600 million dollars of TIF money to use as he wish...But, the city is BROKE. Come ON !
--Danny Green
Thank God, I moved out before he was elected! Rod is like Bush – they only care about themselves. The people of the great USA deserve much, much more than this.
--Thomas Sohovich
Thank you for your news story. It truly shows the selfish character G-Rod possesses with his abuse of power that's possible with his position as state governor. Thank you again, but there's still one piece of this story I have yet to see...what are Barack Obama's, Mayor Daley's, Rahm Emmanuel's, and Senator Durbin's opinions on this? Surely this has the Democratic Party in some uproar, doesn't it? Please tell me they've responded somehow to all this.
- Kevin O'Brien
I keep hearing about an amendment so that we can impeach or recall Blow-fish. But I also understand that the current in-office legislators ALREADY HAVE THAT POWER UNDER THE ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION!
So OK you guys - who will be the first to start the ball rolling, use the Constitution as written, and clean house? Or are you as lame, corrupt, and repulsive as this weasel? Does even one Democrat (I use the term loosely) have the guts to prove The Fish is NOT one of theirs? Or maybe the Republicans will use this to re-take the state.
Hey either you get rid of him now, or we get rid of ALL of you in the next election!
- "Wannabe A Hoosier"
Thank you for having the courage to air your program on Gov. Blago's administration. I don't feel the same way about working from home as Mike Flannery does, but then again I have to foot the bill for my choice of where I want to call my office when I'm not in the one that the company provides. Please keep tracking how much RB's work habits are costing the taxpayers of Illinois and maybe we can sue him for damages or have him arrested for misappropriation of government funds.
-Mark LambertI can't believe what I'm reading! For one ...who wants to live in Springfield? If you were the Governor you will live in Chicago too! Last time I checked...It was called CTA...Chicago Transit Authority,NOT ITA..Illinois Transit Authority! You give this mayor a pass...when he appointed a fool to run the CTA in the first place.People have been screaming for 10 years to dump Daley's buddy. But, they bankrupt the the CTA, then run to Governor for help. Daley walks out of the first meeting alone with Madigan...But, Both get a pass! Your Mayor sits on like 400 to 600 million dollars of TIF money to use as he wish...But, the city is BROKE. Come ON !--Danny GreenThank God, I moved out before he was elected! Rod is like Bush – they only care about themselves. The people of the great USA deserve much, much more than this. --Thomas Sohovich Thank you for your news story. It truly shows the selfish character G-Rod possesses with his abuse of power that's possible with his position as state governor. Thank you again, but there's still one piece of this story I have yet to see...what are Barack Obama's, Mayor Daley's, Rahm Emmanuel's, and Senator Durbin's opinions on this? Surely this has the Democratic Party in some uproar, doesn't it? Please tell me they've responded somehow to all this.- Kevin O'BrienI keep hearing about an amendment so that we can impeach or recall Blow-fish. But I also understand that the current in-office legislators ALREADY HAVE THAT POWER UNDER THE ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION! So OK you guys - who will be the first to start the ball rolling, use the Constitution as written, and clean house? Or are you as lame, corrupt, and repulsive as this weasel? Does even one Democrat (I use the term loosely) have the guts to prove The Fish is NOT one of theirs? Or maybe the Republicans will use this to re-take the state. Hey either you get rid of him now, or we get rid of ALL of you in the next election!- "Wannabe A Hoosier"Thank you for having the courage to air your program on Gov. Blago's administration. I don't feel the same way about working from home as Mike Flannery does, but then again I have to foot the bill for my choice of where I want to call my office when I'm not in the one that the company provides. Please keep tracking how much RB's work habits are costing the taxpayers of Illinois and maybe we can sue him for damages or have him arrested for misappropriation of government funds. Speaking of misappropriation, how can RB get away with implementing programs that he hasn't bothered to figure out how to fund? Isn't that misappropriating future tax revenue?
RB, if you're reading this, please just resign because it's the right thing to do.
-Stephen DeLance
I find it interesting that out of the 125 e-mails sent about this interview only 7 were for the Governor. You would think that the 7 people who wrote in favor of "Blah Blah" might reconsider their opinions, or maybe they are being paid high salaries from this administration??? I was really excited when a democratic gov was elected because I believe in a system where a dems and repubs take turns in having a say in our government. Boy am I really disappointed in what we have elected the 1st and 2nd time (you should note that he only received 21% in Springfield, most of us know about him. He has been a disgrace and I also think that he is just plain stupid!! It is nice to see that now the Chicago area is hearing about this tyrant, they should be feeling it now as well. I live in a city where the major population works in state government. It is only because of a core of dedicated people who feel responsible for getting their job done and feel a great responsibility to the people of the State of Illinois that they haven't felt the hurt sooner. Well the rooster has come home to nest, we can no longer keep up with the lack of money to fix and or update equipment and the people to help get the job done. I do not want to hear one person complain about how far behind we are, he is your Governor too, do something about it!!!
-Anonymous
Finally the heat is on. I hope the Feds dig in on his corruption. Others are convicted on bribery and corruption charges, he should be at the top of the list. Who paid for the tickets? -Anonymous
I love how all these people are now complaining about this joke of a Governor.This is the price you pay for voting for a party candidate instead of voting for the best person. Most citizens of this state don't even vote nor are registered to vote. So you get what you deserve. Welcome to the Socialst Republic of Illinois. You created it,You deal with it.
-Rich
Unfortunately, to say this man is a waste of space is an understatement. George Ryan was convicted for his corruption, yet our current governor is doing his able best to fleece the people of Illinois in return for what? His attending hockey games???
There is SO much broken in Illinois, much of it having to do with the political system here. It used to be, however, that at least the Democrats could play nice together. Now that is history, too, as The Gov and Michael Madigan lock horns.
I am disabled and have to deal with the Illinois Department of Human Services, which is a joke. They are understaffed and really have no desire to help their clients. I have to fight for services on an ongoing basis. But all Blagojevich worries about is caring for kids... because THAT is what gets headlines, not caring for the elderly or disabled.
The transit crisis in the Chicago area is, for a large part, politically based, too... Chicago's firm grip on the CTA and their refusal over a number of years to cut their costs and reduce unnecessary expenditures, has put them into the position they are in today, Unfortunately, the CTA is a huge burden on the RTA, sucking up most of its resources and leaving Pace to fend for itself. Since Pace isn't tired to one city's government, it lacks the clout of the CTA and, therefore, has to work even harder to get its funding.
The legislature is focused on two things to bail out the RTA... the gas tax and gambling. Why not double the fee to renew your Driver's License, from $10 to $20 for 4 years? or from $5 to $10 for a corrected license? They sure were eager to increase the vehicle license fee to $78 several years ago over the objections of Jesse White.
We have a governor whose only interested in himself. It's time the Illinois House takes advantage of its constitutional responsibilities and impeaches him.
-Michael Britton
Job well done by Mike Flannery.
What I would like to see more of is follow up on this topic, as well as media coverage of the fact that THERE IS STILL NO STATE BUDGET. We are now five months into the state's fiscal year, which begins on July 1.
This is absolutely beyond acceptable. I heard a news story about two months into the fiscal year, which referred to the state budget being 60 days past due and the interest on the money borrowed to keep the state running, was then $60 million. What is it now--if it's $1 million/day that would be about $150 million. $150 MILLION ON INTEREST WHICH TAXPAYERS NEED TO PAY BECAUSE THIS GOVERNOR IS NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE. How hypocritical that the governor is always talking about waste and pork. How stupid must he think we are?
I am a state employee, a somewhat new DHS caseworker, who lives in the governor's Chicago neighborhood and have met him several times. I am beyond disappointed in him and the lack of adequate funding and staffing of state agencies such as mine. We are providing food and medicine to the poorest people of our society.
Caseloads are normally well over 1,000 (at times reaching 2,000) per worker and yet the state expects us to provide great customer service, and we get lots of pressure to do so. Most caseworkers are understandably burned out and morale is quite low.
Offices are very run down, many with rodents, leaking ceilings (when it rains it rains inside), very dirty rugs, floors, and walls. Many, many workers have retired since 2000 when there was a sweetened early retirement package offered. Hiring is not keeping up with the need for current and future workers. Not to mention the fact that the pension has been raided and the state is hugely in debt, by tens of billions.
We're not making big money in these jobs, and the pension is what we count on to help us when we retire.
Please inform us how we can take steps to RECALL him.
It's an absolute nightmare.
-Anonymous in Chicago
I am a healthcare provider and small business owner. This governor has gone from fiscal irresponsibility to narcisstic idiocy. He wants to insure the entire State of Illinois and worry about how to pay for it later? Right now, Public Aid funding pays less than 10 cents on the dollar and has not been increased in seven years. Not only that, the State of Illinois is behind in payments by over six months because they are out of money. Is it any wonder that Public Aid recipients are having a few problems getting anyone to take care of them? Not only will he bankrupt the State, he will destroy a large portion of the healthcare provider system with it. How soon do you think the constitution can be amended? Hopefully, before he destroys the entire State economic structure beyond repair. I hope his wife is handling the family finances.
- Candace E. Truty, Brookfield
I am pleased that attention is finally being called to the poor job our governor is doing at running our, former, great state of Illinois. I say former of course because since 2003 our state has gone from "bad" with former Governor George Ryan, to "worse" with Blago.
Blago may be at the helm of the state, but I don't think he knows that he's driving the us down hill at a dangerously rapid pace. He may be the governor, but that doesn't give him the right to shirk his duties to the state and attend a hockey game while state legislators are in session.
Not only do we live in a country with the most unpopular president in U.S. history, but we also live in a state with a governor who can't govern. Quite frankly, I don't know who is doing a better job at making things worse for the people.
I would never have thought that an actor like Arnold Schwarzenegger, with no previous political experience, would be better at governing a state than a 3-term U.S. House Representative of Illinois. Apparently Blagos' 6 years with U.S. Congress and 2 years as an IL state Legislator didn't help give him any political experience.
I would much rather have Schwarzenegger running Illinois. He at least seems to know what he is doing.
I would like to see more prominent news emphasizing the poor job Blago is doing running the sate. I don't think we should to re-elect someone who does nothing but make things worse for people. I would hope that by now people have learned from that same mistake which was made in 2004.
In my opinion, the last 5 years, and the next 3 years (assuming Blago has not been recalled ) has been, and will continue to be, nothing but a continual downward spiral for the people of Illinois. I can only hope that he doesn't run again in 2010, and if he does run, then SOMEONE had better defeat him and put our state back on track.
- Mark, Bloomington, Normal
Please go after all the politicians in Chicago. It was nice to se the governor face the music but it would be nicer to see all who engage in politricks called to task. This will bring viewers back to channel 2 as we are all tired of the BS in the name of higher taxes, patronage, TIFs, etc...
- Allen Anthony Colaizzi
I am furious at the cost of the Governor's trips to and from Springfield.
I know the Governor and his family didn't move to Springfield because his wife couldn't sell real estate from the Governor's mansion. It wasn't because of the daughter's education.
What a loser!! Putting this state in debt. Starting new programs when there is no money to pay for them.
- Sally Dreishmire, Plano
I, among many others, feel our governor's performance is simply "business as usual in the state of Illinois." As our state grapples with various financial issues concerning the state's transit system, the state's education system, roads in desperate need of expansion, etc., etc., our governor continues to not only prosper wasteful, ineffective government practice, but he does so while collecting countless millions of increased taxpayer dollars and putting in part-time work at best. Any company CEO with this sort of performance would have been fired without delay. And who else but Illinois' highest official could generate incredible revenue from taxpayers (millions upon millions of dollars from the toll and I-Pass increase/expansion alone), and have it not improve anything?!? Where did that money go? Haven't high-ranking business executives been sentenced to prison for this very same thing? Why is this 'business as usual' for an Illinois governor? When all is considered, Illinois taxpayers have paid far more to our governor in recent years than ever, yet our state is somehow out of money for everything. But all Illinois citizens must realize, WE VOTED HIM IN, TWICE! Business as usual in the state of Illinois? We voters must simply be very frightened of change. First Ryan, now Blagojevich.
- Mitchell Lang
I saw both stories about Gov. Blagojevich on the news and honestly I think he is doing a horrible job. He should be in Springfield making sure the bills he wants go through not at home, kicking back & relaxing or going to a Blackhawks game either. Honestly I see him as a person who is lazy about doing his job; at least when Ryan was in office he did his job and was barely at home. Ryan was more committed to his job than Blagojevich ever is. I highly doubt he is the Governor's office at all when he s at home. We should get someone who knows how to be a Governor than someone like Blagojevich; someone who knows how to do their job very well and handle things too. I speak for those who do not like the job that Gov. Blagojevich is doing: he is doing a very sloppy job and the next governor will have to come into office and clean up the messes he left.
- Anonymous
Mike's piece was quiet revealing. It is my opinion that most sucessful companies are not run by CEOs from their home. Our governor has an obligation to the people of this state to participate in discussions by being present and available at key meetings. Sitting next to the new President of the Chicago Blackhawks does NOT qualify as important in my book. If he worked for me,I would have called him into my office this morning and fired him. Actually, he does work for me. So Mike, help me fire him.
- Anonymous
Of the entire Governors, this one is more blatant in showing no care for the people. Sort of reminds me of Senator Obama, another do nothing official. All they both have done is use the titles to better themselves. I didn't vote for either one of them and would not plan on doing it the future. Both seem to care less about the legal citizens of Illinois then they do about providing care and jobs for the illegal ones. Both seem to think State Laws and Federal laws do not apply to them or the state they're suppose to be representing.
- Anonymous
There is no reason that the people of Illinois have to put up with such arrogance and stupidity. He better not plan on running again because we are done with the jerk.
- Anonymous
Blah!Blah!Blah!
That should be his name.
He is the penultimate politician's politician. He makes promises he has no intention of keeping (promising SSAC the land near Peotone for the 3rd airport, school funding, CTA...)
He mugs for the camera, but is a no-show for meetings HE agrees to with his constituents regarding important issues.
I feel he should be impeached, imprisoned and his image/name erased from the history of Illinois.
- Laurette Williams
This is why so many people don't vote at all, you do and you end up getting screwed no matter what, it gets old very fast. I have children that are 21 and 22 needless to say they don't vote because of the fact they make promises and then turn around and break all of those promises that you made during your campaign. You say what we want to hear, you pull us into your views thinking that your views are pretty much the same as ours, but when it comes down to it they just don't care, they are going to do what they want to do no matter what. Look at all of the other governors, more so the one who is in jail now, we trusted them and they screw us. So you tell me, what do we do? Do we stop voting for these people that are running for offices, making promises that they know they aren't going to keep, or do we vote and pray that they will keep their promises. As far as I can see I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.
- Anonymous
Blagojevich is a light weight that somehow fell into a high position. He was never capable of leading Illinois and his record in office indicates his accomplishments are nil. It would be laughable for him to run on his record.
- Michael Rupnow, Hoffman Estates
Your current news report on Governor Blagojevich's activities, or better - inactivities, becomes further evidence that we need a new person in that position.
The industrial world would not tolerate such ineptness.
Blagojevich serves as a living example of the 'Peter Principle.'
- Tom Hurley, Lake Villa
(Unindicted Official) A-Rod is the ultimate ghost payroller. For those who don't know, a payroller is a political hack given a government job for which he/she is totally incompetent. A ghost payroller is a payroller who collects his/her check but has so much clout he/she doesn't have to bother showing up for work.
For all of those of you ripping him for this, know that Mike Flannery's story is only the tip of the iceberg. This ghost payroller isn't "working from home," he's cutting deals with taxpayers' money that make all his friends rich. He channels the money back to his own pocket through shady deals in which his real estate agent wife collects commissions on transactions she was never part of. He channels money to himself through contributions to his "campaign fund," with the donors miraculously getting either fat state jobs or state contracts. The "campaign fund," as the last election showed, miraculously disappears after every election no matter how much or how little A-Rod spends.
Since the state contracts given to his "contributors" cost taxpayers so much with so little returned, the state is near bankrupt. No problem, says A-Rod. He borrowed $10 Billion (yes, that's a B) during his first term to shore up the pension funds, but the money didn't go to that. It went to "contributors." He raided every dedicated state fund (such as the special funds set up for veterans, fishermen, disabled people, breast cancer, endangered wildlife, etc.) and spent the money however he wanted – in direct violation of the laws that established those special funds.
Now he wants to expand health care. He completely ignores the fact that the state doesn't have the money to pay its current medical bills. It's not at all uncommon for doctors and pharmacies to wait a year for payment from the state. Why? Because the state is broke.
I could go on, but I'd like to leave room for other people to comment. One last thing – I almost fell on the floor laughing at his arrogance when I saw A-Rod at the Hawks game while the General Assembly met far into the night at his behest. I've been saying this since he was first elected, but this guy reminds me a lot of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. The only difference is that A-Rod thinks he's Elvis.
- "The Mad Hatter"
Mike Steinke couldn't have said it any better: "What a hatchet job. Where was Mike Flannery when Bush (Republican) spent 48 percent of his first year on vacation? Who cares if the governor is working from his home, capital office or the office 2 blocks down the street. - Mike Steinke"
That was not journalism. Was Flannery asleep in school when they taught about unbiased journalism?
I also find it quite ironic that your website shows a picture of Henry Hyde talking to President Reagan, one of our country's most notorious "Hands-off" presidents. Hmmmm. It's interesting but I don't remember the Republican slanted Chicago CBS Television News doing a story criticizing Reagan about his laissez-faire attitude.
Shame on you, you've lost my viewership.
- Bob
First--- Way to go Mike!!! Thank you for exposing Gov. Blagojevich. I have been concerned about this issue for a long time, too! Nice report!
I would also like to see how much it is costing the taxpayer for him to go back and forth -Chi.-to Springfield compared to what it would cost if he lived in the mansion.I know this topic was done before, but we need a daily "score card" of expenses. Stay on him. If the average person chose to do this (live elsewhere) then they should have to pay for their own commute back and forth to work!!
We have a major crisis in this State and he flits around like it's some one else's problem!!!
Thanks again!!!
- Sue McIntyre, Elgin
WOW
Another governor of Illinois that is non functional or heading for Jail
Really a bad rep for our state.
How can Blago stay home and "work" and force the the legislature to hold special session
Sounds like he has one set of rules for himself and different ones for everybody else
- Richard Merrell
He is a joke. Humiliating Illinois and not taking this job seriously. Shame on him.
- Holly Sparks
I am embarrassed to live in a state with such a governor. What a joke! Blagojevich is so arrogant he does not care about what the voters think of him. He has side stepped the legislative process which was put into place for the very reason he is side stepping it. How much more obvious does it have to be for people to realize that he is nothing but a dishonest, cheating, arrogant person. He has hurt schools more than ever and talks himself up as if he is such a hard worker that is for education. What a shame! He has cost the school districts so much money by not passing a budget and furthermore by not signing the budget implementation bill which he urged both the house and the senate to sign so quickly. What is the hold up now governor? It has been sitting on his desk since November 5th as the school districts still sit without the money we are due. In addition, he delayed tax revenue for school districts as well which has put some districts into real financial trouble. I just don't understand how anyone could believe he is doing a good job. Since he was elected he has been doing nothing but pointing the finger at everyone else. What he must not realize is that when you point the finger elsewhere, you always have 3 fingers pointing back at you - how appropriate. Blagojevich needs to be removed from office so that the State of Illinois can move forward. The story on exposing Blagojevich was great - you need to keep exposing his dirty scandalous ways so that the public is aware of his deception.
- Angela Crotty
What Governor?
We do not have a Governor! We do not have a First Lady! This State is an absolute mess. Walk around State agencies in Springfield and talk to the state employees. Many offices are empty in Springfield, no furniture, no people. Go to the fifth floor at the Illinois Department of Public Health and take a look around. Yet he is always saying HEALTH is his cause.
The damage this Governor's done to the operation of this State will takes decades to repair, that is, if it can be repaired.
I am not a state employee, but I do need to work with various agencies. It is not the fault of these employees things are such a mess. It would be interesting to see a poll of state employees about the Governor, if they were not too afraid to participate due to the retaliation that has been witnesses so many times.
Recall will never be needed more than it is now for this guy. What testerone he has... to talk about about running in 2010. Will there be anything left to run (by anybody)is the question.
- Just a Concerned Citizen
On a scale of 1-10 the gov. rates 0
-D. Beaty
Reasons for going or staying in war aside, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has done more to honor our Illinois troops than Gov. Blagojevich ever has. I've seen Quinn at several military funerals, but why can't the executive of the state at least pay his respects?
- Acton H. Gorton, Carbondale, IL
What Job,as an absentee Gov he has no performance level, ask the private sector if an employee did what the gov goes would keep him? Rate his Job performance-I would say-Poor.-rdahlin
Great story last night Mr. Flannery! Outstanding coverage of a lame excuse for a governor.
I can not begin to tell you how much I dislike the sitting governor. His arrogance and total disrespect for the Senate and House Representatives that are our voice in the state is infuriating. His actions and manipulations of state funds seem to border on illegal and we keep hearing about investigations so I'm always hopeful that Blago will end his career in the "can" along with other crooks.
Let's hear more about the recall idea. How do we get legislation enabled to boot him out of office? Can I start passing petitions now? What needs to happen?
-Bill Riggs
Good morning, In response to your request for opinions on the administration of the current governor, I respectfully offer mine. I think that the administration of our current governor is an absolute slap in the face of the residents of Illinois. Despite his campaign promise that there will be no more "business as usual", Not only has he continued "business as usual" but Blagojevich has set new vistas in corruption and arrogance, and "business as usual" continues to flourish. Because of his inability to govern honestly, capably, and truthfully, his own party members are now engaged in fits of uncontrolled hand wringing over his shenanigans and total lack of ethics or scruples. To all of the Democratic lemmings that voted with a single collective brain to reelect this boob for a second term, I simply ask why are you now complaining and whining about Blagojevich? You voted him into office so you are getting exactly what you asked for. Those of us who voted for his rivals in the primary and general elections knew what to expect and are not surprised by his failures. I sincerely hope that in the 2010 election Illinoisans will start using their heads when electing our leaders. Otherwise, this state will continue to wallow in the detritus left behind by the Blagojevich administration. -Jim Ochwat, Orland Park
Blagojevich is a clown. He is leading the voters & reporters around by their noses. He is allowed to take a plane ride daily, at our expense, to go home to throw kisses at his kids. Many of us parents would love the freedom to work at home, play with our children, and collect an extremely high salary to perform these duties. If his FAMILY is soooo important become a working slob, same as the rest of us, collect a salary for honest work, and after work return home!!! When is our legislator going to wake up and run this idoit out of town??? Courious, as a property tax payer, who pays his taxes? Please, let's get this clown out of office and back on the streets where he can do no more harm to his fellow man. -Pat Ford
one word - IMPEACH!!! -Melanie
My take:
We hear all the time from the Governor's critics in the General Assembly that he needs to "work with them", "compromise with them", and "get a deal done", just like George Ryan or previous governors used to. What our legislators really mean is they long for the days of smoke-filled rooms, back-room deals, and vote-buying with pork and other promises. It is a good thing that the policy process is now out in the open with this Governor. For better or worse, he brings the happenings of Springfield into our daily lives, and we can no longer ignore what goes on down there. For that, at least, I thank him.
-John Rogers, Chicago
It strikes me that Blagojevich is a "part time" Gov. which is what we don't need/want.
The expense associated with his special sessions and his travel to and from Springfield is outrageous.
He is not serving us; rather we are serving him.
He should be "recalled"and labled incompetent.
-Wayne Koch, Round Lake, IL
I am surprised but pleased that the press is finally paying attention to the lack of leadership that Gov. Blagojevich has shown in Illinois. Being from down-state I was initially concerned when he was first elected. If people would have paid attention to his work in the legislature, they would have realized what type of politician he was. He wanted to continue getting elected by purchasing the Chicago vote. He pandered to the voters who wanted to continue to get a free ride on the back of hardworking people. His latest proposal to "divert" fuel taxes from southern Illinois to bailout the CTA is just another piece of evidence of how he does not govern the whole state.
-Brian Kinney, Vandalia, Illinois
The man can't work with people. He's not a good leader like you would see in most corporations. He's only had one cabinet meeting, so how can they know his agendas? He's defensive and not open. I made a mistake voting for him in the last election, but the option of Topinka had to be worse.
