Pritzker: Sandoval should give up chairmanship

Posted on October 2, 2019

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The governor is unambiguous on this one – a lawmaker who was key to the new infrastructure plan should give up his chairmanship of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee, at least for now.

Gov. JB Pritzker Wednesday, speaking to reporters after a speech in Oak Lawn, referred to you and your car knowing every pothole on I-80: the $45 billion road plan is needed. Then the subject turned to State Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago).

“Let me be clear,” Pritzker said. “While Sen. Sandoval is under investigation, it is in the best interests of our state that he no longer serve as chairman of the Transportation Committee. If he doesn’t step aside, he should be removed. We must – we must – assure the public that this work is on the up-and-up. Corruption and self dealing will not be tolerated.”

Agents last week raided two Sandoval offices and his home amid allegations he’s some kind of shakedown artist seeking kickbacks. The Senate President’s spokesman says the investigation is still active, and President John Cullerton wants to make an informed decision.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…