Governor should step down for now

In nearly all cases in which public officials are accused of serious offenses, such as the Detroit mayor's alleged infidelities, those officials are placed on "administrative leave" with or without pay until the issue is resolved. If the individual is convicted he or she is replaced in office and suffers any appropriate penalties; if the accused individual is found not guilty, he or she is properly reinstated to office and appropriately compensated for any losses suffered. Many, such as New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, have the good judgment, decency and respect for their constituents to voluntarily step aside pending resolution of the charges.

Is there no such mechanism available to the State of Illinois? U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has what he believes is sufficient reason to actually arrest a sitting governor, a totally unprecedented and dangerous act. Despite Governor Blagojevich's proclaiming that he intends to serve the people who elected him, he obviously does not have the good judgment, decency or respect for his constituents to step aside until his criminal allegations are resolved. Cannot the legislature or the attorney general's office (or anyone) mandate that Blagojevich temporarily step down and allow his lieutenant governor to run the state until some resolution is reached? And if necessary, have the state police forcibly remove him from his office. They wouldn't even have to go to Springfield to do it, since the governor eschews the governor's mansion, and doesn't associate with the legislators and other elected officials in Springfield.

Please, Governor Blagojevich, if you are really interested in serving the people of Illinois, show us the proof - stand aside and let Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn govern the state until your issues are resolved.

Marv Schulgen

Lombard