-Anonymous
In response Our governor my first question is WHO KEEPS VOTING FOR THIS GUY. He spends 600.00 on a hair do that looks like garbage and in my eyes looks fake. Lets talk about the rides to and from Chicago and Springfield must be nice why we slave away at our 8-5 jobs and have to pay 3.15 a gallon of gas and have to double our toll ways so that we are struggling everyday so that he can do what ever it is that he does. Which I have yet to see any thing that he has done. His child health care plan he keeps talking about where you getting the money ROD! Let me guess just another tax increase or better yet are you going to raise the tolls again or charge people 10 per pack of smokes oh wait you already do. What is next. Pretty soon people are not going to want to live here any more, this guy is a joke. One more thing that gets me is that has not been brought up in awhile is the fact of raiding a teachers pension, Good move rod! We have teachers that work hard for a living it is not easy being a teacher, and the fact that teachers don't make squat for all the work they do. But it is nice to see that you have a 600.00 hair cut and that you get free plane rides to and from the city because you and your wife don't want to live in the governors mansion.
I WISH I KNEW WHO KEPT VOTING FOR YOU.
- Kelly Schneider
Great piece of reporting. I thought the report tonight was brilliant and bold. After reading about the recall for this guy in the Tribune a few weeks ago, I was glad to see something on the local news on his non-work habits. I don't normally get too involved with politics in this city and state, but this clown has to go. "You ain't see nothing' yet" was his words when he was somehow re-elected last year. I am afraid that to be true. What others crap will he pull and not get accomplished in this state in the coming years? I have asked several other leaders how to go about getting a recall in this state to no avail. That is a day I look forward to. If he runs and wins again in 2010, I will be moving to another state. I can't stand this guy that much. Please, Rod, get out of Big Jim Thompson and Jim Edgar's office. And as long as I am ranting – Seriously? What's with the hair? You can't possibly think that is a good look?
- Matt Dillon
This is a well written piece on the ever absent blago. I understand he was at a hockey game in Chicago instead of taking care of business in Springfield where the transit bill was shut down. I am a Dem. And have been all my life. I am an elected official in my county. I am so ashamed of this gov., if he runs again, he will not get my help.
- Steve Grimm
I watched your report on "Exposing Blagojevich" and I applaud you for standing up to the Governor. I learned a lot more about our governor that I didn't know. How he pretty much gets paid for doing nothing.
One thing I did know before and which makes me mad is how all of us taxpayers are paying for his daily helicopter rides from Chicago to Springfield & back because he doesn't want to live in Springfield. He ran for governor; he knows where the governor should live; nothing new, Rod. The President of the Untied States is expected to live in the White House, we should expect our governor to live in Springfield!
I have one word for the people of Illinois regarding Gov. Rod Blagojevich... RECALL!!!!
- Shawn Killackey, Mundelein
First, THANK YOU! Thank you for exposing the nonsense that plagues our system of government. What you exposed about Rod "BagOGarbage" last night is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our elected officials abuse of their overpaid privileges. I believe the work ethic is referred to as "Minimum Effort, Maximum Reward".
Now, my response to your report. There's a few harder questions you need to ask Rod and the Illinois gov't:
1) How much money does it cost to have the Illinois State Police Bodyguard detail at Rod's house? You need more bodies to cover four sides of a house than you do to cover the front and rear doors of his office in either the State building in Chicago or the Capitol Building in Springfield. I'm going to guess (based on personal past experience) that the Bodyguard Detail also comes with added salary (hazard pay) and other perks which also cost tax dollars.
2) Speaking of tax dollars, what is Rod writing off as a result of not using those two tax-payer provided offices?
a) Is he writing off some or all of his home payment, since he's using his home office for "business"?
b) Is he writing of telecommunications expenses (Internet, Phone, Fax, Cell) for use at his home that we're already paying for in his unused offices? Better yet, is he writing off lines which are not used for gov't business?
c) Is he writing off his entire grocery bill, since he's not eating out? Are the members of the Bodyguard detail reimbursed for meals since they need to stay around that house?
3) The unused offices.
a) Take a look at what a lease costs, average per square foot, in Downtown Chicago. How much does his unused offce in the State Building cost the Illinois taxpayer? How much could "we" reclaim, leasing that space out to someone who will use it?
b) Does he have secretaries at each office, paid for full-time work when they aren't needed, since their boss is never there? I'd also go out on a limb to say they are paid more than the "average" secretary.
c) What other office staff are idle in the governor's absence?
4) Hawks Game
a) So, did Rod think the bill was a sure thing? I'm betting he knew it would narrowly lose. AND, since he proposed it and it didn't include tax increases, he's going to come back and say "I have been forced by the state senators to raise taxes sine they wouldn't pass my bill". One of you in the Media BETTER call him on that one if he does say it. He was going to raise taxes right after he was elected.
b) Did he write off the tickets too? Did all his bodyguards get to go? If they were "given" to him by the Harks Organization, is he accounting for that as a gift?
Again, THANK YOU for the beginning of what should be a bright light shone upon not only Rod Bagogarbage, but all government officials as well. I could rant about how much Cook county officials are paid and how being a Gov't representative was never meant by our forefathers to be a full-time, six-figure job, but I'm just stating the obvious - aren't I?
- Wes Suess, Aurora
The levels of personal arrogance and irresponsibility as an elected official demonstrated by Governor Blagojevich are unprecedented. It is unfortunate that the people of the State of Illinois must endure a so-called leader of questionable management abilities and observe the state become a national laughingstock as he guides the system into a quagmire of dysfunction.
- "Disgusted in Mattoon"
This doesn't surprise me about Blago! I had dealings with him about my union IUEC Loco 2 in Chicago (elevators) about the implementation of a formalized apprenticeship program that discriminated against older workers. Because I didn't contribute to his campaign & my union did he covered for them & represented them.
He does not care about citizens only organizations that contribute to his campain(he appointed our union BA to a state position). He told me that I don't fall under his jurisdiction (even though I'm a citizen of Illinois). Blago is slime.
I can't comment further because of an ongoing investigation into my union by the Department of Labor ! Blago is slime!! Go Get em!!
- Anonymous
I believe that the Governor, and I use that term loosely, should be either recalled like in California, or impeached. He has done nothing positive for the state. We are being taxed to death. Businesses are leaving. The City,County and State leaders are all bad, and there only answer is to tax us more. But the Gov. doesn't even show up at special sessions he calls. Over a million tax payer dollars spent for special sessions, and still no results.
- Anonymous
How much money is it costing IL. taxpayers to keep the state house in Springfield. How much does it cost taxpayers for the state police to guard his house in Chicago. How many taxpayer dollars does it cost for us to transport him to Springfield on those rare occasions?
I hate to admit it, but as a lifelong Illinois resident I have to face the facts: I am responsibile for Hot Rod's prolifigacy. I say that because I, like most of the voters of this state require so little from our politicians. We have allowed an atmosphere of low-performance and high-privilege. Corruption has become accepted and even expected among our political elites. It's my fault. I've always known that Rod B. wants to be doing a Wayne Newtonesque lounge act in Vegas rather than working for a living; still, we voted him in! So as part of my penance I am shouting in every way that I can - Throw the bums out. The lazy ones - out. The liars - out. The corrupt ones - out. I'm afraid that means that most of the Illinois politicians will have to leave.
- Darrell Pack
I believe the more important issue with the Govenor is him not keeping his word. How can we trust a man in this position, who does not feel the importance of his own words and promises. Get rid of him!
- Darrell Pack
Mike Flannery did an excellent job exposing Rod. The state and media has covered up wrong-doing for too many decades. It's time we take a stand and expose the wrong-doing as it's happening, not a decade later. Rod is so concerned about his precious girls that he can't focus on his job. He's also putting too much concern about health care for all children - why - because he has two children of his own. How about health care for senior citizens? Most seniors spend the majority of their social security on health care. As long as an issue does not affect Rod personally, he doesn't care about it. A second example is mass transit. Since he does not use mass transit he doesn't care to solve the problem. Heck, the only time he leaves his home is to fly to Springfield at our expense. I'm not in favor of the state paying for mass transit since it's not the state's problem; it's the mass transit system's problem. The state doesn't bail out a failed retailer so why should somebody who lives at the southern tip of Illinois pay for Chicago's transportation problem. Rod only cares about Rod and his two girls. I say recall Rod, impeach Rod. Since Rod doesn't care about the state of Illinois, perhaps he can keep Ryan company in Wisconsin. Hat's off to Mike for getting the ball rolling!
- Diane Dugovic
Blago is an arrogant, ignorant and corrupt man. He's an embarrassment even for this state!
- Anonymous
Great story, Shows how badly we need recall legislation in Illinois.....
While we vote to recall the Governor how about adding the entire
Cook County Board, and State Government....
- R. Hammer
Heard of stay at home mom but not a stay at home governor.
- Charles Beck
What a hatchet job. Where was Mike Flannery when Bush (Republican) spent 48 percent of his first year on vacation? Who cares if the governor is working from his home, capital office or the office 2 blocks down the street.
- Mike Steinke
I know the Governor promised no new taxes, but I think it's ridiculous. He spends more than any Illinois governor in history yet refuses to raise taxes. In my opinion a 1 percent increase in income tax would fix our school and transportation problems.
The money also needs to be applied against the pension debts the state carries. When the funds have been paid back, pension funds must remain 'hands off' for the legislators and governor.
Any excess funds collected can then be abated to the tax payers. Other states have abated tax excesses. It's the only honest thing to do.
I do not go along with all the new programs the Governor has proposed. I want the state to get our of debt, and the only way to do that is increase taxes and stop new spending programs.
- Donna Heffernan
If they vote in that Bozo again it would be pure stupidity and at the fault of the people that believe in him.
- Judean Becker
After having worked for the state in various director's offices in a professional capacity for several years, I could not stand more than two years with these folks. Never in my life have I seen a more random, capricious and utterly disrespectful group of people in management.
At the onset of this administration, the retirement of more than 10,000+ employees left a large hole in the institutional knowledge of the state. Bradley Tusk, then chief of staff I believe, had the audacity to suggest that there was no brain drain as a result of those retirements. How brilliant. As a result, many smart, young (or let's say young) people who were interested in a career in the public sector have left for the private sector where they receive better compensation, earn better benefits (retirement contribution matching!!) and don't have to deal with the random panic attacks of managers who are just barely out of college without an ounce of experience in state government.
This is only the tip of the iceberg on the stories - poor or no policy formation, smoke and mirror estimates of jobs, etc. Several folks I know and respect are still working for the state today and suggest to me that the situation is only further deteriorating which I figured was nearly impossible.
Keep up the good work on your reports.
- Amy Zachary
He fooled us the first time, shame on him . But we re-elected him, shame on us. This governor is inefficient, insufferable, and in over his head. That's what we get for electing relatives of politicians who can manipulate the political process. The people of this state deserve much better.
- Michael Kane, Western Springs
Right from the start!!! "No, I won't live in Springfield. My daughter's nursery school is in Chicago." WHAT IS THAT!!! Didn't he know where the Capital was when he was running for office? Since when do you let a preschooler dictate the residence of a governor? Since he doesn't live there (by choice) why should the taxpayers pay for his commute??? When I lived 5 miles from my job and chose to move 35 miles away, I didn't expect my employer or anyone else to foot the bill of my commute....why should he? end of rant.....
- Ethel Huberty, McHenry
Let's get serious. Exactly what legislation has he pushed through to actually help the people of Illinois through what time period? That in itself will give you an idea of how effective our fearless leader actually is in office. Oh and by the way you might wish to consider how much taxes have gone up and how many times he vowed not to do so.
Obviously I am not one of his fans nor one of his overpaid staff. However rest assured that if he gets his way you will see him build a machine of highly paid underachievers who will lead the effort to his re-election? Ooooops, how bad is that Illinois?
- "Soulful"
Numerous state employees have been fired for working from home and charged with felonies under this governors "ethic reform" policies yet, what is good for the goose, is not good for the gander. The Inspector Generals office need to investigate him just as it has investigated state employees for such actions. His cell phone records need to be made public as it is most likely a state phone paid with state monies and is therefore public record. I'd like to see exactly who he is calling at dawn and how many calls are made.
I think it reprehensible he does not attend sessions and goes to hockey games while major bills are pending in Springfield. Let's face it, if he were an employee working in your business, we all would have fired him a long time ago. To coin the term he used so often in his reelection, "What was HE thinking"!
Equally disturbing is his statement he will worry about how to pay for all his newly developed programs later since he is doing what he feels is right. If any of us ran our household in such a fashion, we'd find ourselves living on Lower Wacker Drive. Under this administration, our deficit has grown larger, state agencies have more administrative overhead than ever before and line staff has been greatly reduced.
Our only hope is the recall bill is soon passed so we can get rid of him by next year before he does even more damage.
- John C.
The Governor is a joke! It's too bad we don't have recall's in Illinois like they do in California.
- Bob Silverstein
My daughter lives downstate in a dreary little town and can't wait to get out because of issues such as this one you have written on Blagojevich.
They hate any one with Chicago in their name...unless they bad-mouth Chicago and our politics. They hate Chicago and its importance to the State. When there is a comment upon roads in the State, it is because of Chicago. Chicago's politicians do everything only for Chicago. The little racist towns are sure they are being picked on because they are being targeted for something or another. She actually lived in three around the
area and they are stereotypical bible belt towns, who are not afraid to brag about the lack of diversity. Blagojevich's remaining in Chicago and not moving to Springfield validates this for them.
One must take into consideration they generally don't use cell phones, blackberries, or even computers. They are way behind times in general use of technology. Most of them still buy Detroit cars, not because they are expensive or not well made, although they claim that. Truthfully, their mechanics claim they are poorly made and not safe.
Additionally, parts are not readily available...no one stocks them. I could go on and on.
I suggest you see where these people who are complaining live...and you may see it reflects the dislike of Chicago more than Blago's ability, including his ability to lead.
- Merle
It's about time reporters start telling us what some of these politicians are really like.
We need more reporting like this
- Anonymous
I didn't have to read many of the posts on our chief executive of the state of IL to know most people are totally disgusted with this man. I am sure he is a nice enough guy apart from the job we elected him to do. (BTW, I have never voted for him in either gubernatorial election.)
However, from my point of view, he is just as crooked, nasty and underhanded as any of the elected officials we have put into office. In his first run for governor, he campaigned on a platform of change. Well, things have changed. No one will dispute that fact. The issue is the change has all been for the worst.
• Raided state pension funds to finance the state operations putting pensions for state employees and teachers at High Risk.
• Completely disregarded his campaign promises of no tax increases, when the day after his inauguration for term 2. I believe he introduced the largest tax increase in the history of the state. (No, it wasn't the income tax that everyone holds as the sacred cow. It was all use, sales, and sin taxes.)
• Dropped the political A-Bomb when he went after his father in law on the contract scandal. This I still believe to this day was all a political ploy to make him look good in the eyes of the public
• Portrays his total disregard for the people, the residents, the voters in the state of Illinois who live outside the Chicago metro area, by rarely being in Springfield where the business of governing the state is conducted.
• Spending in the state is at an all time high, while the state's share of school funding has fallen to under 30%. This is why your property taxes are so high. Wake up people. Stop being so ignorant.
I have no problem with a governor being a bit of a maverick, or making the deals that keep the government running. Pork is pork, and we all have benefited from it in some way. But, simple public relations and interest in people, even if they disagree with what you are trying to accomplish, are the most critical success factors for any politician.
I love the state of Illinois. I grew up in downstate Mattoon, IL and live in Algonquin, IL now. The governor is the worst in my short life so far. I would support a recall or impeachment of the governor.
Hhhmmmmm, maybe I will run in 2010.
- Steven Collinsworth
I think it is sad that the State Legislature is in session in Springfield and HOT ROD is in Chicago at a Blackhawks game! With this Governor's actions I think he should be on an hourly pay schedule. He is never working but playing. I can't tell you how many Chicago Cub's games he attended last year while the budget was being debated.
- Jim McFarland
Needs to show up for work.
- Cathy DeLong
The governer feels his agenda is more important that that of others.
He ignores the people of Illinois.
"pretty boy" politician similar to Tom Cruz, I am right and everyone else is wrong if they don't agree.
Like Stroger, he uses his influence to put money in friend's pockets with jobs or contracts.
In summary I don't trust Blago.
- Tim Mitchell
I am a new resident of Illinois, having moved here 11 months ago. I have lived all over the US and the State of Illinois is absolutely the worst from a state leadership perspective. As a former corporate executive, I know first hand that the CEO of a corporation or of a state must be at the headquarters location, surrounded by his staff and others who need face to face access to him on a full time basis---not 200 miles away. He is not a programmer or a telemarketer or a stay at home mom who can do some work from home while the baby sleeps! It's more than a full time job and if his wife doesn't want to move or there's a serious problem with the health of a child who needs access to care in Chicago, then I suggest he step down. I am astounded by this man's arrogant behavior. In the short time I have lived in Illinois, he has shown no leadership, innovation, common sense or even average intelligence. Governor Blagojevich is simply derelict in his duties as head of the State of Illinois. If there is a way to recall him, I would advise it. If not, I strongly urge voters from all political parties to prepare their candidates to run against him in the next election.
- Mary Lasko
Great story - but I have one question - maybe two questions.........WHY did the people re-elect him? I work for a state agency and since he has been in office, our budget has been cut, staff who have left have not been replaced (some staff didn't need to be replaced but other positions do need to be filled), our lease has yet to be signed, some of our equipment remains broken and cannot be repaired or replaced, the 'governor's' office has to approve everything that is done which delays things significantly, some staff that have been hired are totally incompetent but have great connections - politically and then nothing can be done with them when they cannot do the job that is assigned to them. Let's talk about the 'Silk Pajama Scandal with the Dept of Human Services. That is a laughable situation that gives everyone in state government a bad name. Wertz appears to still be in a position of power that requires 'judgment and that frightens me. No business that needs to create a profit and is held accountable by stockholders could be run like state agencies appear to be run. Makes no 'business' sense. As a tax payer, this frustrates me to no end. I'd rather have George Ryan back. At least under his administration there was 'cooperation' among many politicians.
- Jean B. Baker
Blago is an idiot. I will never even address him with a title he has never earned. Just remove him from office period. I have never seen such stupidity and ignorance in the highest office in Illinois (hmmm - George Ryan..... What kind of a Governor doesn't have discussions with his Lt. Governor and other leaders? Duh....And then he sits at a Black Hawks game ( come on, he knew he was going to be on television) and flaunts it...you are a disgrace to Illinois and you always have been...thank God, I am retired from State Government.
Mike Flannery is one of the best reporters in Illinois, so for those very few of you who are criticizing him, why don't you just move.....oh brother, enough is enough with this goof. Impeach him [tell us all how to do it so we can get our Land of Lincoln back on track.) Unless an individual has worked in or around state government, a person cannot understand just how much neglect and damage this so-called leader has caused. Shame on him and on us for letting this continue....He answers to us - we the people.
A person earns respect by his or her example and integrity.
Kudos to you Mike Flannery.
- Anna Marie
I don't see anything wrong with what the governor does throughout his day. I do however, see something wrong with a person who call himself an investigative reporter and the only thing he can find to do is to birddog a man that is minding his own business. Now you want to talk about someone not doing their job, lets see, at the same time the Governor is minding his business you're reporting on where he goes and what he appear to be doing. Because after all this is the age of sophisticated technology. So why should he have to go in to the office every day. and why should he be stuck in sessions in Springfield because certain people whom have been elected by the people to do a job and refuse to do it. As far as I'm concerned the Governor is doing his job, he called for the session and should continue to do so until they do what are paid to do. So who's reporting on those clowns back in Springfield who have a job to do and is obviously not doing it. The way I see, it these guys have the Bill, all they have to do is vote on it. Why aren't they willing to vote to pass it? Who are these individuals and what's their individual concerns? Are there Pork Barrel interests or what? Hmm! Maybe someone should investigate and find out. These are the questions I want an investigative reporter to get answers to for me.
- Charles
He is a big big failure as gov? It's our own fault, we keep electing the same useless people, once they get in it is very hard to get rid of them. They are in office for themselves, not for you or me.
- Tom
I think that the Blagovich needs to be more hands on. I have a parent that works for the state, so her pension is at stake and then I have my wife who is a teacher in one of the largest districts in the state. If he works from home he can not possibly be the team player that he needs to be to get things properly done.
- James Narofsky, Elgin
Well I'm glad someone is taking this issue seriously & finally talking about it in detail in main-stream media. I hope it continues as this is only the tip of the "Blago iceberg". He's inept personified ! 2010 .....dream on there young warrior !! Can you say primary with a serious candidate {s}from their side. We've got another -3- years with this guy !
- Michael Dooley
The "special" I saw tonight - with Mike Flannery acting as the mouth piece for the Tribune Editors was anything but even-handed in its treatment of the Illinois Governor. In my opinion the Tribune's - I mean Mike Flannery's - bias was clearly showing. I am no particular fan of the Governor; however, this "special" left out of the line of criticism the Attorney General's father, Michael Madigan, and was a
disservice to the public. It takes at least 2 to tango. The logjam in
Springfield is the doing of many folks - all of who have their own agendas. To place all the blame upon our Governor is unfair, inaccurate and anything but even handed.
- Peter Snyder
Illinois needs new leadership. In 2008 the people of Illinois will be able to vote for a change in the State Constitution, & vote for the state House & half the Senate. This is an opportunity for the people to elect new leadership regardless of political party. Putting in a California style recall provision, term limiting the six Constitutional offices along with the legislature will assures at least once a decade, new people with fresh ideas that will follow the Constitution of Illinois & the United States. Also end gerrymandering so no political party or race are guaranteed victory. Unfortunately, Illinois has a long history of corrupt politicians. We need to start fresh by putting in new people that will gets the job done.
- Anonymous
He alienates everyone. I've got no respect for him or the way he has acted during his tenure. He's a lousy governor.
- Sheila
In our home, Mike Flannery has long been regarded as Chicago's premier Political Editor. As a former talk show host (Los Angeles, evening-drive) the accolades for Mike's ability to state the facts as he meticulously collects them, both in his candor in taking-no-prisoners when called for, while also offering praise where it's due, are tributes never given lightly – in fact, only expressed for Mike Flannery. This evening's story on our malingering governor only confirms my long-standing opinion, and I applaud both Mike and CBS 2 for the broadcast; guts, you bet – whatever backlash you may encounter because of the report, please believe there are many more of us who greatly appreciate the real facts (not "yellowed") and even more, admire you for your stand in publishing them. Hats off to all involved in this story! The veracity of the report truly "exposed Blagojevich!"
Now, you asked for our input – I am happily including mine. (Be careful what you wish for . . .:)
Frankly, the consistent lack of leadership exhibited by Gov Blagojevich, is nationally embarrassing; even more, his obvious lack of concern for "his constituents" is inexcusable. There are thousands who genuinely cannot afford the soaring price of gas, either to fuel their homes or vehicles and now find themselves wondering how they're going to get to their jobs when the mass transit crisis we face is no longer threatening, but is instead an atrocious reality. How are they to feed their families when they cannot earn a living; is the governor going to expand our welfare system? And, if so, where's that money coming from – or will he just "do it", and "worry about where it's coming from later"?
Our public school systems, while excellent on the "North Shore," are tragic in the city – when is he going to advance the fundamental dollars necessary to provide an education for which every student in our state is entitled? And for the students facing hours on public transportation simply to get to their respective schools – what now; is he going to going to dismiss his cronies on the state's payroll and replace them with thousands of despondent drop-outs who did not complete their educations as they could not get to school? These students would not have ridden the buses from early morning until late evening had they not wanted an education! How many more hours does our governor believe they have to give now that their transportation issues are about to become even more exhausting?
I would love to pose countless questions re his position on our states' budget catastrophe, but have never been one to practice an exercise in futility. . .
Finally, on a more personal issue – the 2016 Olympics: The beauty, the rich diversity and the forever-mid-west warmth of who we are as a city, richly deserves to be awarded the bid. Our Mayor has "done us proud" – aside from the obvious financial benefit for countless businesses, the pride we have in and for our city will be justifiably recognized and shared by millions; we are Chicago – there simply is no greater city. Unfortunately, while the eyes of the world are especially focused in our direction, with the on-going antics of Gov Blagojevich, we are now becoming a global embarrassment. How can Chicago safely and sanely play host to millions of international guests, when we seemingly cannot protect or care for our very own? One wonders if the acrimonious political arena established by our governor (and played out on a daily basis before or eyes) is not also a deliberate attempt to sabotage the possibility of garnering the 2016 Olympics; after all, they are Mayor Daley's "baby" and not the Governor's – hence the credit for getting even this far is gratefully extended to our Mayor, not to the governor. Sorry, that was a nasty aside, but his sanctimonious posture has earned it – I'm just praying that he realizes that what ever "power" he may have in "that's the good thing about being Governor" – when misguided, can easily bite us all! If confirmation is necessary, I suggest he visit George Ryan.
