Why are we paying people on leave?

ince 2007, more than 2,000 state employees have been placed on paid leave. Gov. Quinn, can you explain to the people of Illinois, those who pay taxes, why these people are being paid while not performing any work? Those of us who work and give most of our earnings to the government in the form of taxes to support those who do not work and get paid would like a simple explanation.

Why does it take reporters to find out that over $23 million has been and continues to be paid to those who have committed wrongdoings on the job. Why aren’t the wrongdoers fired or placed on leave without pay? If they were placed on leave without pay, the issue would be resolved — very quickly. Try it, Governor. Just think how many teachers, police officers and firefighters we could hire with $23 million.

Silvio Pontarelli

Mount Prospect