By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network
WAUKEGAN – Former Gov. George Ryan remains well-liked among state lawmakers, perhaps more popular than the current governor.
Ryan made a rare public appearance in Waukegan Friday to speak about criminal justice reform. Those in attendance, including local politicians and state lawmakers, were eager to take pictures and speak with him, despite his five-year prison sentence for corruption.
Several state legislators, including State Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan) said Ryan knew how to gain support for legislation from both parties, which has been a struggle since Gov. Bruce Rauner took office.
“I’ve served with five different governors: three Republicans and 2 Democrats, and I want to make this very clear: Gov. Ryan, we miss you,” Link said.
Ryan himself wouldn’t criticize Rauner, saying the state’s “in a financial mess” and feels Rauner is trying to solve those issues. He did mention that when he was able to get along with House Speaker Michael Madigan when he was in office.
“I had a good relationship with all the leaders in both sides of aisle and in both chambers. I had a good working relationship with all of them,” Ryan said.
Ryan declined to offer any advice to Rauner saying “he’s doing OK.”
Criminal justice reforms
Ryan is using examples from his own time in prison to call for changes to the criminal justice system.
Ryan called on advocates and state lawmakers to push for legislation to allow those released from prison a chance to shed the tag of “felon” so getting a job is easier once they’re free.
“I’m not looking for work, I’m too old,” Ryan said, “but young people I served with when I was in the Terre Haute camp, I saw a lot of young men that have to wear that tag the rest of their life.”
Ryan even joked to state lawmakers about the current budget stalemate in calling for them to address criminal justice reform issues.
“I understand you haven’t got much to do in Springfield these days,” Ryan said. “It’d be a good program for you to work on.”
Much of Ryan’s speech focused on his decision to place a moratorium on the death penalty in Illinois in 2000. He now says getting rid of the death penalty is his main focus in his post-prison life.
“I’m 81 years old now, and I’m going to devote the rest of my life to the cause of abolition in this country and other countries around the world,” Ryan said.