No amount of sleazy journalism can distort the fact (s) – you got it, Gov, only the sleazy in this story was not the journalist!
Thank you for the opportunity to once again put back on my "spitfire of the LA airwaves" cap. Between hearing an outstanding expose` on our governor and lack thereof and also putting poison pen with my response, you're batting 1,000! No wonder my set is permanently tuned to channel 2 news!
Happiest of holidays to your entire staff; you never disappoint me! :)
- Linda Krucks, Winnetka
Am I to believe Illinois has over 1 million idiots living in the state. Oh I'm sorry, how many votes did he receive? Wouldn't make a pimple Ryan's ass.
- Wiz
Having recently moved from California I have come to grips with the change of scenery, climate; learning to adapt to a new culture, then
being blind-sided by such a lazy, incompetent state official...
So...he proposes .taxes increase, state spending increase, and the highest paid state-funded official sits at home playing patty-cakes with his girls while the state's economy and political agenda slips to a 30+ year low.
The whole concept of the toll booths to 'pay for building the roads'
was bad enough, as the contracts were renewed without going to public ballot in order to continue to ream taxpayers with unheard of penalties for missing tolls (which aren't listed in ANYONE'S computer system until the penalty letter is mailed... we were hit by this 'highway robbery'), and to protect this already bloated parasitic leech on the state's residents... To top it off his name plastered above it is a bitter reminder of his arrogance and lack of genuine concern for the people he 'serves'.
Get him out of office. Have a petition for me to sign? Put me at the top of the list.
- Nathan Wiens
I feel that Gov. Blagojevich has not delivered as a leader. He has not shown any real leadership skills and has turned out to be a finger pointer for problems that the state of Illinois is having. A true leader would stay on top of a problem and follow its' every step until a solution has been put in place. I see his lack of being present in Springfield combined with poor leadership skills as the foundation to his no confident vote that he received from our lawmakers.
Gov. Blagojevich's style of being a leader has cost the taxpayers millions of dollars that could have been better spent on solving the state's budget problems. We as taxpayers should not be paying his transportation cost from Chicago to Springfield for this is where he should be in the first place working for the people.
- Wayne Scardino, Roselle
He is making George Ryan look good. He can become the first governor to be impeach.
- Mike Kohut
Your exposè on the Governor tonight was excellent. Of course being from Springfield (where his vote total in '06 was 21%) none of this is news to me. You could do a similar story about him focused on different issues every week. We just wish the people of Cook County would wake up. This guy is absolutely wrecking this state. Bring on recall!
- Tim Souther
After watching Mike Flannery's report tonight on Governor Blagojevich, I feel nothing but the utmost disgust and disrespect for a news station and reporter that I once admired. I never imagined I would be writing this, but your slanted journalism is so upsetting that I feel I must respond.
I worked for Governor Blagojevich for over four years during which time I observed him working day and night in order to better the lives of the people of the State of Illinois. The Governor worked and continues to work extremely hard on issues that benefit the people of Illinois. What the public does not realize, is that the press often "caters" to the politicians that "cater" to them (meaning the politicians give members of the press special privileges such as accompanying politicians on fly arounds and giving them special access, interviews, and "wining and dining them") The press glorifies many politicians today who are not necessarily putting the people of Illinois first, but rather themselves.
What has separated Governor Blagojevich is that his primary focus has not been wanting to be liked by the press-he wants to do what is best for the people of Illinois. He doesn't care about fame unlike so many other notable political figures, he just wants to do his job. The
Governor doesn't cater to the media and thus they've shunned him.
I'm not about to write an essay but anyone doubting this can access his accomplishments on the state web site. It just makes me sick to know how many wonderful accomplishments the administration has achieved and that the media can just disregard all of this to simply to raise their ratings. Yes, Mr. Flannery, it is incredibly easy to show a quick picture of the Governor taking a jog or hugging his daughter and imply his life is filled with nothing but jogging and casual life at home. But you don't touch upon the fact that every single other hour of the day is spent in conference calls, meetings, and trying to make this state a better place. You can crucify and say whatever you want, because you are the media and people will listen- but why not report the truth rather than some simplistic story you hope will draw viewers from your fellow news stations. Why not focus on the good the Governor has done? Or in that regard, any accomplishment of the state?
- Steva Maram
Obviously this is my own opinion, but I don't have anything to gain by writing in. I did get to work closely with the administration and learned more than I ever could have imagined. Regardless of what anyone says, Governor Blagojevich is an amazing man who is dedicated to changing the state for the better, and works endlessly to help the people of Illinois-especially the children. On top of all of this, he has managed to raise wonderful children of his own and has an amazing wife. Perhaps instead of spending weeks sitting out front of someone's house you should actually put your professional talents to use and expose true crime and corruption in chicago. If you're so intent on exposing corrupt politicians, I could provide you with an extremely long list of corruption and explicit behavior I saw that had absolutely nothing to do with Governor Blagojevich or his administration. I no longer live in Illinois, I've just been here visiting family, but I am proud to have Rod Blagojevich as Governor of my home state and even prouder to have had the opportunity to have worked for him and learned from him.
He is a joke…as a state employee, he has turned his back on the hardworking staff that provide crucial and vital services to the people of Illinois. His dabbling in the pension fund is criminal. Education issues continue to be overlooked.
Governor's mansion is not good enough and his excuses for not staying in Springfield, the capitol to do the work he was elected to do is disgraceful.
- James Williams
How this "hands off" governor (who doesn't want to live in the Governor's mansion in Springfield but charges the people of Illinois for his personal flights,) can justify ANY of his actions - or, got re-elected, is beyond me!
His staff justifies his absence from critical meetings and votes in Springfield by saying that is just his style. Well, maybe it is just his style and it is then obvious that he is incompetent.
While the state of Illinois and the public transportation system 'burns," Nero Blagojevich plays with his family and friends!
He is an embarrassment and I am ashamed to say I am from Illinois!
I am sure the Olympic committee will take all these issues into account; especially that we cannot provide our own people with public transportation!
Thanks for pursuing this issue. He is just like the other city/government employees that play on tax payer dollars. And our taxes grow and grow!
Your journalism is not sleazy...our governor's practices are!
- Glen and Phyllis Charlton, Palatine
I am embarrassed to be from Illinois. The antics of our current governor make the crimes of George Ryan look tame in comparison. Soon the "Welcome to Illinois" signs on our borders will be taken down and replaced by signs that read "State closed due to foreclosure - Rod Blagojevich, Governor". How much longer are the people of Illinois going to put up with this hack? California recalled their useless Governor Davis, so when are we going to do the same?
- Evan Breyn, Crystal Lake
Ever since the "Landfill" decision that went against his father-in-
law, I've been keeping an eye on RB. I thought then that if Ald.
Mell had any dirt of Rod, we'd have heard a little something .
And as for State Sen. Larry Bomke (R-Springfield) trying to show the Gov. in a bad light because the Sen. sold his vote on the Gov.' s bill in return for money from the state for the Sen.'s projects, and is now complaining that he never got the dough from RB: I mean, really!
We elect these people to run the state for us, for the good of all of us, and they are making these smarmy deals , voting for stuff they don't care about or believe in in exchange for $ windfalls...
and then using this as an example of someone else's skullduggery while fully exposing his own participation really shows how accepted these practices are.
Then all the complaints from other lawmakers about how RB doesn't
spend enough time in their company! Maybe he'd rather be working than glad-handing.
And he isn't in Springfield enough? Then what was all that uproar about 9 flights from Springfield to Chicago during a 2 week period?
I don't know. But with my current take on politicians, RB sure is getting a lot of flak from the cronies and you'd think he would be concerned about that, yet he appears to be tenacious to his standards much to his public- relations detriment.
At the very least he's a maverick and his own man. I like that in a person.
- Jan E. Thatcher
I live in So. Ill. This story about transit funding for Chicago is just typical of Ill government. They think Chicago is all there is.
That and providing benefits to illegal aliens.
We in the very Southern part are just the poor relations they throw a crumb to occasionally.
Seems to me the Daley dynasty runs Illinois anyway and has for years and years.
- Rosemary Kommer
Why is the blatant abuse allowed to continue? Because tax paying citizens don't know where the Governor is (ever) or what he is doing (ever). Your story documenting the Governor's 'dedication to the citizens' is long overdue! I look forward to seeing more stories about Illinois' highest ranking official. It is so disappointing that he has no regard for the tax paying citizens he pretends to 'lead'. Kudos!
- Amelia Gooding
Awesome. Can't believe you had footage of Blago at the Hawks game while RTA is going in the tank. awesome. Sleazy journalism. Try sleazy politics. Awesome.
- Adam Pfab, Chicago
Congratulations to you and your production team on a great report exposing Rod Blagojevich's true work habits, ethic, and the affect that it has on his ability to govern. I would enjoy seeing this series continued on a weekly basis with each segment focusing, objectively, on another facet of how this governor governs. Getting comments from Democrat and Republican state legislators, local officials, business leaders, academia, and national figures would also be very interesting.
In an era of television news programming that is strictly comprised of headlines, it is pleasing to see stories such as yours that dive deeper into the details of the story. However, I realize that most news segments are edited down to meet the 30 minute programming format. I would encourage you to post any additional details that are germane to your stories on the website. At the very least, it will drive more traffic to the station's site.
Keep up the good work.
- Rodger Burke
The people of Illinois will get the kind of government that they deserve. After his first term performance, enough "obviously well informed voters" put him into the state capitol in Chicago (ha ha), for a second time. Case closed. He has many serious flaws as a governor but at least he may stay out of prison! Gee whiz people, looks like a three term Illinois governor to this Hoosier's eyes!
- John Steele
The report by Mike Flanagan definitely reinforces the belief by many that he is a totally incompetent Governor. He shows the same interest in the State of Illinois and its problems as King George did when dealing with the colonies. He lets his advisers suggest ways and his cronies in the legislator (parliament) deal with the problems and then still feels that he has the devine right to do as he wants to do because he is the Governor(King).
I am glad that there is a need for a super majority or else there would be a crisis as to how to pay for all of his programs for only the people that he wants to help. The only trouble we have is that it has taken so long for the news organizations throughout the state this long to uncover his true lack of responsibility to the state not just himself and his desires for our tax money.
-Marc Woods, Westmont
Terrible reporting. Biased, negative. Gov Blago is standing up for taxpayers and working families. I don't care where he lives or works. He's taking a stand. Great, unique leader. Change is good sometimes.
- Anonymous
Great story, but quite honestly if you were a state employee none of this is new news. For years we have ALL (GOP and Dem) been wondering when the press would start running true stories about our Governor. I think anyone of us would be happy to have George Ryan back in power, and that's saying alot. I only hope that you continue to dig deeper and continue exposing IL (especially Chicagoland) to Hot Rod's antics.
-Emily Doering
Now that was good reporting! If the Governor in his arrogant way, thinks we will stand still for his management by being absent, he's got another think coming.
Our Governor has done more harm to the State of Illinois than anyone who previously held that office. If he attempts to run again, he will see how those of us who pay for his leisurely management style feel about it.
While Governor Nero fiddles, and jogs and says hello to his kids, Illinois burns. We aren't the dummies he thinks we are. His days in office are numbered.
- M. Saper, Wilmette
Again, thanks for your candor.
I do not particularly care for the governor's recent actions which appear to be polarizing the political process in Illinois even more than it already was (now we have Republicans vs. Democrats vs. Blagojevich). However, I felt your report was in very poor taste and only designed to be a mouthpiece for ratings.
You began the report by stating that the viewer should decide for themselves regarding the governor's personal schedule and then proceeded to blast him at every turn. I could care less whether the governor conducts business at home or on the moon, my greater concern is how he is conducting it. But your section only seemed to care about where he was when "supposedly working." It appeared to be a report on city of Chicago workers which you have done in the past who are working on the clock by goofing off. The governor hardly fits into that category.
- Edward Bates, West Dundee
We are appalled at the arrogant and cavalier attitude that Rod B uses to run the state of Illinois. He acts like a little king with his fiefdom and really has not interest in the people of Illinois but more on his own personal agenda. The TV article by Mike Flannery was very telling and we think he should be impeached. Where do I sign to get this thing rolling? Why do the Democrats protect him when he is never in Springfield and busy doing his own stuff. We will never see legislation passed to adequately fund the state pension fund while he is around. This is a very serious problem and he has no interest in solving it. He will leave it to the next person and promote all of the other stuff that he likes to interest himself in. I wish Jim Edgar could have run last election as the Republican candidate, Judy Barr Topinka, was a weak candidate and simply could not capture enough votes to win.
Hail to the little king, Rod.
May you have fun flying the private jet back and forth to Springfield at taxpayer's expense so you can see your family every night.
May you have fun jogging with your buddies in Chicago while the legislators meet in Springfield.
May you have fun, loafing around your house in Chicago, while the other poor slobs meet in Springfield to iron out a budget.
You have got a wonderful deal. I hope no one catches on to your non-performance on the governor's job. It is hilarious that you could get away with so much. Delegate all of the decisions to your deputy appointees. Don't get involved in the day to day. That's right, just work on the big picture, Ata boy, Rod You are a real piece of work
- Ken and Lynn Robinson, St. Charles
I'd like to know why the cost to the public for each special session is not more widely known. I also would like to know why we can't remove him from office like they did with their Governor in California. He is the worst example of a governor this state has ever seen.
- D. Huff
Thank you for having on your info. on the Governor not being in Springfield. Haven't we all dealt with or heard of fellow workers who don't spend time in our offices? At those times...everyone else their at work have to make up for the person's absence... If he had a private sector leadership position, he would have been kicked out.
I saw Frank Watson speak tonight about a Capital Plan that the Republican's have been pushing for. I wish we wouldn't lose the potential matching Federal Dollars for capital projects just because our Gov. this is a no-show.
- Pat, Willowbrook
I am so glad you exposed Rod Blagojevich. I think the most disturbing thing about the governor is the amount of power he seems to have. I cannot think of too many political positions in which someone can put emergency rules into effect without the approval of the legislative body.
I wonder if this is something that should be studied further. After seeing what happened with George Ryan, it seems that the position of governor should be scrutinized more closely. Countless times Governor Blagojevich has started new programs when he can't pay for existing programs. He seems to enjoy his power in an almost ruthless manner.
Should one individual be able to demand that things are done his way or not at all? It seems more like a dictatorship than a democracy.
- Cheryl O'Shea
Honestly, I am so disgusted with how Illinois state government. I think our honorable governor exemplifies our current political leaders and the Democrats, all of them - not just the governor, have squandered an opportunity to make some real changes having been in the majority. However, they managed to make a bigger mess than already existed. In the next election cycle I am going to vote out anyone that is currently in office. We need to start fresh.
- Kimberly Kowalski, New Lenox
Regarding Blag, you may want to check the IL Constitution, which states that the governor's primary residence shall be in Springfield, the capital. Is he breaking the state constitution which is a legal document and that he is to uphold? Or is he above the law? The necessary and proper clause does not include giving him the power to "break a section of the constitution to fit his agenda with family." Haven't our other governors raised their children in Springfield at the governor's mansion? Are the taxpayers paying for two residences as well as constant transportation costs for him to travel from Chicago to Springfield? Security at his Chicago house and the Governor's mansion?
- Anonymous
I think he's doing a horrible job... all the problems going on in our state just doesn't seem to matter to him at all, especially for the middle class or lower class... no big surprise there I guess.
- Anonymous
Another Illinois Democrat making it embarrassing to be a Democrat...
- Anonymous
I am not a normal Channel 2 viewer, but I heard about this piece and watched. Mike Flannery did a GREAT job. I find it appropriate it aired on the evening - when there is Gov B, shown at a Blackhawk game - and the State Legislature has just failed to pass the mass transit bill.
Gov B is never home. He's never where he needs to be. He stomps around like a little child. The Gov is directly responsible for the animosity and deadlock that Springfield is these days.
Thank you for exposing him. Great Work! I hope the Feds go on to expose even more!
- M Lund, Park Ridge
I would like to have the governor recalled & removed from the office. He should be immediately impeached.
He is not doing his job as governor & flaunts it in the faces of the People of Illinois. He continually demonstrates that his way, is the only way. He adds other pieces of legislature to bills that have nothing to do with the main topic of the proposal, just to get these items passed.
We need to have a limited number of terms that an elected official can be in office, whether governor, senator, congressman, mayor, or county commissioner so that we have an opportunity to keep the damage done by these officials to a limit.
In addition, many of the important issues need to brought to the people of the state, city or town or county for vote. The elected officials need to answer to their constituents.
There is too much nepotism & favors. This needs to be stopped.
- Layne Gabiner, Palatine
The people of Illinois did not elect spokespeople to hide behind emails. They elected Governor Blagojevich. I would like to join in the Recall effort.
- Anonymous
We need to dump the Governor.
- Anonymous
I wholeheartedly appreciate and agree with Mike Flannery's piece on Governor Blagojevich. Not very often will you hear public musings of top officials' personal management style (e.g. procrastination, laziness, etc). In fact, more often the public focuses on the officials' message.
Mike's report is consistent with what I experienced during my years "Inside the Beltway." Blagojevich was known as a playboy who would eat fine meals, maintain late evenings, and would infrequently show up to vote on a resolution, let alone vote.
Thanks again for your report Mike. Perhaps The Gov's cavalier attitude will unify the aisles down in Springfield. It already has amongst my friends.
-Christopher Morris, Chicago
An informative report. I would like to see more reporting like that.
- Anonymous
I believe in the electoral process but, this governor needs to be impeached and removed from office. He has failed to anything for the people of Illinois and thinks that give away programs will continue to get him re-elected. Wrong.
- Ken Hildebrand, McHenry
I don't care what Blagojevich's people say, this is not sleazy journalism. Thanks Mike for finally exposing what most of only thought were only rumors. Wouldn't we all love to be able to work from home and blow kisses to our kids as we send them off to school! How nice he doesn't have to worry whether public transportation will be available to get him to work when he has a driver and security detail! Here I voted for the guy because he is close to my age and I thought he could relate better to my issues, needs-he couldn't be more out of touch! He stays home so much I bet he doesn't even realize his "open toll system" backs up badly because it really didn't fix our horrible traffic congestion. Please follow up on this story. I'll be curious as to whether he will even make an attempt to make it to Springfield more after being exposed. Again, thanks. Your experience speaks volumes to the shocking nature of a governor who boldly runs the state on his time. He won't have my vote in 2010.
- Anonymous
The Governor can find all kinds of money to buy useless French flu shots, fix the roof of a South Side church and spend millions of our tax dollars expanding his pet health insurance programs. So where's his leadership on finding money to fix the transit budget issues?
- Michael C. Marron
Having just moved to Illinois, I have no basis of feelings regarding your Governor or your news station, but that also makes me a great barometer for how your piece on the Governor affected me. I felt that your journalism was sleazy and attacking. You did not allow the viewer both sides of the story and instead delivered a very one-sided viewpoint that came across as a blatant attack with no real proof or damning evidence, just your writer's opinion. This piece was more discrediting to your news station than your Governor. He could be the absolutely worst person for the job, I don't know, but you did nothing to convince me of that with this piece. My attention has been raised to this issue, so I will continually form my opinion over time. For now, I will shy away from your news program because I no longer believe it to be credible.
- Andy Dempsey
My husband and I believe if there is any justice Blagojevich would leave office and apologize to the people of Illinois. He then should take the rest of the Democratic "leaders" of Cook County and the City of Chicago and walk off into sunset never to be seen again.
People work hard, pay their bills, pay taxes and these guys just do whatever they want, make promises to whoever they want and just figure they could keep raising the taxes and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Well I think there should be a way to send these guys packing. I cannot believe the good, hardworking people of Illinois should have to put up with this anymore. So it's time to get rid of these lazy crooks…
- Anonymous
This governor would never make it in a job that he had to be present every day. He is a disgrace to the citizens of IL. Why hasn't someone started a campaign to recall him? I know it has been talked about but no one wants to be the first to get it started. Maybe he has something on important people. Something needs to be done before the state is made a laughing stock of the nation.
- Ron Bottomley, Morris
Thanks for the news story on the governor. I don't think it matters if someone is a Democrat or Republican, his behavior is childish and irresponsible. We as taxpayers need to have recourse against his foolhardy behavior with our money. I think that we all would like everyone to have every thing they need in life, but when it comes down to it, we have to live within our means. If you only earn $100,000, you can't spend a million.
It's too bad about the CTA, but as someone who has no access to public transportation, I can't see me paying for everyone else. It would be nice to have roads that weren't full of potholes, but we can't get our roads fixed because other people need to ride a bus. Someone needs to come up with a more equitable way of doing things. The entire state should not be responsible for trains and buses in Chicago. No one in Chicago is paying my way.
- Mari Johnson, Sugar Grove
I live in Springy and am a retired state employee (5 years). I have worked for Ogilvy, Walker, Thompson, Edgar and Ryan. Thank GOD I was able to retire prior to this jerk taking office. Ridiculous is the most hated man in Central Illinois "barr" (no pun intended) none. Politics is all about your word and that word spreads to more than just the folks who elected you. I can't believe he would even consider running again and pray he doesn't for the sake of all of us. We're all scared he will send this state into bankruptcy.
- Toni Hermsmeyer, Springfield
Your report tonight sounded more like whining than journalism. You should be ashamed.
- David, Chicago
The people of this state re-elected this man, so they deserve what they got! In this state, and in this country, it is all about party. The Democrats elected a Democrat, and that's all that matters "party" it's sickening!
- Michael J. Guardino, Round Lake Heights
Great expose. Where are Gov. B's political skills? He seems to like to engage in power struggles rather than to negotiate terms for real issues. I am sickened by the extra money spent for special sessions and his airplane rides. At the very least, he should offer up the mansion in Springfield to a poor family so someone can make use of the home.
- Anonymous
My only question for the governor is: What is he thinking?
- Ellen Nottke, Batavia
For the first time in my voting career, I did not vote for governor
this last election. Blagojevich's actions as governor are worthless and have proven my choice to not choose him correct.
- Nancy
I thought the governor's performance was poor when I was a state employee and now that I've been retired for two years, I think his performance has sunk to a new level of "low." It's just a matter of time before he gets exposed for the crook he really is.
- Anonymous
Thanks for the story. Please keep it up so if we make it to the next election with him - the public will remember not to re-elect him.
- Fran L.
Great story Mike! Keep on this guy.
- Rob Winchester, Springfield
This state re-elected this man without knowing the facts or anything about this man. Too bad Ryan turned out to be the man that he is, or we could have been spared. As with the national election and the Cubs, better luck next time.
