By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – With another resignation, the Republican who chairs the Legislative Ethics Commission is bemoaning the lack of a legislative inspector general – and blaming the Democrats.
“Basically, they don’t like the recommendation. And you have a citizens’ advisory group to represent the public to be impartial in telling you who you think would make a good legislative inspector general,” said State Sen. Jil (cq) Tracy (R-Quincy), “and it’s just troubling that the Democrats’ majority does not seem to want that. They want to appoint their own.”
Carol Pope is the latest to leave, with one investigation unopened. The common complaint among those who have departed is that the position – created to field and investigate complaints against lawmakers – has little authority.
As Democrats on the commission were quick to respond, this clearly became a situation in which each side is accusing the other of being disingenuous.
“I’m disappointed that Senator Tracy continues to politicize a process that was intentionally set up to try to keep politics out. The fact is the Ethics Commission has been prepared to send names to the General Assembly but Senator Tracy and other Republicans blocked those votes. If not for those actions, we could have had a new inspector general in place.” – State Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin)
“Senator Tracy’s claims today are wildly mischaracterizing the situation. Democrats have sought to advance two candidates for final selection, both of whom have been deemed qualified by the search committee and the LEC. Republicans have blocked that effort, insisting on only advancing their preferred candidate—even though both candidates have worked for former Governor Rauner and have demonstrated nonpartisan, professional expertise. In fact, both are also former federal prosecutors.
“As we’ve said all along, this should be a straightforward process and we must end the political theater so we can fill this critical position. Senator Tracy is right on one thing, the people of Illinois deserve better.” – State Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Evergreen Park).
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].
