Opinion

Consider Rauner appointees in Mendoza tiff

Posted March 13, 2017 12:00 am

A recent political editorial (Sun-Times, Feb. 18, by Tina Sfondeles) and a letter to the editor (Daily Herald, Feb. 25) both criticized State Controller Susana Mendoza for her purchase of a used SUV costing $32,000.

Transparency in government and its officials is good and necessary, especially in our state, considering $11 billion in unpaid bills and tens of billions in underfunded pensions.

However, let's not vilify one official for a questionable expenditure, but set the record straight on certain facts not in evidence.

Fact: Governor Rauner campaigned on a promise of change, "Shake up, Springfield" but has he? He recently hired former, appointed by him, State Comptroller Leslie Munger to be Deputy Governor at $135,000 a year, which is in addition to the current Deputy Governor Trey Childress salaried at $198,000. But wait, there's more. Chief of Staff to the Governor Mike Zolnierowicz salaried at $180,000, plus newly appointed Chief of Staff Brad Hahn and Deputy Chief of Staff Phillip Rodriquez under Munger, salaries unknown, are on the payroll at this time also.

Wait! Let's not forget the Governor's wife Diane Rauner salaried at $100,000 for Chief (of what?).

All this personnel calculates to approximately $850,000 for this fiscally drained state.

So for all you fact-finding reporters and right-wingers, ask yourselves what does our Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti do for her salary of $135,000?

Isn't transparency great?

Kenneth Kvidera

Roselle

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