- Chris
-Mark LambertI can't believe what I'm reading! For one ...who wants to live in Springfield? If you were the Governor you will live in Chicago too! Last time I checked...It was called CTA...Chicago Transit Authority,NOT ITA..Illinois Transit Authority! You give this mayor a pass...when he appointed a fool to run the CTA in the first place.People have been screaming for 10 years to dump Daley's buddy. But, they bankrupt the the CTA, then run to Governor for help. Daley walks out of the first meeting alone with Madigan...But, Both get a pass! Your Mayor sits on like 400 to 600 million dollars of TIF money to use as he wish...But, the city is BROKE. Come ON !--Danny GreenThank God, I moved out before he was elected! Rod is like Bush – they only care about themselves. The people of the great USA deserve much, much more than this. --Thomas Sohovich Thank you for your news story. It truly shows the selfish character G-Rod possesses with his abuse of power that's possible with his position as state governor. Thank you again, but there's still one piece of this story I have yet to see...what are Barack Obama's, Mayor Daley's, Rahm Emmanuel's, and Senator Durbin's opinions on this? Surely this has the Democratic Party in some uproar, doesn't it? Please tell me they've responded somehow to all this.- Kevin O'BrienI keep hearing about an amendment so that we can impeach or recall Blow-fish. But I also understand that the current in-office legislators ALREADY HAVE THAT POWER UNDER THE ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION! So OK you guys - who will be the first to start the ball rolling, use the Constitution as written, and clean house? Or are you as lame, corrupt, and repulsive as this weasel? Does even one Democrat (I use the term loosely) have the guts to prove The Fish is NOT one of theirs? Or maybe the Republicans will use this to re-take the state. Hey either you get rid of him now, or we get rid of ALL of you in the next election!- "Wannabe A Hoosier"Thank you for having the courage to air your program on Gov. Blago's administration. I don't feel the same way about working from home as Mike Flannery does, but then again I have to foot the bill for my choice of where I want to call my office when I'm not in the one that the company provides. Please keep tracking how much RB's work habits are costing the taxpayers of Illinois and maybe we can sue him for damages or have him arrested for misappropriation of government funds. -Stephen DeLanceI find it interesting that out of the 125 e-mails sent about this interview only 7 were for the Governor. You would think that the 7 people who wrote in favor of "Blah Blah" might reconsider their opinions, or maybe they are being paid high salaries from this administration??? I was really excited when a democratic gov was elected because I believe in a system where a dems and repubs take turns in having a say in our government. Boy am I really disappointed in what we have elected the 1st and 2nd time (you should note that he only received 21% in Springfield, most of us know about him. He has been a disgrace and I also think that he is just plain stupid!! It is nice to see that now the Chicago area is hearing about this tyrant, they should be feeling it now as well. I live in a city where the major population works in state government. It is only because of a core of dedicated people who feel responsible for getting their job done and feel a great responsibility to the people of the State of Illinois that they haven't felt the hurt sooner. Well the rooster has come home to nest, we can no longer keep up with the lack of money to fix and or update equipment and the people to help get the job done. I do not want to hear one person complain about how far behind we are, he is your Governor too, do something about it!!!-AnonymousFinally the heat is on. I hope the Feds dig in on his corruption. Others are convicted on bribery and corruption charges, he should be at the top of the list. Who paid for the tickets? -AnonymousI love how all these people are now complaining about this joke of a Governor.This is the price you pay for voting for a party candidate instead of voting for the best person. Most citizens of this state don't even vote nor are registered to vote. So you get what you deserve. Welcome to the Socialst Republic of Illinois. You created it,You deal with it.-RichJob well done by Mike Flannery.What I would like to see more of is follow up on this topic, as well as media coverage of the fact that THERE IS STILL NO STATE BUDGET. We are now five months into the state's fiscal year, which begins on July 1.This is absolutely beyond acceptable. I heard a news story about two months into the fiscal year, which referred to the state budget being 60 days past due and the interest on the money borrowed to keep the state running, was then $60 million. What is it now--if it's $1 million/day that would be about $150 million. $150 MILLION ON INTEREST WHICH TAXPAYERS NEED TO PAY BECAUSE THIS GOVERNOR IS NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE. How hypocritical that the governor is always talking about waste and pork. How stupid must he think we are?I am a state employee, a somewhat new DHS caseworker, who lives in the governor's Chicago neighborhood and have met him several times. I am beyond disappointed in him and the lack of adequate funding and staffing of state agencies such as mine. We are providing food and medicine to the poorest people of our society.Caseloads are normally well over 1,000 (at times reaching 2,000) per worker and yet the state expects us to provide great customer service, and we get lots of pressure to do so. Most caseworkers are understandably burned out and morale is quite low.Offices are very run down, many with rodents, leaking ceilings (when it rains it rains inside), very dirty rugs, floors, and walls. Many, many workers have retired since 2000 when there was a sweetened early retirement package offered. Hiring is not keeping up with the need for current and future workers. Not to mention the fact that the pension has been raided and the state is hugely in debt, by tens of billions.We're not making big money in these jobs, and the pension is what we count on to help us when we retire.Please inform us how we can take steps to RECALL him.It's an absolute nightmare.-Anonymous in ChicagoI am a healthcare provider and small business owner. This governor has gone from fiscal irresponsibility to narcisstic idiocy. He wants to insure the entire State of Illinois and worry about how to pay for it later? Right now, Public Aid funding pays less than 10 cents on the dollar and has not been increased in seven years. Not only that, the State of Illinois is behind in payments by over six months because they are out of money. Is it any wonder that Public Aid recipients are having a few problems getting anyone to take care of them? Not only will he bankrupt the State, he will destroy a large portion of the healthcare provider system with it. How soon do you think the constitution can be amended? Hopefully, before he destroys the entire State economic structure beyond repair. I hope his wife is handling the family finances. - Candace E. Truty, BrookfieldI am pleased that attention is finally being called to the poor job our governor is doing at running our, former, great state of Illinois. I say former of course because since 2003 our state has gone from "bad" with former Governor George Ryan, to "worse" with Blago. Blago may be at the helm of the state, but I don't think he knows that he's driving the us down hill at a dangerously rapid pace. He may be the governor, but that doesn't give him the right to shirk his duties to the state and attend a hockey game while state legislators are in session. Not only do we live in a country with the most unpopular president in U.S. history, but we also live in a state with a governor who can't govern. Quite frankly, I don't know who is doing a better job at making things worse for the people. I would never have thought that an actor like Arnold Schwarzenegger, with no previous political experience, would be better at governing a state than a 3-term U.S. House Representative of Illinois. Apparently Blagos' 6 years with U.S. Congress and 2 years as an IL state Legislator didn't help give him any political experience. I would much rather have Schwarzenegger running Illinois. He at least seems to know what he is doing. I would like to see more prominent news emphasizing the poor job Blago is doing running the sate. I don't think we should to re-elect someone who does nothing but make things worse for people. I would hope that by now people have learned from that same mistake which was made in 2004. In my opinion, the last 5 years, and the next 3 years (assuming Blago has not been recalled ) has been, and will continue to be, nothing but a continual downward spiral for the people of Illinois. I can only hope that he doesn't run again in 2010, and if he does run, then SOMEONE had better defeat him and put our state back on track.- Mark, Bloomington, NormalPlease go after all the politicians in Chicago. It was nice to se the governor face the music but it would be nicer to see all who engage in politricks called to task. This will bring viewers back to channel 2 as we are all tired of the BS in the name of higher taxes, patronage, TIFs, etc... - Allen Anthony Colaizzi I am furious at the cost of the Governor's trips to and from Springfield. I know the Governor and his family didn't move to Springfield because his wife couldn't sell real estate from the Governor's mansion. It wasn't because of the daughter's education. What a loser!! Putting this state in debt. Starting new programs when there is no money to pay for them. - Sally Dreishmire, Plano I, among many others, feel our governor's performance is simply "business as usual in the state of Illinois." As our state grapples with various financial issues concerning the state's transit system, the state's education system, roads in desperate need of expansion, etc., etc., our governor continues to not only prosper wasteful, ineffective government practice, but he does so while collecting countless millions of increased taxpayer dollars and putting in part-time work at best. Any company CEO with this sort of performance would have been fired without delay. And who else but Illinois' highest official could generate incredible revenue from taxpayers (millions upon millions of dollars from the toll and I-Pass increase/expansion alone), and have it not improve anything?!? Where did that money go? Haven't high-ranking business executives been sentenced to prison for this very same thing? Why is this 'business as usual' for an Illinois governor? When all is considered, Illinois taxpayers have paid far more to our governor in recent years than ever, yet our state is somehow out of money for everything. But all Illinois citizens must realize, WE VOTED HIM IN, TWICE! Business as usual in the state of Illinois? We voters must simply be very frightened of change. First Ryan, now Blagojevich. - Mitchell Lang I saw both stories about Gov. Blagojevich on the news and honestly I think he is doing a horrible job. He should be in Springfield making sure the bills he wants go through not at home, kicking back & relaxing or going to a Blackhawks game either. Honestly I see him as a person who is lazy about doing his job; at least when Ryan was in office he did his job and was barely at home. Ryan was more committed to his job than Blagojevich ever is. I highly doubt he is the Governor's office at all when he s at home. We should get someone who knows how to be a Governor than someone like Blagojevich; someone who knows how to do their job very well and handle things too. I speak for those who do not like the job that Gov. Blagojevich is doing: he is doing a very sloppy job and the next governor will have to come into office and clean up the messes he left. - Anonymous Mike's piece was quiet revealing. It is my opinion that most sucessful companies are not run by CEOs from their home. Our governor has an obligation to the people of this state to participate in discussions by being present and available at key meetings. Sitting next to the new President of the Chicago Blackhawks does NOT qualify as important in my book. If he worked for me,I would have called him into my office this morning and fired him. Actually, he does work for me. So Mike, help me fire him. - Anonymous Of the entire Governors, this one is more blatant in showing no care for the people. Sort of reminds me of Senator Obama, another do nothing official. All they both have done is use the titles to better themselves. I didn't vote for either one of them and would not plan on doing it the future. Both seem to care less about the legal citizens of Illinois then they do about providing care and jobs for the illegal ones. Both seem to think State Laws and Federal laws do not apply to them or the state they're suppose to be representing. - Anonymous There is no reason that the people of Illinois have to put up with such arrogance and stupidity. He better not plan on running again because we are done with the jerk. - Anonymous Blah!Blah!Blah! That should be his name. He is the penultimate politician's politician. He makes promises he has no intention of keeping (promising SSAC the land near Peotone for the 3rd airport, school funding, CTA...) He mugs for the camera, but is a no-show for meetings HE agrees to with his constituents regarding important issues. I feel he should be impeached, imprisoned and his image/name erased from the history of Illinois. - Laurette Williams This is why so many people don't vote at all, you do and you end up getting screwed no matter what, it gets old very fast. I have children that are 21 and 22 needless to say they don't vote because of the fact they make promises and then turn around and break all of those promises that you made during your campaign. You say what we want to hear, you pull us into your views thinking that your views are pretty much the same as ours, but when it comes down to it they just don't care, they are going to do what they want to do no matter what. Look at all of the other governors, more so the one who is in jail now, we trusted them and they screw us. So you tell me, what do we do? Do we stop voting for these people that are running for offices, making promises that they know they aren't going to keep, or do we vote and pray that they will keep their promises. As far as I can see I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. - Anonymous Blagojevich is a light weight that somehow fell into a high position. He was never capable of leading Illinois and his record in office indicates his accomplishments are nil. It would be laughable for him to run on his record. - Michael Rupnow, Hoffman Estates Your current news report on Governor Blagojevich's activities, or better - inactivities, becomes further evidence that we need a new person in that position. The industrial world would not tolerate such ineptness. Blagojevich serves as a living example of the 'Peter Principle.' - Tom Hurley, Lake Villa (Unindicted Official) A-Rod is the ultimate ghost payroller. For those who don't know, a payroller is a political hack given a government job for which he/she is totally incompetent. A ghost payroller is a payroller who collects his/her check but has so much clout he/she doesn't have to bother showing up for work. For all of those of you ripping him for this, know that Mike Flannery's story is only the tip of the iceberg. This ghost payroller isn't "working from home," he's cutting deals with taxpayers' money that make all his friends rich. He channels the money back to his own pocket through shady deals in which his real estate agent wife collects commissions on transactions she was never part of. He channels money to himself through contributions to his "campaign fund," with the donors miraculously getting either fat state jobs or state contracts. The "campaign fund," as the last election showed, miraculously disappears after every election no matter how much or how little A-Rod spends. Since the state contracts given to his "contributors" cost taxpayers so much with so little returned, the state is near bankrupt. No problem, says A-Rod. He borrowed $10 Billion (yes, that's a B) during his first term to shore up the pension funds, but the money didn't go to that. It went to "contributors." He raided every dedicated state fund (such as the special funds set up for veterans, fishermen, disabled people, breast cancer, endangered wildlife, etc.) and spent the money however he wanted – in direct violation of the laws that established those special funds. Now he wants to expand health care. He completely ignores the fact that the state doesn't have the money to pay its current medical bills. It's not at all uncommon for doctors and pharmacies to wait a year for payment from the state. Why? Because the state is broke. I could go on, but I'd like to leave room for other people to comment. One last thing – I almost fell on the floor laughing at his arrogance when I saw A-Rod at the Hawks game while the General Assembly met far into the night at his behest. I've been saying this since he was first elected, but this guy reminds me a lot of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. The only difference is that A-Rod thinks he's Elvis. - "The Mad Hatter"Mike Steinke couldn't have said it any better: "What a hatchet job. Where was Mike Flannery when Bush (Republican) spent 48 percent of his first year on vacation? Who cares if the governor is working from his home, capital office or the office 2 blocks down the street. - Mike Steinke" That was not journalism. Was Flannery asleep in school when they taught about unbiased journalism? I also find it quite ironic that your website shows a picture of Henry Hyde talking to President Reagan, one of our country's most notorious "Hands-off" presidents. Hmmmm. It's interesting but I don't remember the Republican slanted Chicago CBS Television News doing a story criticizing Reagan about his laissez-faire attitude. Shame on you, you've lost my viewership. - Bob First--- Way to go Mike!!! Thank you for exposing Gov. Blagojevich. I have been concerned about this issue for a long time, too! Nice report! I would also like to see how much it is costing the taxpayer for him to go back and forth -Chi.-to Springfield compared to what it would cost if he lived in the mansion.I know this topic was done before, but we need a daily "score card" of expenses. Stay on him. If the average person chose to do this (live elsewhere) then they should have to pay for their own commute back and forth to work!! We have a major crisis in this State and he flits around like it's some one else's problem!!! Thanks again!!! - Sue McIntyre, ElginWOW Another governor of Illinois that is non functional or heading for Jail Really a bad rep for our state. How can Blago stay home and "work" and force the the legislature to hold special session Sounds like he has one set of rules for himself and different ones for everybody else - Richard MerrellHe is a joke. Humiliating Illinois and not taking this job seriously. Shame on him.- Holly SparksI am embarrassed to live in a state with such a governor. What a joke! Blagojevich is so arrogant he does not care about what the voters think of him. He has side stepped the legislative process which was put into place for the very reason he is side stepping it. How much more obvious does it have to be for people to realize that he is nothing but a dishonest, cheating, arrogant person. He has hurt schools more than ever and talks himself up as if he is such a hard worker that is for education. What a shame! He has cost the school districts so much money by not passing a budget and furthermore by not signing the budget implementation bill which he urged both the house and the senate to sign so quickly. What is the hold up now governor? It has been sitting on his desk since November 5th as the school districts still sit without the money we are due. In addition, he delayed tax revenue for school districts as well which has put some districts into real financial trouble. I just don't understand how anyone could believe he is doing a good job. Since he was elected he has been doing nothing but pointing the finger at everyone else. What he must not realize is that when you point the finger elsewhere, you always have 3 fingers pointing back at you - how appropriate. Blagojevich needs to be removed from office so that the State of Illinois can move forward. The story on exposing Blagojevich was great - you need to keep exposing his dirty scandalous ways so that the public is aware of his deception. - Angela CrottyWhat Governor? We do not have a Governor! We do not have a First Lady! This State is an absolute mess. Walk around State agencies in Springfield and talk to the state employees. Many offices are empty in Springfield, no furniture, no people. Go to the fifth floor at the Illinois Department of Public Health and take a look around. Yet he is always saying HEALTH is his cause. The damage this Governor's done to the operation of this State will takes decades to repair, that is, if it can be repaired. I am not a state employee, but I do need to work with various agencies. It is not the fault of these employees things are such a mess. It would be interesting to see a poll of state employees about the Governor, if they were not too afraid to participate due to the retaliation that has been witnesses so many times. Recall will never be needed more than it is now for this guy. What testerone he has... to talk about about running in 2010. Will there be anything left to run (by anybody)is the question. - Just a Concerned CitizenOn a scale of 1-10 the gov. rates 0-D. BeatyReasons for going or staying in war aside, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has done more to honor our Illinois troops than Gov. Blagojevich ever has. I've seen Quinn at several military funerals, but why can't the executive of the state at least pay his respects?- Acton H. Gorton, Carbondale, IL What Job,as an absentee Gov he has no performance level, ask the private sector if an employee did what the gov goes would keep him? Rate his Job performance-I would say-Poor.-rdahlin I can not begin to tell you how much I dislike the sitting governor. His arrogance and total disrespect for the Senate and House Representatives that are our voice in the state is infuriating. His actions and manipulations of state funds seem to border on illegal and we keep hearing about investigations so I'm always hopeful that Blago will end his career in the "can" along with other crooks. Good morning, In response to your request for opinions on the administration of the current governor, I respectfully offer mine. I think that the administration of our current governor is an absolute slap in the face of the residents of Illinois. Despite his campaign promise that there will be no more "business as usual", Not only has he continued "business as usual" but Blagojevich has set new vistas in corruption and arrogance, and "business as usual" continues to flourish. Because of his inability to govern honestly, capably, and truthfully, his own party members are now engaged in fits of uncontrolled hand wringing over his shenanigans and total lack of ethics or scruples. To all of the Democratic lemmings that voted with a single collective brain to reelect this boob for a second term, I simply ask why are you now complaining and whining about Blagojevich? You voted him into office so you are getting exactly what you asked for. Those of us who voted for his rivals in the primary and general elections knew what to expect and are not surprised by his failures. I sincerely hope that in the 2010 election Illinoisans will start using their heads when electing our leaders. Otherwise, this state will continue to wallow in the detritus left behind by the Blagojevich administration. -Jim Ochwat, Orland ParkBlagojevich is a clown. He is leading the voters & reporters around by their noses. He is allowed to take a plane ride daily, at our expense, to go home to throw kisses at his kids. Many of us parents would love the freedom to work at home, play with our children, and collect an extremely high salary to perform these duties. If his FAMILY is soooo important become a working slob, same as the rest of us, collect a salary for honest work, and after work return home!!! When is our legislator going to wake up and run this idoit out of town??? Courious, as a property tax payer, who pays his taxes? Please, let's get this clown out of office and back on the streets where he can do no more harm to his fellow man. -Pat Ford
-Mark LambertI can't believe what I'm reading! For one ...who wants to live in Springfield? If you were the Governor you will live in Chicago too! Last time I checked...It was called CTA...Chicago Transit Authority,NOT ITA..Illinois Transit Authority! You give this mayor a pass...when he appointed a fool to run the CTA in the first place.People have been screaming for 10 years to dump Daley's buddy. But, they bankrupt the the CTA, then run to Governor for help. Daley walks out of the first meeting alone with Madigan...But, Both get a pass! Your Mayor sits on like 400 to 600 million dollars of TIF money to use as he wish...But, the city is BROKE. Come ON !--Danny GreenThank God, I moved out before he was elected! Rod is like Bush – they only care about themselves. The people of the great USA deserve much, much more than this. --Thomas Sohovich Thank you for your news story. It truly shows the selfish character G-Rod possesses with his abuse of power that's possible with his position as state governor. Thank you again, but there's still one piece of this story I have yet to see...what are Barack Obama's, Mayor Daley's, Rahm Emmanuel's, and Senator Durbin's opinions on this? Surely this has the Democratic Party in some uproar, doesn't it? Please tell me they've responded somehow to all this.- Kevin O'BrienI keep hearing about an amendment so that we can impeach or recall Blow-fish. But I also understand that the current in-office legislators ALREADY HAVE THAT POWER UNDER THE ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION! So OK you guys - who will be the first to start the ball rolling, use the Constitution as written, and clean house? Or are you as lame, corrupt, and repulsive as this weasel? Does even one Democrat (I use the term loosely) have the guts to prove The Fish is NOT one of theirs? Or maybe the Republicans will use this to re-take the state. Hey either you get rid of him now, or we get rid of ALL of you in the next election!- "Wannabe A Hoosier"Thank you for having the courage to air your program on Gov. Blago's administration. I don't feel the same way about working from home as Mike Flannery does, but then again I have to foot the bill for my choice of where I want to call my office when I'm not in the one that the company provides. Please keep tracking how much RB's work habits are costing the taxpayers of Illinois and maybe we can sue him for damages or have him arrested for misappropriation of government funds. -Stephen DeLanceI find it interesting that out of the 125 e-mails sent about this interview only 7 were for the Governor. You would think that the 7 people who wrote in favor of "Blah Blah" might reconsider their opinions, or maybe they are being paid high salaries from this administration??? I was really excited when a democratic gov was elected because I believe in a system where a dems and repubs take turns in having a say in our government. Boy am I really disappointed in what we have elected the 1st and 2nd time (you should note that he only received 21% in Springfield, most of us know about him. He has been a disgrace and I also think that he is just plain stupid!! It is nice to see that now the Chicago area is hearing about this tyrant, they should be feeling it now as well. I live in a city where the major population works in state government. It is only because of a core of dedicated people who feel responsible for getting their job done and feel a great responsibility to the people of the State of Illinois that they haven't felt the hurt sooner. Well the rooster has come home to nest, we can no longer keep up with the lack of money to fix and or update equipment and the people to help get the job done. I do not want to hear one person complain about how far behind we are, he is your Governor too, do something about it!!!-AnonymousFinally the heat is on. I hope the Feds dig in on his corruption. Others are convicted on bribery and corruption charges, he should be at the top of the list. Who paid for the tickets? -AnonymousI love how all these people are now complaining about this joke of a Governor.This is the price you pay for voting for a party candidate instead of voting for the best person. Most citizens of this state don't even vote nor are registered to vote. So you get what you deserve. Welcome to the Socialst Republic of Illinois. You created it,You deal with it.-RichJob well done by Mike Flannery.What I would like to see more of is follow up on this topic, as well as media coverage of the fact that THERE IS STILL NO STATE BUDGET. We are now five months into the state's fiscal year, which begins on July 1.This is absolutely beyond acceptable. I heard a news story about two months into the fiscal year, which referred to the state budget being 60 days past due and the interest on the money borrowed to keep the state running, was then $60 million. What is it now--if it's $1 million/day that would be about $150 million. $150 MILLION ON INTEREST WHICH TAXPAYERS NEED TO PAY BECAUSE THIS GOVERNOR IS NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE. How hypocritical that the governor is always talking about waste and pork. How stupid must he think we are?I am a state employee, a somewhat new DHS caseworker, who lives in the governor's Chicago neighborhood and have met him several times. I am beyond disappointed in him and the lack of adequate funding and staffing of state agencies such as mine. We are providing food and medicine to the poorest people of our society.Caseloads are normally well over 1,000 (at times reaching 2,000) per worker and yet the state expects us to provide great customer service, and we get lots of pressure to do so. Most caseworkers are understandably burned out and morale is quite low.Offices are very run down, many with rodents, leaking ceilings (when it rains it rains inside), very dirty rugs, floors, and walls. Many, many workers have retired since 2000 when there was a sweetened early retirement package offered. Hiring is not keeping up with the need for current and future workers. Not to mention the fact that the pension has been raided and the state is hugely in debt, by tens of billions.We're not making big money in these jobs, and the pension is what we count on to help us when we retire.Please inform us how we can take steps to RECALL him.It's an absolute nightmare.-Anonymous in ChicagoI am a healthcare provider and small business owner. This governor has gone from fiscal irresponsibility to narcisstic idiocy. He wants to insure the entire State of Illinois and worry about how to pay for it later? Right now, Public Aid funding pays less than 10 cents on the dollar and has not been increased in seven years. Not only that, the State of Illinois is behind in payments by over six months because they are out of money. Is it any wonder that Public Aid recipients are having a few problems getting anyone to take care of them? Not only will he bankrupt the State, he will destroy a large portion of the healthcare provider system with it. How soon do you think the constitution can be amended? Hopefully, before he destroys the entire State economic structure beyond repair. I hope his wife is handling the family finances. - Candace E. Truty, BrookfieldI am pleased that attention is finally being called to the poor job our governor is doing at running our, former, great state of Illinois. I say former of course because since 2003 our state has gone from "bad" with former Governor George Ryan, to "worse" with Blago. Blago may be at the helm of the state, but I don't think he knows that he's driving the us down hill at a dangerously rapid pace. He may be the governor, but that doesn't give him the right to shirk his duties to the state and attend a hockey game while state legislators are in session. Not only do we live in a country with the most unpopular president in U.S. history, but we also live in a state with a governor who can't govern. Quite frankly, I don't know who is doing a better job at making things worse for the people. I would never have thought that an actor like Arnold Schwarzenegger, with no previous political experience, would be better at governing a state than a 3-term U.S. House Representative of Illinois. Apparently Blagos' 6 years with U.S. Congress and 2 years as an IL state Legislator didn't help give him any political experience. I would much rather have Schwarzenegger running Illinois. He at least seems to know what he is doing. I would like to see more prominent news emphasizing the poor job Blago is doing running the sate. I don't think we should to re-elect someone who does nothing but make things worse for people. I would hope that by now people have learned from that same mistake which was made in 2004. In my opinion, the last 5 years, and the next 3 years (assuming Blago has not been recalled ) has been, and will continue to be, nothing but a continual downward spiral for the people of Illinois. I can only hope that he doesn't run again in 2010, and if he does run, then SOMEONE had better defeat him and put our state back on track.