Open Illinois.org

Open Illinois?

Governor Quinn has spoken about his support for transparency in the past…why is he waiting to sign the Illinois Accountability Portal (HB35), which awaits his signature after passing both the House and Senate in a unanimous vote?

Take a look at the following from the Governor:

When sworn in Oath of Office at 5:40 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2009

“I pledge an open and fair state government worthy of being called the Land of Lincoln,” Quinn said. “The people of Illinois have the right to expect integrity and diligence from their elected officials.”

JANUARY 30, 2009, 4:01 P.M. ET
Wall Street Journal
New Illinois Governor Takes On State’s Economic Woes
By Douglas Belkin

“We’ve had a body blow to our politics and government in the last seven weeks and two days, but that’s over,” Mr. Quinn said. “Today is a beginning… We’re going to start to fumigate state government from top to bottom to make sure that it has no corruption.”

With his balding head, halting speaking style and slightly rumpled suits, Mr. Quinn could hardly look more different from his predecessor. Mr. Blagojevich wore $3,000 hand-made suits, quoted poetry from memory and insisted his staff carry a brush at all times in case he wanted to care for his trademark shock of dark hair.

Mr. Quinn said appearance won’t be the only difference. He promised openness and transparency under his administration and said he would be much more available to the press than his predecessor.”

April 9, 2009
Press Release from the Governor’s Office
Governor Pat Quinn signs Executive Order to Increase Transparency for State Boards and Commissions

“Increasing transparency will ensure to the public that future administrations will meet the highest ethical standards in appointments to state boards and commissions.”

April 10, 2009
Chicago Tribune
Illinois politics: Gov. Pat Quinn wants candidates to start with zero in the bank
Billed as finance reform, plan would inhibit governor’s well-funded foes
By Monique Garcia

“Quinn also signed an executive order creating a Web site, appointments.illinois.gov, listing the members and vacancies of the state’s 300 or so boards and commissions, saying that doing so will increase transparency and prevent corruption.

“I’m going to do the best I can to help quarterback this movement of everyday people, the good citizens of Illinois, to get their government back,” Quinn said.”

It has been 14 days since the Illinois Accountability Portal (HB35) passed both houses. Curious what’s taking so long? Why don’t you give him a call and ask:

Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-0244
TTY: 888-261-3336