Another politician we won't forget

I was relieved in January when Gov. Blagojevich was removed from office and Lt. Gov. Quinn became the top elected official of our state. I had admired Quinn for many years and was certain he was exactly the right person to seize the moment and work with our legislature to enact meaningful reform. I was impressed by the recommendations of Quinn's Illinois Reform Commission. Here was a blueprint for substantive change that could make our state a bench mark for ethical excellence rather than a Stephen Colbert punch line for ethical failures. Here was an opportunity for leadership.

Instead, Gov. Quinn quickly morphed into "The Creature From The Black Lagoon," a frightening being we Illinoisians have seen too often - a hypocritical politician. I tell my MBA students "politics" is a neutral word, describing the process by which people attempt to influence other people, build coalitions and achieve goals they believe important. But in Illinois, "politics" too often seems to be a synonym for self-serving behavior hiding under camouflage paid for by unlimited campaign contributions. And too often Illinois politicians choose platitudes over risk. It is easier to hide behind "... the best we can do at this time" than it is to gamble one's individual political future by doing the right thing, by advocating fundamental changes that make our system better.

And yet that is what we want. Leaders who believe we can do better and are willing to fight to realize that vision.

Your recent editorial concluded "We won't forget." Neither will I.

Gary Midkiff

Wauconda