- Mark, Bloomington, NormalPlease go after all the politicians in Chicago. It was nice to se the governor face the music but it would be nicer to see all who engage in politricks called to task. This will bring viewers back to channel 2 as we are all tired of the BS in the name of higher taxes, patronage, TIFs, etc... - Allen Anthony Colaizzi I am furious at the cost of the Governor's trips to and from Springfield. I know the Governor and his family didn't move to Springfield because his wife couldn't sell real estate from the Governor's mansion. It wasn't because of the daughter's education. What a loser!! Putting this state in debt. Starting new programs when there is no money to pay for them. - Sally Dreishmire, Plano I, among many others, feel our governor's performance is simply "business as usual in the state of Illinois." As our state grapples with various financial issues concerning the state's transit system, the state's education system, roads in desperate need of expansion, etc., etc., our governor continues to not only prosper wasteful, ineffective government practice, but he does so while collecting countless millions of increased taxpayer dollars and putting in part-time work at best. Any company CEO with this sort of performance would have been fired without delay. And who else but Illinois' highest official could generate incredible revenue from taxpayers (millions upon millions of dollars from the toll and I-Pass increase/expansion alone), and have it not improve anything?!? Where did that money go? Haven't high-ranking business executives been sentenced to prison for this very same thing? Why is this 'business as usual' for an Illinois governor? When all is considered, Illinois taxpayers have paid far more to our governor in recent years than ever, yet our state is somehow out of money for everything. But all Illinois citizens must realize, WE VOTED HIM IN, TWICE! Business as usual in the state of Illinois? We voters must simply be very frightened of change. First Ryan, now Blagojevich. - Mitchell Lang I saw both stories about Gov. Blagojevich on the news and honestly I think he is doing a horrible job. He should be in Springfield making sure the bills he wants go through not at home, kicking back & relaxing or going to a Blackhawks game either. Honestly I see him as a person who is lazy about doing his job; at least when Ryan was in office he did his job and was barely at home. Ryan was more committed to his job than Blagojevich ever is. I highly doubt he is the Governor's office at all when he s at home. We should get someone who knows how to be a Governor than someone like Blagojevich; someone who knows how to do their job very well and handle things too. I speak for those who do not like the job that Gov. Blagojevich is doing: he is doing a very sloppy job and the next governor will have to come into office and clean up the messes he left. - Anonymous Mike's piece was quiet revealing. It is my opinion that most sucessful companies are not run by CEOs from their home. Our governor has an obligation to the people of this state to participate in discussions by being present and available at key meetings. Sitting next to the new President of the Chicago Blackhawks does NOT qualify as important in my book. If he worked for me,I would have called him into my office this morning and fired him. Actually, he does work for me. So Mike, help me fire him. - Anonymous Of the entire Governors, this one is more blatant in showing no care for the people. Sort of reminds me of Senator Obama, another do nothing official. All they both have done is use the titles to better themselves. I didn't vote for either one of them and would not plan on doing it the future. Both seem to care less about the legal citizens of Illinois then they do about providing care and jobs for the illegal ones. Both seem to think State Laws and Federal laws do not apply to them or the state they're suppose to be representing. - Anonymous There is no reason that the people of Illinois have to put up with such arrogance and stupidity. He better not plan on running again because we are done with the jerk. - Anonymous Blah!Blah!Blah! That should be his name. He is the penultimate politician's politician. He makes promises he has no intention of keeping (promising SSAC the land near Peotone for the 3rd airport, school funding, CTA...) He mugs for the camera, but is a no-show for meetings HE agrees to with his constituents regarding important issues. I feel he should be impeached, imprisoned and his image/name erased from the history of Illinois. - Laurette Williams This is why so many people don't vote at all, you do and you end up getting screwed no matter what, it gets old very fast. I have children that are 21 and 22 needless to say they don't vote because of the fact they make promises and then turn around and break all of those promises that you made during your campaign. You say what we want to hear, you pull us into your views thinking that your views are pretty much the same as ours, but when it comes down to it they just don't care, they are going to do what they want to do no matter what. Look at all of the other governors, more so the one who is in jail now, we trusted them and they screw us. So you tell me, what do we do? Do we stop voting for these people that are running for offices, making promises that they know they aren't going to keep, or do we vote and pray that they will keep their promises. As far as I can see I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. - Anonymous Blagojevich is a light weight that somehow fell into a high position. He was never capable of leading Illinois and his record in office indicates his accomplishments are nil. It would be laughable for him to run on his record. - Michael Rupnow, Hoffman Estates Your current news report on Governor Blagojevich's activities, or better - inactivities, becomes further evidence that we need a new person in that position. The industrial world would not tolerate such ineptness. Blagojevich serves as a living example of the 'Peter Principle.' - Tom Hurley, Lake Villa (Unindicted Official) A-Rod is the ultimate ghost payroller. For those who don't know, a payroller is a political hack given a government job for which he/she is totally incompetent. A ghost payroller is a payroller who collects his/her check but has so much clout he/she doesn't have to bother showing up for work. For all of those of you ripping him for this, know that Mike Flannery's story is only the tip of the iceberg. This ghost payroller isn't "working from home," he's cutting deals with taxpayers' money that make all his friends rich. He channels the money back to his own pocket through shady deals in which his real estate agent wife collects commissions on transactions she was never part of. He channels money to himself through contributions to his "campaign fund," with the donors miraculously getting either fat state jobs or state contracts. The "campaign fund," as the last election showed, miraculously disappears after every election no matter how much or how little A-Rod spends. Since the state contracts given to his "contributors" cost taxpayers so much with so little returned, the state is near bankrupt. No problem, says A-Rod. He borrowed $10 Billion (yes, that's a B) during his first term to shore up the pension funds, but the money didn't go to that. It went to "contributors." He raided every dedicated state fund (such as the special funds set up for veterans, fishermen, disabled people, breast cancer, endangered wildlife, etc.) and spent the money however he wanted – in direct violation of the laws that established those special funds. Now he wants to expand health care. He completely ignores the fact that the state doesn't have the money to pay its current medical bills. It's not at all uncommon for doctors and pharmacies to wait a year for payment from the state. Why? Because the state is broke. I could go on, but I'd like to leave room for other people to comment. One last thing – I almost fell on the floor laughing at his arrogance when I saw A-Rod at the Hawks game while the General Assembly met far into the night at his behest. I've been saying this since he was first elected, but this guy reminds me a lot of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. The only difference is that A-Rod thinks he's Elvis. - "The Mad Hatter"Mike Steinke couldn't have said it any better: "What a hatchet job. Where was Mike Flannery when Bush (Republican) spent 48 percent of his first year on vacation? Who cares if the governor is working from his home, capital office or the office 2 blocks down the street. - Mike Steinke" That was not journalism. Was Flannery asleep in school when they taught about unbiased journalism? I also find it quite ironic that your website shows a picture of Henry Hyde talking to President Reagan, one of our country's most notorious "Hands-off" presidents. Hmmmm. It's interesting but I don't remember the Republican slanted Chicago CBS Television News doing a story criticizing Reagan about his laissez-faire attitude. Shame on you, you've lost my viewership. - Bob First--- Way to go Mike!!! Thank you for exposing Gov. Blagojevich. I have been concerned about this issue for a long time, too! Nice report! I would also like to see how much it is costing the taxpayer for him to go back and forth -Chi.-to Springfield compared to what it would cost if he lived in the mansion.I know this topic was done before, but we need a daily "score card" of expenses. Stay on him. If the average person chose to do this (live elsewhere) then they should have to pay for their own commute back and forth to work!! We have a major crisis in this State and he flits around like it's some one else's problem!!! Thanks again!!! - Sue McIntyre, ElginWOW Another governor of Illinois that is non functional or heading for Jail Really a bad rep for our state. How can Blago stay home and "work" and force the the legislature to hold special session Sounds like he has one set of rules for himself and different ones for everybody else - Richard MerrellHe is a joke. Humiliating Illinois and not taking this job seriously. Shame on him.- Holly SparksI am embarrassed to live in a state with such a governor. What a joke! Blagojevich is so arrogant he does not care about what the voters think of him. He has side stepped the legislative process which was put into place for the very reason he is side stepping it. How much more obvious does it have to be for people to realize that he is nothing but a dishonest, cheating, arrogant person. He has hurt schools more than ever and talks himself up as if he is such a hard worker that is for education. What a shame! He has cost the school districts so much money by not passing a budget and furthermore by not signing the budget implementation bill which he urged both the house and the senate to sign so quickly. What is the hold up now governor? It has been sitting on his desk since November 5th as the school districts still sit without the money we are due. In addition, he delayed tax revenue for school districts as well which has put some districts into real financial trouble. I just don't understand how anyone could believe he is doing a good job. Since he was elected he has been doing nothing but pointing the finger at everyone else. What he must not realize is that when you point the finger elsewhere, you always have 3 fingers pointing back at you - how appropriate. Blagojevich needs to be removed from office so that the State of Illinois can move forward. The story on exposing Blagojevich was great - you need to keep exposing his dirty scandalous ways so that the public is aware of his deception. - Angela CrottyWhat Governor? We do not have a Governor! We do not have a First Lady! This State is an absolute mess. Walk around State agencies in Springfield and talk to the state employees. Many offices are empty in Springfield, no furniture, no people. Go to the fifth floor at the Illinois Department of Public Health and take a look around. Yet he is always saying HEALTH is his cause. The damage this Governor's done to the operation of this State will takes decades to repair, that is, if it can be repaired. I am not a state employee, but I do need to work with various agencies. It is not the fault of these employees things are such a mess. It would be interesting to see a poll of state employees about the Governor, if they were not too afraid to participate due to the retaliation that has been witnesses so many times. Recall will never be needed more than it is now for this guy. What testerone he has... to talk about about running in 2010. Will there be anything left to run (by anybody)is the question. - Just a Concerned CitizenOn a scale of 1-10 the gov. rates 0-D. BeatyReasons for going or staying in war aside, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has done more to honor our Illinois troops than Gov. Blagojevich ever has. I've seen Quinn at several military funerals, but why can't the executive of the state at least pay his respects?- Acton H. Gorton, Carbondale, IL What Job,as an absentee Gov he has no performance level, ask the private sector if an employee did what the gov goes would keep him? Rate his Job performance-I would say-Poor.-rdahlin I can not begin to tell you how much I dislike the sitting governor. His arrogance and total disrespect for the Senate and House Representatives that are our voice in the state is infuriating. His actions and manipulations of state funds seem to border on illegal and we keep hearing about investigations so I'm always hopeful that Blago will end his career in the "can" along with other crooks. Good morning, In response to your request for opinions on the administration of the current governor, I respectfully offer mine. I think that the administration of our current governor is an absolute slap in the face of the residents of Illinois. Despite his campaign promise that there will be no more "business as usual", Not only has he continued "business as usual" but Blagojevich has set new vistas in corruption and arrogance, and "business as usual" continues to flourish. Because of his inability to govern honestly, capably, and truthfully, his own party members are now engaged in fits of uncontrolled hand wringing over his shenanigans and total lack of ethics or scruples. To all of the Democratic lemmings that voted with a single collective brain to reelect this boob for a second term, I simply ask why are you now complaining and whining about Blagojevich? You voted him into office so you are getting exactly what you asked for. Those of us who voted for his rivals in the primary and general elections knew what to expect and are not surprised by his failures. I sincerely hope that in the 2010 election Illinoisans will start using their heads when electing our leaders. Otherwise, this state will continue to wallow in the detritus left behind by the Blagojevich administration. -Jim Ochwat, Orland ParkBlagojevich is a clown. He is leading the voters & reporters around by their noses. He is allowed to take a plane ride daily, at our expense, to go home to throw kisses at his kids. Many of us parents would love the freedom to work at home, play with our children, and collect an extremely high salary to perform these duties. If his FAMILY is soooo important become a working slob, same as the rest of us, collect a salary for honest work, and after work return home!!! When is our legislator going to wake up and run this idoit out of town??? Courious, as a property tax payer, who pays his taxes? Please, let's get this clown out of office and back on the streets where he can do no more harm to his fellow man. -Pat Ford
-Mark LambertI can't believe what I'm reading! For one ...who wants to live in Springfield? If you were the Governor you will live in Chicago too! Last time I checked...It was called CTA...Chicago Transit Authority,NOT ITA..Illinois Transit Authority! You give this mayor a pass...when he appointed a fool to run the CTA in the first place.People have been screaming for 10 years to dump Daley's buddy. But, they bankrupt the the CTA, then run to Governor for help. Daley walks out of the first meeting alone with Madigan...But, Both get a pass! Your Mayor sits on like 400 to 600 million dollars of TIF money to use as he wish...But, the city is BROKE. Come ON !--Danny GreenThank God, I moved out before he was elected! Rod is like Bush – they only care about themselves. The people of the great USA deserve much, much more than this. --Thomas Sohovich Thank you for your news story. It truly shows the selfish character G-Rod possesses with his abuse of power that's possible with his position as state governor. Thank you again, but there's still one piece of this story I have yet to see...what are Barack Obama's, Mayor Daley's, Rahm Emmanuel's, and Senator Durbin's opinions on this? Surely this has the Democratic Party in some uproar, doesn't it? Please tell me they've responded somehow to all this.- Kevin O'BrienI keep hearing about an amendment so that we can impeach or recall Blow-fish. But I also understand that the current in-office legislators ALREADY HAVE THAT POWER UNDER THE ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION! So OK you guys - who will be the first to start the ball rolling, use the Constitution as written, and clean house? Or are you as lame, corrupt, and repulsive as this weasel? Does even one Democrat (I use the term loosely) have the guts to prove The Fish is NOT one of theirs? Or maybe the Republicans will use this to re-take the state. Hey either you get rid of him now, or we get rid of ALL of you in the next election!- "Wannabe A Hoosier"Thank you for having the courage to air your program on Gov. Blago's administration. I don't feel the same way about working from home as Mike Flannery does, but then again I have to foot the bill for my choice of where I want to call my office when I'm not in the one that the company provides. Please keep tracking how much RB's work habits are costing the taxpayers of Illinois and maybe we can sue him for damages or have him arrested for misappropriation of government funds. -Stephen DeLanceI find it interesting that out of the 125 e-mails sent about this interview only 7 were for the Governor. You would think that the 7 people who wrote in favor of "Blah Blah" might reconsider their opinions, or maybe they are being paid high salaries from this administration??? I was really excited when a democratic gov was elected because I believe in a system where a dems and repubs take turns in having a say in our government. Boy am I really disappointed in what we have elected the 1st and 2nd time (you should note that he only received 21% in Springfield, most of us know about him. He has been a disgrace and I also think that he is just plain stupid!! It is nice to see that now the Chicago area is hearing about this tyrant, they should be feeling it now as well. I live in a city where the major population works in state government. It is only because of a core of dedicated people who feel responsible for getting their job done and feel a great responsibility to the people of the State of Illinois that they haven't felt the hurt sooner. Well the rooster has come home to nest, we can no longer keep up with the lack of money to fix and or update equipment and the people to help get the job done. I do not want to hear one person complain about how far behind we are, he is your Governor too, do something about it!!!-AnonymousFinally the heat is on. I hope the Feds dig in on his corruption. Others are convicted on bribery and corruption charges, he should be at the top of the list. Who paid for the tickets? -AnonymousI love how all these people are now complaining about this joke of a Governor.This is the price you pay for voting for a party candidate instead of voting for the best person. Most citizens of this state don't even vote nor are registered to vote. So you get what you deserve. Welcome to the Socialst Republic of Illinois. You created it,You deal with it.-RichJob well done by Mike Flannery.What I would like to see more of is follow up on this topic, as well as media coverage of the fact that THERE IS STILL NO STATE BUDGET. We are now five months into the state's fiscal year, which begins on July 1.This is absolutely beyond acceptable. I heard a news story about two months into the fiscal year, which referred to the state budget being 60 days past due and the interest on the money borrowed to keep the state running, was then $60 million. What is it now--if it's $1 million/day that would be about $150 million. $150 MILLION ON INTEREST WHICH TAXPAYERS NEED TO PAY BECAUSE THIS GOVERNOR IS NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE. How hypocritical that the governor is always talking about waste and pork. How stupid must he think we are?I am a state employee, a somewhat new DHS caseworker, who lives in the governor's Chicago neighborhood and have met him several times. I am beyond disappointed in him and the lack of adequate funding and staffing of state agencies such as mine. We are providing food and medicine to the poorest people of our society.Caseloads are normally well over 1,000 (at times reaching 2,000) per worker and yet the state expects us to provide great customer service, and we get lots of pressure to do so. Most caseworkers are understandably burned out and morale is quite low.Offices are very run down, many with rodents, leaking ceilings (when it rains it rains inside), very dirty rugs, floors, and walls. Many, many workers have retired since 2000 when there was a sweetened early retirement package offered. Hiring is not keeping up with the need for current and future workers. Not to mention the fact that the pension has been raided and the state is hugely in debt, by tens of billions.We're not making big money in these jobs, and the pension is what we count on to help us when we retire.Please inform us how we can take steps to RECALL him.It's an absolute nightmare.-Anonymous in ChicagoI am a healthcare provider and small business owner. This governor has gone from fiscal irresponsibility to narcisstic idiocy. He wants to insure the entire State of Illinois and worry about how to pay for it later? Right now, Public Aid funding pays less than 10 cents on the dollar and has not been increased in seven years. Not only that, the State of Illinois is behind in payments by over six months because they are out of money. Is it any wonder that Public Aid recipients are having a few problems getting anyone to take care of them? Not only will he bankrupt the State, he will destroy a large portion of the healthcare provider system with it. How soon do you think the constitution can be amended? Hopefully, before he destroys the entire State economic structure beyond repair. I hope his wife is handling the family finances. - Candace E. Truty, BrookfieldI am pleased that attention is finally being called to the poor job our governor is doing at running our, former, great state of Illinois. I say former of course because since 2003 our state has gone from "bad" with former Governor George Ryan, to "worse" with Blago. Blago may be at the helm of the state, but I don't think he knows that he's driving the us down hill at a dangerously rapid pace. He may be the governor, but that doesn't give him the right to shirk his duties to the state and attend a hockey game while state legislators are in session. Not only do we live in a country with the most unpopular president in U.S. history, but we also live in a state with a governor who can't govern. Quite frankly, I don't know who is doing a better job at making things worse for the people. I would never have thought that an actor like Arnold Schwarzenegger, with no previous political experience, would be better at governing a state than a 3-term U.S. House Representative of Illinois. Apparently Blagos' 6 years with U.S. Congress and 2 years as an IL state Legislator didn't help give him any political experience. I would much rather have Schwarzenegger running Illinois. He at least seems to know what he is doing. I would like to see more prominent news emphasizing the poor job Blago is doing running the sate. I don't think we should to re-elect someone who does nothing but make things worse for people. I would hope that by now people have learned from that same mistake which was made in 2004. In my opinion, the last 5 years, and the next 3 years (assuming Blago has not been recalled ) has been, and will continue to be, nothing but a continual downward spiral for the people of Illinois. I can only hope that he doesn't run again in 2010, and if he does run, then SOMEONE had better defeat him and put our state back on track.- Mark, Bloomington, NormalPlease go after all the politicians in Chicago. It was nice to se the governor face the music but it would be nicer to see all who engage in politricks called to task. This will bring viewers back to channel 2 as we are all tired of the BS in the name of higher taxes, patronage, TIFs, etc... - Allen Anthony Colaizzi I am furious at the cost of the Governor's trips to and from Springfield. I know the Governor and his family didn't move to Springfield because his wife couldn't sell real estate from the Governor's mansion. It wasn't because of the daughter's education. What a loser!! Putting this state in debt. Starting new programs when there is no money to pay for them. - Sally Dreishmire, Plano I, among many others, feel our governor's performance is simply "business as usual in the state of Illinois." As our state grapples with various financial issues concerning the state's transit system, the state's education system, roads in desperate need of expansion, etc., etc., our governor continues to not only prosper wasteful, ineffective government practice, but he does so while collecting countless millions of increased taxpayer dollars and putting in part-time work at best. Any company CEO with this sort of performance would have been fired without delay. And who else but Illinois' highest official could generate incredible revenue from taxpayers (millions upon millions of dollars from the toll and I-Pass increase/expansion alone), and have it not improve anything?!? Where did that money go? Haven't high-ranking business executives been sentenced to prison for this very same thing? Why is this 'business as usual' for an Illinois governor? When all is considered, Illinois taxpayers have paid far more to our governor in recent years than ever, yet our state is somehow out of money for everything. But all Illinois citizens must realize, WE VOTED HIM IN, TWICE! Business as usual in the state of Illinois? We voters must simply be very frightened of change. First Ryan, now Blagojevich. - Mitchell Lang I saw both stories about Gov. Blagojevich on the news and honestly I think he is doing a horrible job. He should be in Springfield making sure the bills he wants go through not at home, kicking back & relaxing or going to a Blackhawks game either. Honestly I see him as a person who is lazy about doing his job; at least when Ryan was in office he did his job and was barely at home. Ryan was more committed to his job than Blagojevich ever is. I highly doubt he is the Governor's office at all when he s at home. We should get someone who knows how to be a Governor than someone like Blagojevich; someone who knows how to do their job very well and handle things too. I speak for those who do not like the job that Gov. Blagojevich is doing: he is doing a very sloppy job and the next governor will have to come into office and clean up the messes he left. - Anonymous Mike's piece was quiet revealing. It is my opinion that most sucessful companies are not run by CEOs from their home. Our governor has an obligation to the people of this state to participate in discussions by being present and available at key meetings. Sitting next to the new President of the Chicago Blackhawks does NOT qualify as important in my book. If he worked for me,I would have called him into my office this morning and fired him. Actually, he does work for me. So Mike, help me fire him. - Anonymous Of the entire Governors, this one is more blatant in showing no care for the people. Sort of reminds me of Senator Obama, another do nothing official. All they both have done is use the titles to better themselves. I didn't vote for either one of them and would not plan on doing it the future. Both seem to care less about the legal citizens of Illinois then they do about providing care and jobs for the illegal ones. Both seem to think State Laws and Federal laws do not apply to them or the state they're suppose to be representing. - Anonymous There is no reason that the people of Illinois have to put up with such arrogance and stupidity. He better not plan on running again because we are done with the jerk. - Anonymous Blah!Blah!Blah! That should be his name. He is the penultimate politician's politician. He makes promises he has no intention of keeping (promising SSAC the land near Peotone for the 3rd airport, school funding, CTA...) He mugs for the camera, but is a no-show for meetings HE agrees to with his constituents regarding important issues. I feel he should be impeached, imprisoned and his image/name erased from the history of Illinois. - Laurette Williams This is why so many people don't vote at all, you do and you end up getting screwed no matter what, it gets old very fast. I have children that are 21 and 22 needless to say they don't vote because of the fact they make promises and then turn around and break all of those promises that you made during your campaign. You say what we want to hear, you pull us into your views thinking that your views are pretty much the same as ours, but when it comes down to it they just don't care, they are going to do what they want to do no matter what. Look at all of the other governors, more so the one who is in jail now, we trusted them and they screw us. So you tell me, what do we do? Do we stop voting for these people that are running for offices, making promises that they know they aren't going to keep, or do we vote and pray that they will keep their promises. As far as I can see I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. - Anonymous Blagojevich is a light weight that somehow fell into a high position. He was never capable of leading Illinois and his record in office indicates his accomplishments are nil. It would be laughable for him to run on his record. - Michael Rupnow, Hoffman Estates Your current news report on Governor Blagojevich's activities, or better - inactivities, becomes further evidence that we need a new person in that position. The industrial world would not tolerate such ineptness. Blagojevich serves as a living example of the 'Peter Principle.' - Tom Hurley, Lake Villa (Unindicted Official) A-Rod is the ultimate ghost payroller. For those who don't know, a payroller is a political hack given a government job for which he/she is totally incompetent. A ghost payroller is a payroller who collects his/her check but has so much clout he/she doesn't have to bother showing up for work. For all of those of you ripping him for this, know that Mike Flannery's story is only the tip of the iceberg. This ghost payroller isn't "working from home," he's cutting deals with taxpayers' money that make all his friends rich. He channels the money back to his own pocket through shady deals in which his real estate agent wife collects commissions on transactions she was never part of. He channels money to himself through contributions to his "campaign fund," with the donors miraculously getting either fat state jobs or state contracts. The "campaign fund," as the last election showed, miraculously disappears after every election no matter how much or how little A-Rod spends. Since the state contracts given to his "contributors" cost taxpayers so much with so little returned, the state is near bankrupt. No problem, says A-Rod. He borrowed $10 Billion (yes, that's a B) during his first term to shore up the pension funds, but the money didn't go to that. It went to "contributors." He raided every dedicated state fund (such as the special funds set up for veterans, fishermen, disabled people, breast cancer, endangered wildlife, etc.) and spent the money however he wanted – in direct violation of the laws that established those special funds. Now he wants to expand health care. He completely ignores the fact that the state doesn't have the money to pay its current medical bills. It's not at all uncommon for doctors and pharmacies to wait a year for payment from the state. Why? Because the state is broke. I could go on, but I'd like to leave room for other people to comment. One last thing – I almost fell on the floor laughing at his arrogance when I saw A-Rod at the Hawks game while the General Assembly met far into the night at his behest. I've been saying this since he was first elected, but this guy reminds me a lot of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. The only difference is that A-Rod thinks he's Elvis. - "The Mad Hatter"Mike Steinke couldn't have said it any better: "What a hatchet job. Where was Mike Flannery when Bush (Republican) spent 48 percent of his first year on vacation? Who cares if the governor is working from his home, capital office or the office 2 blocks down the street. - Mike Steinke" That was not journalism. Was Flannery asleep in school when they taught about unbiased journalism? I also find it quite ironic that your website shows a picture of Henry Hyde talking to President Reagan, one of our country's most notorious "Hands-off" presidents. Hmmmm. It's interesting but I don't remember the Republican slanted Chicago CBS Television News doing a story criticizing Reagan about his laissez-faire attitude. Shame on you, you've lost my viewership. - Bob First--- Way to go Mike!!! Thank you for exposing Gov. Blagojevich. I have been concerned about this issue for a long time, too! Nice report! I would also like to see how much it is costing the taxpayer for him to go back and forth -Chi.