Senate rejects Quinn’s SIU board appointments

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate hasn’t provided a single vote in favor of three appointments by Gov. Pat Quinn to the Southern Illinois University board of trustees.

The Democratic-controlled Senate voted 0-23 with 32 “present” votes on Quinn’s request to name Sandra Cook of Collinsville, Melvin Terrell of Chicago and Lee Milner of Springfield. The Democratic governor had named them as replacements for three board members whose terms expired last month.

Alton Democratic Sen. William Haine said he didn’t know the nominees’ qualifications but he praised the outgoing members — John Simmons of East Alton, Mark Hinrichs of O’Fallon and Ed Hightower of Edwardsville.

He says Quinn didn’t seek Senate advice on the appointees as the state Constitution requires.