-to Springfield compared to what it would cost if he lived in the mansion.I know this topic was done before, but we need a daily "score card" of expenses. Stay on him. If the average person chose to do this (live elsewhere) then they should have to pay for their own commute back and forth to work!! We have a major crisis in this State and he flits around like it's some one else's problem!!! Thanks again!!! - Sue McIntyre, ElginWOW Another governor of Illinois that is non functional or heading for Jail Really a bad rep for our state. How can Blago stay home and "work" and force the the legislature to hold special session Sounds like he has one set of rules for himself and different ones for everybody else - Richard MerrellHe is a joke. Humiliating Illinois and not taking this job seriously. Shame on him.- Holly SparksI am embarrassed to live in a state with such a governor. What a joke! Blagojevich is so arrogant he does not care about what the voters think of him. He has side stepped the legislative process which was put into place for the very reason he is side stepping it. How much more obvious does it have to be for people to realize that he is nothing but a dishonest, cheating, arrogant person. He has hurt schools more than ever and talks himself up as if he is such a hard worker that is for education. What a shame! He has cost the school districts so much money by not passing a budget and furthermore by not signing the budget implementation bill which he urged both the house and the senate to sign so quickly. What is the hold up now governor? It has been sitting on his desk since November 5th as the school districts still sit without the money we are due. In addition, he delayed tax revenue for school districts as well which has put some districts into real financial trouble. I just don't understand how anyone could believe he is doing a good job. Since he was elected he has been doing nothing but pointing the finger at everyone else. What he must not realize is that when you point the finger elsewhere, you always have 3 fingers pointing back at you - how appropriate. Blagojevich needs to be removed from office so that the State of Illinois can move forward. The story on exposing Blagojevich was great - you need to keep exposing his dirty scandalous ways so that the public is aware of his deception. - Angela CrottyWhat Governor? We do not have a Governor! We do not have a First Lady! This State is an absolute mess. Walk around State agencies in Springfield and talk to the state employees. Many offices are empty in Springfield, no furniture, no people. Go to the fifth floor at the Illinois Department of Public Health and take a look around. Yet he is always saying HEALTH is his cause. The damage this Governor's done to the operation of this State will takes decades to repair, that is, if it can be repaired. I am not a state employee, but I do need to work with various agencies. It is not the fault of these employees things are such a mess. It would be interesting to see a poll of state employees about the Governor, if they were not too afraid to participate due to the retaliation that has been witnesses so many times. Recall will never be needed more than it is now for this guy. What testerone he has... to talk about about running in 2010. Will there be anything left to run (by anybody)is the question. - Just a Concerned CitizenOn a scale of 1-10 the gov. rates 0-D. BeatyReasons for going or staying in war aside, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has done more to honor our Illinois troops than Gov. Blagojevich ever has. I've seen Quinn at several military funerals, but why can't the executive of the state at least pay his respects?- Acton H. Gorton, Carbondale, IL What Job,as an absentee Gov he has no performance level, ask the private sector if an employee did what the gov goes would keep him? Rate his Job performance-I would say-Poor.-rdahlin I can not begin to tell you how much I dislike the sitting governor. His arrogance and total disrespect for the Senate and House Representatives that are our voice in the state is infuriating. His actions and manipulations of state funds seem to border on illegal and we keep hearing about investigations so I'm always hopeful that Blago will end his career in the "can" along with other crooks. Good morning, In response to your request for opinions on the administration of the current governor, I respectfully offer mine. I think that the administration of our current governor is an absolute slap in the face of the residents of Illinois. Despite his campaign promise that there will be no more "business as usual", Not only has he continued "business as usual" but Blagojevich has set new vistas in corruption and arrogance, and "business as usual" continues to flourish. Because of his inability to govern honestly, capably, and truthfully, his own party members are now engaged in fits of uncontrolled hand wringing over his shenanigans and total lack of ethics or scruples. To all of the Democratic lemmings that voted with a single collective brain to reelect this boob for a second term, I simply ask why are you now complaining and whining about Blagojevich? You voted him into office so you are getting exactly what you asked for. Those of us who voted for his rivals in the primary and general elections knew what to expect and are not surprised by his failures. I sincerely hope that in the 2010 election Illinoisans will start using their heads when electing our leaders. Otherwise, this state will continue to wallow in the detritus left behind by the Blagojevich administration. -Jim Ochwat, Orland ParkBlagojevich is a clown. He is leading the voters & reporters around by their noses. He is allowed to take a plane ride daily, at our expense, to go home to throw kisses at his kids. Many of us parents would love the freedom to work at home, play with our children, and collect an extremely high salary to perform these duties. If his FAMILY is soooo important become a working slob, same as the rest of us, collect a salary for honest work, and after work return home!!! When is our legislator going to wake up and run this idoit out of town??? Courious, as a property tax payer, who pays his taxes? Please, let's get this clown out of office and back on the streets where he can do no more harm to his fellow man. -Pat Ford
-Stephen DeLanceI find it interesting that out of the 125 e-mails sent about this interview only 7 were for the Governor. You would think that the 7 people who wrote in favor of "Blah Blah" might reconsider their opinions, or maybe they are being paid high salaries from this administration??? I was really excited when a democratic gov was elected because I believe in a system where a dems and repubs take turns in having a say in our government. Boy am I really disappointed in what we have elected the 1st and 2nd time (you should note that he only received 21% in Springfield, most of us know about him. He has been a disgrace and I also think that he is just plain stupid!! It is nice to see that now the Chicago area is hearing about this tyrant, they should be feeling it now as well. I live in a city where the major population works in state government. It is only because of a core of dedicated people who feel responsible for getting their job done and feel a great responsibility to the people of the State of Illinois that they haven't felt the hurt sooner. Well the rooster has come home to nest, we can no longer keep up with the lack of money to fix and or update equipment and the people to help get the job done. I do not want to hear one person complain about how far behind we are, he is your Governor too, do something about it!!!-AnonymousFinally the heat is on. I hope the Feds dig in on his corruption. Others are convicted on bribery and corruption charges, he should be at the top of the list. Who paid for the tickets? -AnonymousI love how all these people are now complaining about this joke of a Governor.This is the price you pay for voting for a party candidate instead of voting for the best person. Most citizens of this state don't even vote nor are registered to vote. So you get what you deserve. Welcome to the Socialst Republic of Illinois. You created it,You deal with it.-RichJob well done by Mike Flannery.What I would like to see more of is follow up on this topic, as well as media coverage of the fact that THERE IS STILL NO STATE BUDGET. We are now five months into the state's fiscal year, which begins on July 1.This is absolutely beyond acceptable. I heard a news story about two months into the fiscal year, which referred to the state budget being 60 days past due and the interest on the money borrowed to keep the state running, was then $60 million. What is it now--if it's $1 million/day that would be about $150 million. $150 MILLION ON INTEREST WHICH TAXPAYERS NEED TO PAY BECAUSE THIS GOVERNOR IS NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE. How hypocritical that the governor is always talking about waste and pork. How stupid must he think we are?I am a state employee, a somewhat new DHS caseworker, who lives in the governor's Chicago neighborhood and have met him several times. I am beyond disappointed in him and the lack of adequate funding and staffing of state agencies such as mine. We are providing food and medicine to the poorest people of our society.Caseloads are normally well over 1,000 (at times reaching 2,000) per worker and yet the state expects us to provide great customer service, and we get lots of pressure to do so. Most caseworkers are understandably burned out and morale is quite low.Offices are very run down, many with rodents, leaking ceilings (when it rains it rains inside), very dirty rugs, floors, and walls. Many, many workers have retired since 2000 when there was a sweetened early retirement package offered. Hiring is not keeping up with the need for current and future workers. Not to mention the fact that the pension has been raided and the state is hugely in debt, by tens of billions.We're not making big money in these jobs, and the pension is what we count on to help us when we retire.Please inform us how we can take steps to RECALL him.It's an absolute nightmare.-Anonymous in ChicagoI am a healthcare provider and small business owner. This governor has gone from fiscal irresponsibility to narcisstic idiocy. He wants to insure the entire State of Illinois and worry about how to pay for it later? Right now, Public Aid funding pays less than 10 cents on the dollar and has not been increased in seven years. Not only that, the State of Illinois is behind in payments by over six months because they are out of money. Is it any wonder that Public Aid recipients are having a few problems getting anyone to take care of them? Not only will he bankrupt the State, he will destroy a large portion of the healthcare provider system with it. How soon do you think the constitution can be amended? Hopefully, before he destroys the entire State economic structure beyond repair. I hope his wife is handling the family finances. - Candace E. Truty, BrookfieldI am pleased that attention is finally being called to the poor job our governor is doing at running our, former, great state of Illinois. I say former of course because since 2003 our state has gone from "bad" with former Governor George Ryan, to "worse" with Blago. Blago may be at the helm of the state, but I don't think he knows that he's driving the us down hill at a dangerously rapid pace. He may be the governor, but that doesn't give him the right to shirk his duties to the state and attend a hockey game while state legislators are in session. Not only do we live in a country with the most unpopular president in U.S. history, but we also live in a state with a governor who can't govern. Quite frankly, I don't know who is doing a better job at making things worse for the people. I would never have thought that an actor like Arnold Schwarzenegger, with no previous political experience, would be better at governing a state than a 3-term U.S. House Representative of Illinois. Apparently Blagos' 6 years with U.S. Congress and 2 years as an IL state Legislator didn't help give him any political experience. I would much rather have Schwarzenegger running Illinois. He at least seems to know what he is doing. I would like to see more prominent news emphasizing the poor job Blago is doing running the sate. I don't think we should to re-elect someone who does nothing but make things worse for people. I would hope that by now people have learned from that same mistake which was made in 2004. In my opinion, the last 5 years, and the next 3 years (assuming Blago has not been recalled ) has been, and will continue to be, nothing but a continual downward spiral for the people of Illinois. I can only hope that he doesn't run again in 2010, and if he does run, then SOMEONE had better defeat him and put our state back on track.- Mark, Bloomington, NormalPlease go after all the politicians in Chicago. It was nice to se the governor face the music but it would be nicer to see all who engage in politricks called to task. This will bring viewers back to channel 2 as we are all tired of the BS in the name of higher taxes, patronage, TIFs, etc... - Allen Anthony Colaizzi I am furious at the cost of the Governor's trips to and from Springfield. I know the Governor and his family didn't move to Springfield because his wife couldn't sell real estate from the Governor's mansion. It wasn't because of the daughter's education. What a loser!! Putting this state in debt. Starting new programs when there is no money to pay for them. - Sally Dreishmire, Plano I, among many others, feel our governor's performance is simply "business as usual in the state of Illinois." As our state grapples with various financial issues concerning the state's transit system, the state's education system, roads in desperate need of expansion, etc., etc., our governor continues to not only prosper wasteful, ineffective government practice, but he does so while collecting countless millions of increased taxpayer dollars and putting in part-time work at best. Any company CEO with this sort of performance would have been fired without delay. And who else but Illinois' highest official could generate incredible revenue from taxpayers (millions upon millions of dollars from the toll and I-Pass increase/expansion alone), and have it not improve anything?!? Where did that money go? Haven't high-ranking business executives been sentenced to prison for this very same thing? Why is this 'business as usual' for an Illinois governor? When all is considered, Illinois taxpayers have paid far more to our governor in recent years than ever, yet our state is somehow out of money for everything. But all Illinois citizens must realize, WE VOTED HIM IN, TWICE! Business as usual in the state of Illinois? We voters must simply be very frightened of change. First Ryan, now Blagojevich. - Mitchell Lang I saw both stories about Gov. Blagojevich on the news and honestly I think he is doing a horrible job. He should be in Springfield making sure the bills he wants go through not at home, kicking back & relaxing or going to a Blackhawks game either. Honestly I see him as a person who is lazy about doing his job; at least when Ryan was in office he did his job and was barely at home. Ryan was more committed to his job than Blagojevich ever is. I highly doubt he is the Governor's office at all when he s at home. We should get someone who knows how to be a Governor than someone like Blagojevich; someone who knows how to do their job very well and handle things too. I speak for those who do not like the job that Gov. Blagojevich is doing: he is doing a very sloppy job and the next governor will have to come into office and clean up the messes he left. - Anonymous Mike's piece was quiet revealing. It is my opinion that most sucessful companies are not run by CEOs from their home. Our governor has an obligation to the people of this state to participate in discussions by being present and available at key meetings. Sitting next to the new President of the Chicago Blackhawks does NOT qualify as important in my book. If he worked for me,I would have called him into my office this morning and fired him. Actually, he does work for me. So Mike, help me fire him. - Anonymous Of the entire Governors, this one is more blatant in showing no care for the people. Sort of reminds me of Senator Obama, another do nothing official. All they both have done is use the titles to better themselves. I didn't vote for either one of them and would not plan on doing it the future. Both seem to care less about the legal citizens of Illinois then they do about providing care and jobs for the illegal ones. Both seem to think State Laws and Federal laws do not apply to them or the state they're suppose to be representing. - Anonymous There is no reason that the people of Illinois have to put up with such arrogance and stupidity. He better not plan on running again because we are done with the jerk. - Anonymous Blah!Blah!Blah! That should be his name. He is the penultimate politician's politician. He makes promises he has no intention of keeping (promising SSAC the land near Peotone for the 3rd airport, school funding, CTA...) He mugs for the camera, but is a no-show for meetings HE agrees to with his constituents regarding important issues. I feel he should be impeached, imprisoned and his image/name erased from the history of Illinois. - Laurette Williams This is why so many people don't vote at all, you do and you end up getting screwed no matter what, it gets old very fast. I have children that are 21 and 22 needless to say they don't vote because of the fact they make promises and then turn around and break all of those promises that you made during your campaign. You say what we want to hear, you pull us into your views thinking that your views are pretty much the same as ours, but when it comes down to it they just don't care, they are going to do what they want to do no matter what. Look at all of the other governors, more so the one who is in jail now, we trusted them and they screw us. So you tell me, what do we do? Do we stop voting for these people that are running for offices, making promises that they know they aren't going to keep, or do we vote and pray that they will keep their promises. As far as I can see I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. - Anonymous Blagojevich is a light weight that somehow fell into a high position. He was never capable of leading Illinois and his record in office indicates his accomplishments are nil. It would be laughable for him to run on his record. - Michael Rupnow, Hoffman Estates Your current news report on Governor Blagojevich's activities, or better - inactivities, becomes further evidence that we need a new person in that position. The industrial world would not tolerate such ineptness. Blagojevich serves as a living example of the 'Peter Principle.' - Tom Hurley, Lake Villa (Unindicted Official) A-Rod is the ultimate ghost payroller. For those who don't know, a payroller is a political hack given a government job for which he/she is totally incompetent. A ghost payroller is a payroller who collects his/her check but has so much clout he/she doesn't have to bother showing up for work. For all of those of you ripping him for this, know that Mike Flannery's story is only the tip of the iceberg. This ghost payroller isn't "working from home," he's cutting deals with taxpayers' money that make all his friends rich. He channels the money back to his own pocket through shady deals in which his real estate agent wife collects commissions on transactions she was never part of. He channels money to himself through contributions to his "campaign fund," with the donors miraculously getting either fat state jobs or state contracts. The "campaign fund," as the last election showed, miraculously disappears after every election no matter how much or how little A-Rod spends. Since the state contracts given to his "contributors" cost taxpayers so much with so little returned, the state is near bankrupt. No problem, says A-Rod. He borrowed $10 Billion (yes, that's a B) during his first term to shore up the pension funds, but the money didn't go to that. It went to "contributors." He raided every dedicated state fund (such as the special funds set up for veterans, fishermen, disabled people, breast cancer, endangered wildlife, etc.) and spent the money however he wanted – in direct violation of the laws that established those special funds. Now he wants to expand health care. He completely ignores the fact that the state doesn't have the money to pay its current medical bills. It's not at all uncommon for doctors and pharmacies to wait a year for payment from the state. Why? Because the state is broke. I could go on, but I'd like to leave room for other people to comment. One last thing – I almost fell on the floor laughing at his arrogance when I saw A-Rod at the Hawks game while the General Assembly met far into the night at his behest. I've been saying this since he was first elected, but this guy reminds me a lot of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. The only difference is that A-Rod thinks he's Elvis. - "The Mad Hatter"Mike Steinke couldn't have said it any better: "What a hatchet job. Where was Mike Flannery when Bush (Republican) spent 48 percent of his first year on vacation? Who cares if the governor is working from his home, capital office or the office 2 blocks down the street. - Mike Steinke" That was not journalism. Was Flannery asleep in school when they taught about unbiased journalism? I also find it quite ironic that your website shows a picture of Henry Hyde talking to President Reagan, one of our country's most notorious "Hands-off" presidents. Hmmmm. It's interesting but I don't remember the Republican slanted Chicago CBS Television News doing a story criticizing Reagan about his laissez-faire attitude. Shame on you, you've lost my viewership. - Bob First--- Way to go Mike!!! Thank you for exposing Gov. Blagojevich. I have been concerned about this issue for a long time, too! Nice report! I would also like to see how much it is costing the taxpayer for him to go back and forth -Chi.-to Springfield compared to what it would cost if he lived in the mansion.I know this topic was done before, but we need a daily "score card" of expenses. Stay on him. If the average person chose to do this (live elsewhere) then they should have to pay for their own commute back and forth to work!! We have a major crisis in this State and he flits around like it's some one else's problem!!! Thanks again!!! - Sue McIntyre, ElginWOW Another governor of Illinois that is non functional or heading for Jail Really a bad rep for our state. How can Blago stay home and "work" and force the the legislature to hold special session Sounds like he has one set of rules for himself and different ones for everybody else - Richard MerrellHe is a joke. Humiliating Illinois and not taking this job seriously. Shame on him.- Holly SparksI am embarrassed to live in a state with such a governor. What a joke! Blagojevich is so arrogant he does not care about what the voters think of him. He has side stepped the legislative process which was put into place for the very reason he is side stepping it. How much more obvious does it have to be for people to realize that he is nothing but a dishonest, cheating, arrogant person. He has hurt schools more than ever and talks himself up as if he is such a hard worker that is for education. What a shame! He has cost the school districts so much money by not passing a budget and furthermore by not signing the budget implementation bill which he urged both the house and the senate to sign so quickly. What is the hold up now governor? It has been sitting on his desk since November 5th as the school districts still sit without the money we are due. In addition, he delayed tax revenue for school districts as well which has put some districts into real financial trouble. I just don't understand how anyone could believe he is doing a good job. Since he was elected he has been doing nothing but pointing the finger at everyone else. What he must not realize is that when you point the finger elsewhere, you always have 3 fingers pointing back at you - how appropriate. Blagojevich needs to be removed from office so that the State of Illinois can move forward. The story on exposing Blagojevich was great - you need to keep exposing his dirty scandalous ways so that the public is aware of his deception. - Angela CrottyWhat Governor? We do not have a Governor! We do not have a First Lady! This State is an absolute mess. Walk around State agencies in Springfield and talk to the state employees. Many offices are empty in Springfield, no furniture, no people. Go to the fifth floor at the Illinois Department of Public Health and take a look around. Yet he is always saying HEALTH is his cause. The damage this Governor's done to the operation of this State will takes decades to repair, that is, if it can be repaired. I am not a state employee, but I do need to work with various agencies. It is not the fault of these employees things are such a mess. It would be interesting to see a poll of state employees about the Governor, if they were not too afraid to participate due to the retaliation that has been witnesses so many times. Recall will never be needed more than it is now for this guy. What testerone he has... to talk about about running in 2010. Will there be anything left to run (by anybody)is the question. - Just a Concerned CitizenOn a scale of 1-10 the gov. rates 0-D. BeatyReasons for going or staying in war aside, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has done more to honor our Illinois troops than Gov. Blagojevich ever has. I've seen Quinn at several military funerals, but why can't the executive of the state at least pay his respects?- Acton H. Gorton, Carbondale, IL What Job,as an absentee Gov he has no performance level, ask the private sector if an employee did what the gov goes would keep him? Rate his Job performance-I would say-Poor.-rdahlin I can not begin to tell you how much I dislike the sitting governor. His arrogance and total disrespect for the Senate and House Representatives that are our voice in the state is infuriating. His actions and manipulations of state funds seem to border on illegal and we keep hearing about investigations so I'm always hopeful that Blago will end his career in the "can" along with other crooks. Good morning, In response to your request for opinions on the administration of the current governor, I respectfully offer mine. I think that the administration of our current governor is an absolute slap in the face of the residents of Illinois. Despite his campaign promise that there will be no more "business as usual", Not only has he continued "business as usual" but Blagojevich has set new vistas in corruption and arrogance, and "business as usual" continues to flourish. Because of his inability to govern honestly, capably, and truthfully, his own party members are now engaged in fits of uncontrolled hand wringing over his shenanigans and total lack of ethics or scruples. To all of the Democratic lemmings that voted with a single collective brain to reelect this boob for a second term, I simply ask why are you now complaining and whining about Blagojevich? You voted him into office so you are getting exactly what you asked for. Those of us who voted for his rivals in the primary and general elections knew what to expect and are not surprised by his failures. I sincerely hope that in the 2010 election Illinoisans will start using their heads when electing our leaders. Otherwise, this state will continue to wallow in the detritus left behind by the Blagojevich administration. -Jim Ochwat, Orland ParkBlagojevich is a clown. He is leading the voters & reporters around by their noses. He is allowed to take a plane ride daily, at our expense, to go home to throw kisses at his kids. Many of us parents would love the freedom to work at home, play with our children, and collect an extremely high salary to perform these duties. If his FAMILY is soooo important become a working slob, same as the rest of us, collect a salary for honest work, and after work return home!!! When is our legislator going to wake up and run this idoit out of town??? Courious, as a property tax payer, who pays his taxes? Please, let's get this clown out of office and back on the streets where he can do no more harm to his fellow man. -Pat Ford
-Stephen DeLanceI find it interesting that out of the 125 e-mails sent about this interview only 7 were for the Governor. You would think that the 7 people who wrote in favor of "Blah Blah" might reconsider their opinions, or maybe they are being paid high salaries from this administration??? I was really excited when a democratic gov was elected because I believe in a system where a dems and repubs take turns in having a say in our government. Boy am I really disappointed in what we have elected the 1st and 2nd time (you should note that he only received 21% in Springfield, most of us know about him. He has been a disgrace and I also think that he is just plain stupid!! It is nice to see that now the Chicago area is hearing about this tyrant, they should be feeling it now as well. I live in a city where the major population works in state government. It is only because of a core of dedicated people who feel responsible for getting their job done and feel a great responsibility to the people of the State of Illinois that they haven't felt the hurt sooner. Well the rooster has come home to nest, we can no longer keep up with the lack of money to fix and or update equipment and the people to help get the job done. I do not want to hear one person complain about how far behind we are, he is your Governor too, do something about it!!!-AnonymousFinally the heat is on. I hope the Feds dig in on his corruption. Others are convicted on bribery and corruption charges, he should be at the top of the list. Who paid for the tickets? -AnonymousI love how all these people are now complaining about this joke of a Governor.This is the price you pay for voting for a party candidate instead of voting for the best person. Most citizens of this state don't even vote nor are registered to vote. So you get what you deserve. Welcome to the Socialst Republic of Illinois. You created it,You deal with it.-RichJob well done by Mike Flannery.What I would like to see more of is follow up on this topic, as well as media coverage of the fact that THERE IS STILL NO STATE BUDGET. We are now five months into the state's fiscal year, which begins on July 1.This is absolutely beyond acceptable. I heard a news story about two months into the fiscal year, which referred to the state budget being 60 days past due and the interest on the money borrowed to keep the state running, was then $60 million. What is it now--if it's $1 million/day that would be about $150 million. $150 MILLION ON INTEREST WHICH TAXPAYERS NEED TO PAY BECAUSE THIS GOVERNOR IS NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE. How hypocritical that the governor is always talking about waste and pork. How stupid must he think we are?I am a state employee, a somewhat new DHS caseworker, who lives in the governor's Chicago neighborhood and have met him several times. I am beyond disappointed in him and the lack of adequate funding and staffing of state agencies such as mine. We are providing food and medicine to the poorest people of our society.Caseloads are normally well over 1,000 (at times reaching 2,000) per worker and yet the state expects us to provide great customer service, and we get lots of pressure to do so. Most caseworkers are understandably burned out and morale is quite low.Offices are very run down, many with rodents, leaking ceilings (when it rains it rains inside), very dirty rugs, floors, and walls. Many, many workers have retired since 2000 when there was a sweetened early retirement package offered. Hiring is not keeping up with the need for current and future workers. Not to mention the fact that the pension has been raided and the state is hugely in debt, by tens of billions.We're not making big money in these jobs, and the pension is what we count on to help us when we retire.Please inform us how we can take steps to RECALL him.It's an absolute nightmare.-Anonymous in ChicagoI am a healthcare provider and small business owner. This governor has gone from fiscal irresponsibility to narcisstic idiocy. He wants to insure the entire State of Illinois and worry about how to pay for it later? Right now, Public Aid funding pays less than 10 cents on the dollar and has not been increased in seven years. Not only that, the State of Illinois is behind in payments by over six months because they are out of money. Is it any wonder that Public Aid recipients are having a few problems getting anyone to take care of them? Not only will he bankrupt the State, he will destroy a large portion of the healthcare provider system with it. How soon do you think the constitution can be amended? Hopefully, before he destroys the entire State economic structure beyond repair. I hope his wife is handling the family finances. - Candace E. Truty, BrookfieldI am pleased that attention is finally being called to the poor job our governor is doing at running our, former, great state of Illinois. I say former of course because since 2003 our state has gone from "bad" with former Governor George Ryan, to "worse" with Blago. Blago may be at the helm of the state, but I don't think he knows that he's driving the us down hill at a dangerously rapid pace. He may be the governor, but that doesn't give him the right to shirk his duties to the state and attend a hockey game while state legislators are in session. Not only do we live in a country with the most unpopular president in U.S. history, but we also live in a state with a governor who can't govern. Quite frankly, I don't know who is doing a better job at making things worse for the people. I would never have thought that an actor like Arnold Schwarzenegger, with no previous political experience, would be better at governing a state than a 3-term U.S. House Representative of Illinois. Apparently Blagos' 6 years with U.S. Congress and 2 years as an IL state Legislator didn't help give him any political experience. I would much rather have Schwarzenegger running Illinois. He at least seems to know what he is doing. I would like to see more prominent news emphasizing the poor job Blago is doing running the sate. I don't think we should to re-elect someone who does nothing but make things worse for people. I would hope that by now people have learned from that same mistake which was made in 2004. In my opinion, the last 5 years, and the next 3 years (assuming Blago has not been recalled ) has been, and will continue to be, nothing but a continual downward spiral for the people of Illinois. I can only hope that he doesn't run again in 2010, and if he does run, then SOMEONE had better defeat him and put our state back on track.- Mark, Bloomington, NormalPlease go after all the politicians in Chicago. It was nice to se the governor face the music but it would be nicer to see all who engage in politricks called to task. This will bring viewers back to channel 2 as we are all tired of the BS in the name of higher taxes, patronage, TIFs, etc... - Allen Anthony Colaizzi I am furious at the cost of the Governor's trips to and from Springfield. I know the Governor and his family didn't move to Springfield because his wife couldn't sell real estate from the Governor's mansion. It wasn't because of the daughter's education. What a loser!! Putting this state in debt. Starting new programs when there is no money to pay for them. - Sally Dreishmire, Plano I, among many others, feel our governor's performance is simply "business as usual in the state of Illinois." As our state grapples with various financial issues concerning the state's transit system, the state's education system, roads in desperate need of expansion, etc., etc., our governor continues to not only prosper wasteful, ineffective government practice, but he does so while collecting countless millions of increased taxpayer dollars and putting in part-time work at best. Any company CEO with this sort of performance would have been fired without delay. And who else but Illinois' highest official could generate incredible revenue from taxpayers (millions upon millions of dollars from the toll and I-Pass increase/expansion alone), and have it not improve anything?!? Where did that money go? Haven't high-ranking business executives been sentenced to prison for this very same thing? Why is this 'business as usual' for an Illinois governor? When all is considered, Illinois taxpayers have paid far more to our governor in recent years than ever, yet our state is somehow out of money for everything. But all Illinois citizens must realize, WE VOTED HIM IN, TWICE! Business as usual in the state of Illinois? We voters must simply be very frightened of change. First Ryan, now Blagojevich. - Mitchell Lang I saw both stories about Gov. Blagojevich on the news and honestly I think he is doing a horrible job. He should be in Springfield making sure the bills he wants go through not at home, kicking back & relaxing or going to a Blackhawks game either. Honestly I see him as a person who is lazy about doing his job; at least when Ryan was in office he did his job and was barely at home. Ryan was more committed to his job than Blagojevich ever is. I highly doubt he is the Governor's office at all when he s at home. We should get someone who knows how to be a Governor than someone like Blagojevich; someone who knows how to do their job very well and handle things too. I speak for those who do not like the job that Gov. Blagojevich is doing: he is doing a very sloppy job and the next governor will have to come into office and clean up the messes he left. - Anonymous Mike's piece was quiet revealing. It is my opinion that most sucessful companies are not run by CEOs from their home. Our governor has an obligation to the people of this state to participate in discussions by being present and available at key meetings. Sitting next to the new President of the Chicago Blackhawks does NOT qualify as important in my book. If he worked for me,I would have called him into my office this morning and fired him. Actually, he does work for me. So Mike, help me fire him. - Anonymous Of the entire Governors, this one is more blatant in showing no care for the people. Sort of reminds me of Senator Obama, another do nothing official. All they both have done is use the titles to better themselves. I didn't vote for either one of them and would not plan on doing it the future. Both seem to care less about the legal citizens of Illinois then they do about providing care and jobs for the illegal ones. Both seem to think State Laws and Federal laws do not apply to them or the state they're suppose to be representing. - Anonymous There is no reason that the people of Illinois have to put up with such arrogance and stupidity. He better not plan on running again because we are done with the jerk. - Anonymous Blah!Blah!Blah! That should be his name. He is the penultimate politician's politician. He makes promises he has no intention of keeping (promising SSAC the land near Peotone for the 3rd airport, school funding, CTA...) He mugs for the camera, but is a no-show for meetings HE agrees to with his constituents regarding important issues. I feel he should be impeached, imprisoned and his image/name erased from the history of Illinois. - Laurette Williams This is why so many people don't vote at all, you do and you end up getting screwed no matter what, it gets old very fast. I have children that are 21 and 22 needless to say they don't vote because of the fact they make promises and then turn around and break all of those promises that you made during your campaign. You say what we want to hear, you pull us into your views thinking that your views are pretty much the same as ours, but when it comes down to it they just don't care, they are going to do what they want to do no matter what. Look at all of the other governors, more so the one who is in jail now, we trusted them and they screw us. So you tell me, what do we do? Do we stop voting for these people that are running for offices, making promises that they know they aren't going to keep, or do we vote and pray that they will keep their promises. As far as I can see I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. - Anonymous Blagojevich is a light weight that somehow fell into a high position. He was never capable of leading Illinois and his record in office indicates his accomplishments are nil. It would be laughable for him to run on his record. - Michael Rupnow, Hoffman Estates Your current news report on Governor Blagojevich's activities, or better - inactivities, becomes further evidence that we need a new person in that position. The industrial world would not tolerate such ineptness. Blagojevich serves as a living example of the 'Peter Principle.' - Tom Hurley, Lake Villa (Unindicted Official) A-Rod is the ultimate ghost payroller. For those who don't know, a payroller is a political hack given a government job for which he/she is totally incompetent. A ghost payroller is a payroller who collects his/her check but has so much clout he/she doesn't have to bother showing up for work. For all of those of you ripping him for this, know that Mike Flannery's story is only the tip of the iceberg. This ghost payroller isn't "working from home," he's cutting deals with taxpayers' money that make all his friends rich. He channels the money back to his own pocket through shady deals in which his real estate agent wife collects commissions on transactions she was never part of. He channels money to himself through contributions to his "campaign fund," with the donors miraculously getting either fat state jobs or state contracts. The "campaign fund," as the last election showed, miraculously disappears after every election no matter how much or how little A-Rod spends. Since the state contracts given to his "contributors" cost taxpayers so much with so little returned, the state is near bankrupt. No problem, says A-Rod. He borrowed $10 Billion (yes, that's a B) during his first term to shore up the pension funds, but the money didn't go to that. It went to "contributors." He raided every dedicated state fund (such as the special funds set up for veterans, fishermen, disabled people, breast cancer, endangered wildlife, etc.) and spent the money however he wanted – in direct violation of the laws that established those special funds. Now he wants to expand health care. He completely ignores the fact that the state doesn't have the money to pay its current medical bills. It's not at all uncommon for doctors and pharmacies to wait a year for payment from the state. Why? Because the state is broke. I could go on, but I'd like to leave room for other people to comment. One last thing – I almost fell on the floor laughing at his arrogance when I saw A-Rod at the Hawks game while the General Assembly met far into the night at his behest. I've been saying this since he was first elected, but this guy reminds me a lot of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. The only difference is that A-Rod thinks he's Elvis. - "The Mad Hatter"Mike Steinke couldn't have said it any better: "What a hatchet job. Where was Mike Flannery when Bush (Republican) spent 48 percent of his first year on vacation? Who cares if the governor is working from his home, capital office or the office 2 blocks down the street. - Mike Steinke" That was not journalism. Was Flannery asleep in school when they taught about unbiased journalism? I also find it quite ironic that your website shows a picture of Henry Hyde talking to President Reagan, one of our country's most notorious "Hands-off" presidents. Hmmmm. It's interesting but I don't remember the Republican slanted Chicago CBS Television News doing a story criticizing Reagan about his laissez-faire attitude. Shame on you, you've lost my viewership. - Bob First--- Way to go Mike!!! Thank you for exposing Gov. Blagojevich. I have been concerned about this issue for a long time, too! Nice report! I would also like to see how much it is costing the taxpayer for him to go back and forth -Chi.-to Springfield compared to what it would cost if he lived in the mansion.I know this topic was done before, but we need a daily "score card" of expenses. Stay on him. If the average person chose to do this (live elsewhere) then they should have to pay for their own commute back and forth to work!! We have a major crisis in this State and he flits around like it's some one else's problem!!! Thanks again!!! - Sue McIntyre, ElginWOW Another governor of Illinois that is non functional or heading for Jail Really a bad rep for our state. How can Blago stay home and "work" and force the the legislature to hold special session Sounds like he has one set of rules for himself and different ones for everybody else - Richard MerrellHe is a joke. Humiliating Illinois and not taking this job seriously. Shame on him.- Holly SparksI am embarrassed to live in a state with such a governor. What a joke! Blagojevich is so arrogant he does not care about what the voters think of him. He has side stepped the legislative process which was put into place for the very reason he is side stepping it. How much more obvious does it have to be for people to realize that he is nothing but a dishonest, cheating, arrogant person. He has hurt schools more than ever and talks himself up as if he is such a hard worker that is for education. What a shame! He has cost the school districts so much money by not passing a budget and furthermore by not signing the budget implementation bill which he urged both the house and the senate to sign so quickly. What is the hold up now governor? It has been sitting on his desk since November 5th as the school districts still sit without the money we are due. In addition, he delayed tax revenue for school districts as well which has put some districts into real financial trouble. I just don't understand how anyone could believe he is doing a good job. Since he was elected he has been doing nothing but pointing the finger at everyone else. What he must not realize is that when you point the finger elsewhere, you always have 3 fingers pointing back at you - how appropriate. Blagojevich needs to be removed from office so that the State of Illinois can move forward. The story on exposing Blagojevich was great - you need to keep exposing his dirty scandalous ways so that the public is aware of his deception. - Angela CrottyWhat Governor? We do not have a Governor! We do not have a First Lady! This State is an absolute mess. Walk around State agencies in Springfield and talk to the state employees. Many offices are empty in Springfield, no furniture, no people. Go to the fifth floor at the Illinois Department of Public Health and take a look around. Yet he is always saying HEALTH is his cause. The damage this Governor's done to the operation of this State will takes decades to repair, that is, if it can be repaired. I am not a state employee, but I do need to work with various agencies. It is not the fault of these employees things are such a mess. It would be interesting to see a poll of state employees about the Governor, if they were not too afraid to participate due to the retaliation that has been witnesses so many times. Recall will never be needed more than it is now for this guy. What testerone he has... to talk about about running in 2010. Will there be anything left to run (by anybody)is the question. - Just a Concerned CitizenOn a scale of 1-10 the gov. rates 0-D. BeatyReasons for going or staying in war aside, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has done more to honor our Illinois troops than Gov. Blagojevich ever has. I've seen Quinn at several military funerals, but why can't the executive of the state at least pay his respects?- Acton H. Gorton, Carbondale, IL What Job,as an absentee Gov he has no performance level, ask the private sector if an employee did what the gov goes would keep him? Rate his Job performance-I would say-Poor.-rdahlin I can not begin to tell you how much I dislike the sitting governor. His arrogance and total disrespect for the Senate and House Representatives that are our voice in the state is infuriating. His actions and manipulations of state funds seem to border on illegal and we keep hearing about investigations so I'm always hopeful that Blago will end his career in the "can" along with other crooks. Good morning, In response to your request for opinions on the administration of the current governor, I respectfully offer mine. I think that the administration of our current governor is an absolute slap in the face of the residents of Illinois. Despite his campaign promise that there will be no more "business as usual", Not only has he continued "business as usual" but Blagojevich has set new vistas in corruption and arrogance, and "business as usual" continues to flourish. Because of his inability to govern honestly, capably, and truthfully, his own party members are now engaged in fits of uncontrolled hand wringing over his shenanigans and total lack of ethics or scruples. To all of the Democratic lemmings that voted with a single collective brain to reelect this boob for a second term, I simply ask why are you now complaining and whining about Blagojevich? You voted him into office so you are getting exactly what you asked for. Those of us who voted for his rivals in the primary and general elections knew what to expect and are not surprised by his failures. I sincerely hope that in the 2010 election Illinoisans will start using their heads when electing our leaders. Otherwise, this state will continue to wallow in the detritus left behind by the Blagojevich administration. -Jim Ochwat, Orland ParkBlagojevich is a clown. He is leading the voters & reporters around by their noses. He is allowed to take a plane ride daily, at our expense, to go home to throw kisses at his kids. Many of us parents would love the freedom to work at home, play with our children, and collect an extremely high salary to perform these duties. If his FAMILY is soooo important become a working slob, same as the rest of us, collect a salary for honest work, and after work return home!!! When is our legislator going to wake up and run this idoit out of town??? Courious, as a property tax payer, who pays his taxes? Please, let's get this clown out of office and back on the streets where he can do no more harm to his fellow man. -Pat Ford
-Stephen DeLanceI find it interesting that out of the 125 e-mails sent about this interview only 7 were for the Governor. You would think that the 7 people who wrote in favor of "Blah Blah" might reconsider their opinions, or maybe they are being paid high salaries from this administration??? I was really excited when a democratic gov was elected because I believe in a system where a dems and repubs take turns in having a say in our government. Boy am I really disappointed in what we have elected the 1st and 2nd time (you should note that he only received 21% in Springfield, most of us know about him. He has been a disgrace and I also think that he is just plain stupid!! It is nice to see that now the Chicago area is hearing about this tyrant, they should be feeling it now as well. I live in a city where the major population works in state government. It is only because of a core of dedicated people who feel responsible for getting their job done and feel a great responsibility to the people of the State of Illinois that they haven't felt the hurt sooner. Well the rooster has come home to nest, we can no longer keep up with the lack of money to fix and or update equipment and the people to help get the job done. I do not want to hear one person complain about how far behind we are, he is your Governor too, do something about it!!!-AnonymousFinally the heat is on. I hope the Feds dig in on his corruption. Others are convicted on bribery and corruption charges, he should be at the top of the list. Who paid for the tickets? -AnonymousI love how all these people are now complaining about this joke of a Governor.This is the price you pay for voting for a party candidate instead of voting for the best person. Most citizens of this state don't even vote nor are registered to vote. So you get what you deserve. Welcome to the Socialst Republic of Illinois. You created it,You deal with it.-RichJob well done by Mike Flannery.What I would like to see more of is follow up on this topic, as well as media coverage of the fact that THERE IS STILL NO STATE BUDGET. We are now five months into the state's fiscal year, which begins on July 1.This is absolutely beyond acceptable. I heard a news story about two months into the fiscal year, which referred to the state budget being 60 days past due and the interest on the money borrowed to keep the state running, was then $60 million. What is it now--if it's $1 million/day that would be about $150 million. $150 MILLION ON INTEREST WHICH TAXPAYERS NEED TO PAY BECAUSE THIS GOVERNOR IS NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE. How hypocritical that the governor is always talking about waste and pork. How stupid must he think we are?I am a state employee, a somewhat new DHS caseworker, who lives in the governor's Chicago neighborhood and have met him several times. I am beyond disappointed in him and the lack of adequate funding and staffing of state agencies such as mine. We are providing food and medicine to the poorest people of our society.Caseloads are normally well over 1,000 (at times reaching 2,000) per worker and yet the state expects us to provide great customer service, and we get lots of pressure to do so. Most caseworkers are understandably burned out and morale is quite low.Offices are very run down, many with rodents, leaking ceilings (when it rains it rains inside), very dirty rugs, floors, and walls. Many, many workers have retired since 2000 when there was a sweetened early retirement package offered. Hiring is not keeping up with the need for current and future workers. Not to mention the fact that the pension has been raided and the state is hugely in debt, by tens of billions.We're not making big money in these jobs, and the pension is what we count on to help us when we retire.Please inform us how we can take steps to RECALL him.It's an absolute nightmare.-Anonymous in ChicagoI am a healthcare provider and small business owner. This governor has gone from fiscal irresponsibility to narcisstic idiocy. He wants to insure the entire State of Illinois and worry about how to pay for it later? Right now, Public Aid funding pays less than 10 cents on the dollar and has not been increased in seven years. Not only that, the State of Illinois is behind in payments by over six months because they are out of money. Is it any wonder that Public Aid recipients are having a few problems getting anyone to take care of them? Not only will he bankrupt the State, he will destroy a large portion of the healthcare provider system with it. How soon do you think the constitution can be amended? Hopefully, before he destroys the entire State economic structure beyond repair. I hope his wife is handling the family finances. - Candace E. Truty, BrookfieldI am pleased that attention is finally being called to the poor job our governor is doing at running our, former, great state of Illinois. I say former of course because since 2003 our state has gone from "bad" with former Governor George Ryan, to "worse" with Blago. Blago may be at the helm of the state, but I don't think he knows that he's driving the us down hill at a dangerously rapid pace. He may be the governor, but that doesn't give him the right to shirk his duties to the state and attend a hockey game while state legislators are in session. Not only do we live in a country with the most unpopular president in U.S. history, but we also live in a state with a governor who can't govern. Quite frankly, I don't know who is doing a better job at making things worse for the people. I would never have thought that an actor like Arnold Schwarzenegger, with no previous political experience, would be better at governing a state than a 3-term U.S. House Representative of Illinois. Apparently Blagos' 6 years with U.S. Congress and 2 years as an IL state Legislator didn't help give him any political experience. I would much rather have Schwarzenegger running Illinois. He at least seems to know what he is doing. I would like to see more prominent news emphasizing the poor job Blago is doing running the sate. I don't think we should to re-elect someone who does nothing but make things worse for people. I would hope that by now people have learned from that same mistake which was made in 2004. In my opinion, the last 5 years, and the next 3 years (assuming Blago has not been recalled ) has been, and will continue to be, nothing but a continual downward spiral for the people of Illinois. I can only hope that he doesn't run again in 2010, and if he does run, then SOMEONE had better defeat him and put our state back on track.- Mark, Bloomington, NormalPlease go after all the politicians in Chicago. It was nice to se the governor face the music but it would be nicer to see all who engage in politricks called to task. This will bring viewers back to channel 2 as we are all tired of the BS in the name of higher taxes, patronage, TIFs, etc... - Allen Anthony Colaizzi I am furious at the cost of the Governor's trips to and from Springfield. I know the Governor and his family didn't move to Springfield because his wife couldn't sell real estate from the Governor's mansion. It wasn't because of the daughter's education. What a loser!! Putting this state in debt. Starting new programs when there is no money to pay for them. - Sally Dreishmire, Plano I, among many others, feel our governor's performance is simply "business as usual in the state of Illinois." As our state grapples with various financial issues concerning the state's transit system, the state's education system, roads in desperate need of expansion, etc., etc., our governor continues to not only prosper wasteful, ineffective government practice, but he does so while collecting countless millions of increased taxpayer dollars and putting in part-time work at best. Any company CEO with this sort of performance would have been fired without delay. And who else but Illinois' highest official could generate incredible revenue from taxpayers (millions upon millions of dollars from the toll and I-Pass increase/expansion alone), and have it not improve anything?!? Where did that money go? Haven't high-ranking business executives been sentenced to prison for this very same thing? Why is this 'business as usual' for an Illinois governor? When all is considered, Illinois taxpayers have paid far more to our governor in recent years than ever, yet our state is somehow out of money for everything. But all Illinois citizens must realize, WE VOTED HIM IN, TWICE! Business as usual in the state of Illinois? We voters must simply be very frightened of change. First Ryan, now Blagojevich. - Mitchell Lang I saw both stories about Gov. Blagojevich on the news and honestly I think he is doing a horrible job. He should be in Springfield making sure the bills he wants go through not at home, kicking back & relaxing or going to a Blackhawks game either. Honestly I see him as a person who is lazy about doing his job; at least when Ryan was in office he did his job and was barely at home. Ryan was more committed to his job than Blagojevich ever is. I highly doubt he is the Governor's office at all when he s at home. We should get someone who knows how to be a Governor than someone like Blagojevich; someone who knows how to do their job very well and handle things too. I speak for those who do not like the job that Gov. Blagojevich is doing: he is doing a very sloppy job and the next governor will have to come into office and clean up the messes he left. - Anonymous Mike's piece was quiet revealing. It is my opinion that most sucessful companies are not run by CEOs from their home. Our governor has an obligation to the people of this state to participate in discussions by being present and available at key meetings. Sitting next to the new President of the Chicago Blackhawks does NOT qualify as important in my book. If he worked for me,I would have called him into my office this morning and fired him. Actually, he does work for me. So Mike, help me fire him. - Anonymous Of the entire Governors, this one is more blatant in showing no care for the people. Sort of reminds me of Senator Obama, another do nothing official. All they both have done is use the titles to better themselves. I didn't vote for either one of them and would not plan on doing it the future. Both seem to care less about the legal citizens of Illinois then they do about providing care and jobs for the illegal ones. Both seem to think State Laws and Federal laws do not apply to them or the state they're suppose to be representing. - Anonymous There is no reason that the people of Illinois have to put up with such arrogance and stupidity. He better not plan on running again because we are done with the jerk. - Anonymous Blah!Blah!Blah! That should be his name. He is the penultimate politician's politician. He makes promises he has no intention of keeping (promising SSAC the land near Peotone for the 3rd airport, school funding, CTA...) He mugs for the camera, but is a no-show for meetings HE agrees to with his constituents regarding important issues. I feel he should be impeached, imprisoned and his image/name erased from the history of Illinois. - Laurette Williams This is why so many people don't vote at all, you do and you end up getting screwed no matter what, it gets old very fast. I have children that are 21 and 22 needless to say they don't vote because of the fact they make promises and then turn around and break all of those promises that you made during your campaign. You say what we want to hear, you pull us into your views thinking that your views are pretty much the same as ours, but when it comes down to it they just don't care, they are going to do what they want to do no matter what. Look at all of the other governors, more so the one who is in jail now, we trusted them and they screw us. So you tell me, what do we do? Do we stop voting for these people that are running for offices, making promises that they know they aren't going to keep, or do we vote and pray that they will keep their promises. As far as I can see I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. - Anonymous Blagojevich is a light weight that somehow fell into a high position. He was never capable of leading Illinois and his record in office indicates his accomplishments are nil. It would be laughable for him to run on his record. - Michael Rupnow, Hoffman Estates Your current news report on Governor Blagojevich's activities, or better - inactivities, becomes further evidence that we need a new person in that position. The industrial world would not tolerate such ineptness. Blagojevich serves as a living example of the 'Peter Principle.' - Tom Hurley, Lake Villa (Unindicted Official) A-Rod is the ultimate ghost payroller. For those who don't know, a payroller is a political hack given a government job for which he/she is totally incompetent. A ghost payroller is a payroller who collects his/her check but has so much clout he/she doesn't have to bother showing up for work. For all of those of you ripping him for this, know that Mike Flannery's story is only the tip of the iceberg. This ghost payroller isn't "working from home," he's cutting deals with taxpayers' money that make all his friends rich. He channels the money back to his own pocket through shady deals in which his real estate agent wife collects commissions on transactions she was never part of. He channels money to himself through contributions to his "campaign fund," with the donors miraculously getting either fat state jobs or state contracts. The "campaign fund," as the last election showed, miraculously disappears after every election no matter how much or how little A-Rod spends. Since the state contracts given to his "contributors" cost taxpayers so much with so little returned, the state is near bankrupt. No problem, says A-Rod. He borrowed $10 Billion (yes, that's a B) during his first term to shore up the pension funds, but the money didn't go to that. It went to "contributors." He raided every dedicated state fund (such as the special funds set up for veterans, fishermen, disabled people, breast cancer, endangered wildlife, etc.) and spent the money however he wanted – in direct violation of the laws that established those special funds. Now he wants to expand health care. He completely ignores the fact that the state doesn't have the money to pay its current medical bills. It's not at all uncommon for doctors and pharmacies to wait a year for payment from the state. Why? Because the state is broke. I could go on, but I'd like to leave room for other people to comment. One last thing – I almost fell on the floor laughing at his arrogance when I saw A-Rod at the Hawks game while the General Assembly met far into the night at his behest. I've been saying this since he was first elected, but this guy reminds me a lot of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. The only difference is that A-Rod thinks he's Elvis. - "The Mad Hatter"Mike Steinke couldn't have said it any better: "What a hatchet job. Where was Mike Flannery when Bush (Republican) spent 48 percent of his first year on vacation? Who cares if the governor is working from his home, capital office or the office 2 blocks down the street. - Mike Steinke" That was not journalism. Was Flannery asleep in school when they taught about unbiased journalism? I also find it quite ironic that your website shows a picture of Henry Hyde talking to President Reagan, one of our country's most notorious "Hands-off" presidents. Hmmmm. It's interesting but I don't remember the Republican slanted Chicago CBS Television News doing a story criticizing Reagan about his laissez-faire attitude. Shame on you, you've lost my viewership. - Bob First--- Way to go Mike!!! Thank you for exposing Gov. Blagojevich. I have been concerned about this issue for a long time, too! Nice report! I would also like to see how much it is costing the taxpayer for him to go back and forth -Chi.-to Springfield compared to what it would cost if he lived in the mansion.I know this topic was done before, but we need a daily "score card" of expenses. Stay on him. If the average person chose to do this (live elsewhere) then they should have to pay for their own commute back and forth to work!! We have a major crisis in this State and he flits around like it's some one else's problem!!! Thanks again!!! - Sue McIntyre, ElginWOW Another governor of Illinois that is non functional or heading for Jail Really a bad rep for our state. How can Blago stay home and "work" and force the the legislature to hold special session Sounds like he has one set of rules for himself and different ones for everybody else - Richard MerrellHe is a joke. Humiliating Illinois and not taking this job seriously. Shame on him.- Holly SparksI am embarrassed to live in a state with such a governor. What a joke! Blagojevich is so arrogant he does not care about what the voters think of him. He has side stepped the legislative process which was put into place for the very reason he is side stepping it. How much more obvious does it have to be for people to realize that he is nothing but a dishonest, cheating, arrogant person. He has hurt schools more than ever and talks himself up as if he is such a hard worker that is for education. What a shame! He has cost the school districts so much money by not passing a budget and furthermore by not signing the budget implementation bill which he urged both the house and the senate to sign so quickly. What is the hold up now governor? It has been sitting on his desk since November 5th as the school districts still sit without the money we are due. In addition, he delayed tax revenue for school districts as well which has put some districts into real financial trouble. I just don't understand how anyone could believe he is doing a good job. Since he was elected he has been doing nothing but pointing the finger at everyone else. What he must not realize is that when you point the finger elsewhere, you always have 3 fingers pointing back at you - how appropriate. Blagojevich needs to be removed from office so that the State of Illinois can move forward. The story on exposing Blagojevich was great - you need to keep exposing his dirty scandalous ways so that the public is aware of his deception. - Angela CrottyWhat Governor? We do not have a Governor! We do not have a First Lady! This State is an absolute mess. Walk around State agencies in Springfield and talk to the state employees. Many offices are empty in Springfield, no furniture, no people. Go to the fifth floor at the Illinois Department of Public Health and take a look around. Yet he is always saying HEALTH is his cause. The damage this Governor's done to the operation of this State will takes decades to repair, that is, if it can be repaired. I am not a state employee, but I do need to work with various agencies. It is not the fault of these employees things are such a mess. It would be interesting to see a poll of state employees about the Governor, if they were not too afraid to participate due to the retaliation that has been witnesses so many times. Recall will never be needed more than it is now for this guy. What testerone he has... to talk about about running in 2010. Will there be anything left to run (by anybody)is the question. - Just a Concerned CitizenOn a scale of 1-10 the gov. rates 0-D. BeatyReasons for going or staying in war aside, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has done more to honor our Illinois troops than Gov. Blagojevich ever has. I've seen Quinn at several military funerals, but why can't the executive of the state at least pay his respects?- Acton H. Gorton, Carbondale, IL What Job,as an absentee Gov he has no performance level, ask the private sector if an employee did what the gov goes would keep him? Rate his Job performance-I would say-Poor.-rdahlin I can not begin to tell you how much I dislike the sitting governor. His arrogance and total disrespect for the Senate and House Representatives that are our voice in the state is infuriating. His actions and manipulations of state funds seem to border on illegal and we keep hearing about investigations so I'm always hopeful that Blago will end his career in the "can" along with other crooks. Good morning, In response to your request for opinions on the administration of the current governor, I respectfully offer mine. I think that the administration of our current governor is an absolute slap in the face of the residents of Illinois. Despite his campaign promise that there will be no more "business as usual", Not only has he continued "business as usual" but Blagojevich has set new vistas in corruption and arrogance, and "business as usual" continues to flourish. Because of his inability to govern honestly, capably, and truthfully, his own party members are now engaged in fits of uncontrolled hand wringing over his shenanigans and total lack of ethics or scruples. To all of the Democratic lemmings that voted with a single collective brain to reelect this boob for a second term, I simply ask why are you now complaining and whining about Blagojevich? You voted him into office so you are getting exactly what you asked for. Those of us who voted for his rivals in the primary and general elections knew what to expect and are not surprised by his failures. I sincerely hope that in the 2010 election Illinoisans will start using their heads when electing our leaders. Otherwise, this state will continue to wallow in the detritus left behind by the Blagojevich administration. -Jim Ochwat, Orland ParkBlagojevich is a clown. He is leading the voters & reporters around by their noses. He is allowed to take a plane ride daily, at our expense, to go home to throw kisses at his kids. Many of us parents would love the freedom to work at home, play with our children, and collect an extremely high salary to perform these duties. If his FAMILY is soooo important become a working slob, same as the rest of us, collect a salary for honest work, and after work return home!!! When is our legislator going to wake up and run this idoit out of town??? Courious, as a property tax payer, who pays his taxes? Please, let's get this clown out of office and back on the streets where he can do no more harm to his fellow man. -Pat Ford
-Stephen DeLanceI find it interesting that out of the 125 e-mails sent about this interview only 7 were for the Governor. You would think that the 7 people who wrote in favor of "Blah Blah" might reconsider their opinions, or maybe they are being paid high salaries from this administration??? I was really excited when a democratic gov was elected because I believe in a system where a dems and repubs take turns in having a say in our government. Boy am I really disappointed in what we have elected the 1st and 2nd time (you should note that he only received 21% in Springfield, most of us know about him. He has been a disgrace and I also think that he is just plain stupid!! It is nice to see that now the Chicago area is hearing about this tyrant, they should be feeling it now as well. I live in a city where the major population works in state government. It is only because of a core of dedicated people who feel responsible for getting their job done and feel a great responsibility to the people of the State of Illinois that they haven't felt the hurt sooner. Well the rooster has come home to nest, we can no longer keep up with the lack of money to fix and or update equipment and the people to help get the job done. I do not want to hear one person complain about how far behind we are, he is your Governor too, do something about it!!!-AnonymousFinally the heat is on. I hope the Feds dig in on his corruption. Others are convicted on bribery and corruption charges, he should be at the top of the list. Who paid for the tickets? -AnonymousI love how all these people are now complaining about this joke of a Governor.This is the price you pay for voting for a party candidate instead of voting for the best person. Most citizens of this state don't even vote nor are registered to vote. So you get what you deserve. Welcome to the Socialst Republic of Illinois. You created it,You deal with it.-RichJob well done by Mike Flannery.What I would like to see more of is follow up on this topic, as well as media coverage of the fact that THERE IS STILL NO STATE BUDGET. We are now five months into the state's fiscal year, which begins on July 1.This is absolutely beyond acceptable. I heard a news story about two months into the fiscal year, which referred to the state budget being 60 days past due and the interest on the money borrowed to keep the state running, was then $60 million. What is it now--if it's $1 million/day that would be about $150 million. $150 MILLION ON INTEREST WHICH TAXPAYERS NEED TO PAY BECAUSE THIS GOVERNOR IS NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE. How hypocritical that the governor is always talking about waste and pork. How stupid must he think we are?I am a state employee, a somewhat new DHS caseworker, who lives in the governor's Chicago neighborhood and have met him several times. I am beyond disappointed in him and the lack of adequate funding and staffing of state agencies such as mine. We are providing food and medicine to the poorest people of our society.Caseloads are normally well over 1,000 (at times reaching 2,000) per worker and yet the state expects us to provide great customer service, and we get lots of pressure to do so. Most caseworkers are understandably burned out and morale is quite low.Offices are very run down, many with rodents, leaking ceilings (when it rains it rains inside), very dirty rugs, floors, and walls. Many, many workers have retired since 2000 when there was a sweetened early retirement package offered. Hiring is not keeping up with the need for current and future workers. Not to mention the fact that the pension has been raided and the state is hugely in debt, by tens of billions.We're not making big money in these jobs, and the pension is what we count on to help us when we retire.Please inform us how we can take steps to RECALL him.It's an absolute nightmare.-Anonymous in ChicagoI am a healthcare provider and small business owner. This governor has gone from fiscal irresponsibility to narcisstic idiocy. He wants to insure the entire State of Illinois and worry about how to pay for it later? Right now, Public Aid funding pays less than 10 cents on the dollar and has not been increased in seven years. Not only that, the State of Illinois is behind in payments by over six months because they are out of money. Is it any wonder that Public Aid recipients are having a few problems getting anyone to take care of them? Not only will he bankrupt the State, he will destroy a large portion of the healthcare provider system with it. How soon do you think the constitution can be amended? Hopefully, before he destroys the entire State economic structure beyond repair. I hope his wife is handling the family finances. - Candace E. Truty, BrookfieldI am pleased that attention is finally being called to the poor job our governor is doing at running our, former, great state of Illinois. I say former of course because since 2003 our state has gone from "bad" with former Governor George Ryan, to "worse" with Blago. Blago may be at the helm of the state, but I don't think he knows that he's driving the us down hill at a dangerously rapid pace. He may be the governor, but that doesn't give him the right to shirk his duties to the state and attend a hockey game while state legislators are in session. Not only do we live in a country with the most unpopular president in U.S. history, but we also live in a state with a governor who can't govern. Quite frankly, I don't know who is doing a better job at making things worse for the people. I would never have thought that an actor like Arnold Schwarzenegger, with no previous political experience, would be better at governing a state than a 3-term U.S. House Representative of Illinois. Apparently Blagos' 6 years with U.S. Congress and 2 years as an IL state Legislator didn't help give him any political experience. I would much rather have Schwarzenegger running Illinois. He at least seems to know what he is doing. I would like to see more prominent news emphasizing the poor job Blago is doing running the sate. I don't think we should to re-elect someone who does nothing but make things worse for people. I would hope that by now people have learned from that same mistake which was made in 2004. In my opinion, the last 5 years, and the next 3 years (assuming Blago has not been recalled ) has been, and will continue to be, nothing but a continual downward spiral for the people of Illinois. I can only hope that he doesn't run again in 2010, and if he does run, then SOMEONE had better defeat him and put our state back on track.- Mark, Bloomington, NormalPlease go after all the politicians in Chicago. It was nice to se the governor face the music but it would be nicer to see all who engage in politricks called to task. This will bring viewers back to channel 2 as we are all tired of the BS in the name of higher taxes, patronage, TIFs, etc... - Allen Anthony Colaizzi I am furious at the cost of the Governor's trips to and from Springfield. I know the Governor and his family didn't move to Springfield because his wife couldn't sell real estate from the Governor's mansion. It wasn't because of the daughter's education. What a loser!! Putting this state in debt. Starting new programs when there is no money to pay for them. - Sally Dreishmire, Plano I, among many others, feel our governor's performance is simply "business as usual in the state of Illinois." As our state grapples with various financial issues concerning the state's transit system, the state's education system, roads in desperate need of expansion, etc., etc., our governor continues to not only prosper wasteful, ineffective government practice, but he does so while collecting countless millions of increased taxpayer dollars and putting in part-time work at best. Any company CEO with this sort of performance would have been fired without delay. And who else but Illinois' highest official could generate incredible revenue from taxpayers (millions upon millions of dollars from the toll and I-Pass increase/expansion alone), and have it not improve anything?!? Where did that money go? Haven't high-ranking business executives been sentenced to prison for this very same thing? Why is this 'business as usual' for an Illinois governor? When all is considered, Illinois taxpayers have paid far more to our governor in recent years than ever, yet our state is somehow out of money for everything. But all Illinois citizens must realize, WE VOTED HIM IN, TWICE! Business as usual in the state of Illinois? We voters must simply be very frightened of change. First Ryan, now Blagojevich. - Mitchell Lang I saw both stories about Gov. Blagojevich on the news and honestly I think he is doing a horrible job. He should be in Springfield making sure the bills he wants go through not at home, kicking back & relaxing or going to a Blackhawks game either. Honestly I see him as a person who is lazy about doing his job; at least when Ryan was in office he did his job and was barely at home. Ryan was more committed to his job than Blagojevich ever is. I highly doubt he is the Governor's office at all when he s at home. We should get someone who knows how to be a Governor than someone like Blagojevich; someone who knows how to do their job very well and handle things too. I speak for those who do not like the job that Gov. Blagojevich is doing: he is doing a very sloppy job and the next governor will have to come into office and clean up the messes he left. - Anonymous Mike's piece was quiet revealing. It is my opinion that most sucessful companies are not run by CEOs from their home. Our governor has an obligation to the people of this state to participate in discussions by being present and available at key meetings. Sitting next to the new President of the Chicago Blackhawks does NOT qualify as important in my book. If he worked for me,I would have called him into my office this morning and fired him. Actually, he does work for me. So Mike, help me fire him. - Anonymous Of the entire Governors, this one is more blatant in showing no care for the people. Sort of reminds me of Senator Obama, another do nothing official. All they both have done is use the titles to better themselves. I didn't vote for either one of them and would not plan on doing it the future. Both seem to care less about the legal citizens of Illinois then they do about providing care and jobs for the illegal ones. Both seem to think State Laws and Federal laws do not apply to them or the state they're suppose to be representing. - Anonymous There is no reason that the people of Illinois have to put up with such arrogance and stupidity. He better not plan on running again because we are done with the jerk. - Anonymous Blah!Blah!Blah! That should be his name. He is the penultimate politician's politician. He makes promises he has no intention of keeping (promising SSAC the land near Peotone for the 3rd airport, school funding, CTA...) He mugs for the camera, but is a no-show for meetings HE agrees to with his constituents regarding important issues. I feel he should be impeached, imprisoned and his image/name erased from the history of Illinois. - Laurette Williams This is why so many people don't vote at all, you do and you end up getting screwed no matter what, it gets old very fast. I have children that are 21 and 22 needless to say they don't vote because of the fact they make promises and then turn around and break all of those promises that you made during your campaign. You say what we want to hear, you pull us into your views thinking that your views are pretty much the same as ours, but when it comes down to it they just don't care, they are going to do what they want to do no matter what. Look at all of the other governors, more so the one who is in jail now, we trusted them and they screw us. So you tell me, what do we do? Do we stop voting for these people that are running for offices, making promises that they know they aren't going to keep, or do we vote and pray that they will keep their promises. As far as I can see I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. - Anonymous Blagojevich is a light weight that somehow fell into a high position. He was never capable of leading Illinois and his record in office indicates his accomplishments are nil. It would be laughable for him to run on his record. - Michael Rupnow, Hoffman Estates Your current news report on Governor Blagojevich's activities, or better - inactivities, becomes further evidence that we need a new person in that position. The industrial world would not tolerate such ineptness. Blagojevich serves as a living example of the 'Peter Principle.' - Tom Hurley, Lake Villa (Unindicted Official) A-Rod is the ultimate ghost payroller. For those who don't know, a payroller is a political hack given a government job for which he/she is totally incompetent. A ghost payroller is a payroller who collects his/her check but has so much clout he/she doesn't have to bother showing up for work. For all of those of you ripping him for this, know that Mike Flannery's story is only the tip of the iceberg. This ghost payroller isn't "working from home," he's cutting deals with taxpayers' money that make all his friends rich. He channels the money back to his own pocket through shady deals in which his real estate agent wife collects commissions on transactions she was never part of. He channels money to himself through contributions to his "campaign fund," with the donors miraculously getting either fat state jobs or state contracts. The "campaign fund," as the last election showed, miraculously disappears after every election no matter how much or how little A-Rod spends. Since the state contracts given to his "contributors" cost taxpayers so much with so little returned, the state is near bankrupt. No problem, says A-Rod. He borrowed $10 Billion (yes, that's a B) during his first term to shore up the pension funds, but the money didn't go to that. It went to "contributors." He raided every dedicated state fund (such as the special funds set up for veterans, fishermen, disabled people, breast cancer, endangered wildlife, etc.) and spent the money however he wanted – in direct violation of the laws that established those special funds. Now he wants to expand health care. He completely ignores the fact that the state doesn't have the money to pay its current medical bills. It's not at all uncommon for doctors and pharmacies to wait a year for payment from the state. Why? Because the state is broke. I could go on, but I'd like to leave room for other people to comment. One last thing – I almost fell on the floor laughing at his arrogance when I saw A-Rod at the Hawks game while the General Assembly met far into the night at his behest. I've been saying this since he was first elected, but this guy reminds me a lot of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. The only difference is that A-Rod thinks he's Elvis. - "The Mad Hatter"Mike Steinke couldn't have said it any better: "What a hatchet job. Where was Mike Flannery when Bush (Republican) spent 48 percent of his first year on vacation? Who cares if the governor is working from his home, capital office or the office 2 blocks down the street. - Mike Steinke" That was not journalism. Was Flannery asleep in school when they taught about unbiased journalism? I also find it quite ironic that your website shows a picture of Henry Hyde talking to President Reagan, one of our country's most notorious "Hands-off" presidents. Hmmmm. It's interesting but I don't remember the Republican slanted Chicago CBS Television News doing a story criticizing Reagan about his laissez-faire attitude. Shame on you, you've lost my viewership. - Bob First--- Way to go Mike!!! Thank you for exposing Gov. Blagojevich. I have been concerned about this issue for a long time, too! Nice report! I would also like to see how much it is costing the taxpayer for him to go back and forth -Chi.-to Springfield compared to what it would cost if he lived in the mansion.I know this topic was done before, but we need a daily "score card" of expenses. Stay on him. If the average person chose to do this (live elsewhere) then they should have to pay for their own commute back and forth to work!! We have a major crisis in this State and he flits around like it's some one else's problem!!! Thanks again!!! - Sue McIntyre, ElginWOW Another governor of Illinois that is non functional or heading for Jail Really a bad rep for our state. How can Blago stay home and "work" and force the the legislature to hold special session Sounds like he has one set of rules for himself and different ones for everybody else - Richard MerrellHe is a joke. Humiliating Illinois and not taking this job seriously. Shame on him.- Holly SparksI am embarrassed to live in a state with such a governor. What a joke! Blagojevich is so arrogant he does not care about what the voters think of him. He has side stepped the legislative process which was put into place for the very reason he is side stepping it. How much more obvious does it have to be for people to realize that he is nothing but a dishonest, cheating, arrogant person. He has hurt schools more than ever and talks himself up as if he is such a hard worker that is for education. What a shame! He has cost the school districts so much money by not passing a budget and furthermore by not signing the budget implementation bill which he urged both the house and the senate to sign so quickly. What is the hold up now governor? It has been sitting on his desk since November 5th as the school districts still sit without the money we are due. In addition, he delayed tax revenue for school districts as well which has put some districts into real financial trouble. I just don't understand how anyone could believe he is doing a good job. Since he was elected he has been doing nothing but pointing the finger at everyone else. What he must not realize is that when you point the finger elsewhere, you always have 3 fingers pointing back at you - how appropriate. Blagojevich needs to be removed from office so that the State of Illinois can move forward. The story on exposing Blagojevich was great - you need to keep exposing his dirty scandalous ways so that the public is aware of his deception. - Angela CrottyWhat Governor? We do not have a Governor! We do not have a First Lady! This State is an absolute mess. Walk around State agencies in Springfield and talk to the state employees. Many offices are empty in Springfield, no furniture, no people. Go to the fifth floor at the Illinois Department of Public Health and take a look around. Yet he is always saying HEALTH is his cause. The damage this Governor's done to the operation of this State will takes decades to repair, that is, if it can be repaired. I am not a state employee, but I do need to work with various agencies. It is not the fault of these employees things are such a mess. It would be interesting to see a poll of state employees about the Governor, if they were not too afraid to participate due to the retaliation that has been witnesses so many times. Recall will never be needed more than it is now for this guy. What testerone he has... to talk about about running in 2010. Will there be anything left to run (by anybody)is the question. - Just a Concerned CitizenOn a scale of 1-10 the gov. rates 0-D. BeatyReasons for going or staying in war aside, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has done more to honor our Illinois troops than Gov. Blagojevich ever has. I've seen Quinn at several military funerals, but why can't the executive of the state at least pay his respects?- Acton H. Gorton, Carbondale, IL What Job,as an absentee Gov he has no performance level, ask the private sector if an employee did what the gov goes would keep him? Rate his Job performance-I would say-Poor.-rdahlin I can not begin to tell you how much I dislike the sitting governor. His arrogance and total disrespect for the Senate and House Representatives that are our voice in the state is infuriating. His actions and manipulations of state funds seem to border on illegal and we keep hearing about investigations so I'm always hopeful that Blago will end his career in the "can" along with other crooks. Good morning, In response to your request for opinions on the administration of the current governor, I respectfully offer mine. I think that the administration of our current governor is an absolute slap in the face of the residents of Illinois. Despite his campaign promise that there will be no more "business as usual", Not only has he continued "business as usual" but Blagojevich has set new vistas in corruption and arrogance, and "business as usual" continues to flourish. Because of his inability to govern honestly, capably, and truthfully, his own party members are now engaged in fits of uncontrolled hand wringing over his shenanigans and total lack of ethics or scruples. To all of the Democratic lemmings that voted with a single collective brain to reelect this boob for a second term, I simply ask why are you now complaining and whining about Blagojevich? You voted him into office so you are getting exactly what you asked for. Those of us who voted for his rivals in the primary and general elections knew what to expect and are not surprised by his failures. I sincerely hope that in the 2010 election Illinoisans will start using their heads when electing our leaders. Otherwise, this state will continue to wallow in the detritus left behind by the Blagojevich administration. -Jim Ochwat, Orland ParkBlagojevich is a clown. He is leading the voters & reporters around by their noses. He is allowed to take a plane ride daily, at our expense, to go home to throw kisses at his kids. Many of us parents would love the freedom to work at home, play with our children, and collect an extremely high salary to perform these duties. If his FAMILY is soooo important become a working slob, same as the rest of us, collect a salary for honest work, and after work return home!!! When is our legislator going to wake up and run this idoit out of town??? Courious, as a property tax payer, who pays his taxes? Please, let's get this clown out of office and back on the streets where he can do no more harm to his fellow man. -Pat Ford
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
E-Mail CBS 2 Your Thoughts On Gov. Blagojevich's Administration
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
