Home | Subscribers Only | AIM | Contact | Mobile | Subscribe | Classifieds | Calendar | Resumes
To subscribe to Capitol Fax, click here. Subscriptions are $350 per year. To advertise on the Capitol Fax Blog, please click here.
Mixed signals?

Thursday, Apr 28, 2005

Two different media takes on CMS’s intentions.

From the AP:

The Blagojevich administration is still doing business with a politically connected firm that billed the state for parties, candy and other improper expenses.

Executives at the Illinois Department of Central Management Services say they are “outraged” that the state paid for those items. But they have not cut ties with the company that submitted them, Illinois Property Asset Management.

C-M-S official Paul Campbell says the company has helped the state save money, so firing it without further investigation would be a mistake.

Copley’s version:

A politically connected company criticized in a state audit for seeking payment for questionable expenses could lose its $25 million contract, a Department of Central Management Services official said Wednesday. […]

CMS is reviewing the expenses questioned by Holland and also is trying to determine why CMS employees monitoring the IPAM contract didn’t stop the payments, CMS general counsel Ed Wynn said.

Depending on the outcome of that review, - expected to be completed in a few weeks - CMS could decide to cancel the $29 million contract, Wynn said.

I think the two men basically said the same thing. But their tone must have been different for the two reporters to come away with such different perspectives.

- posted by Rich Miller


16 Comments
  1. - Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 28, 05 @ 1:59 pm:

    Just a few thoughts on the CMS audit. I know William (Bill) Holland fairly well and count him as a good friend. He is nothing but an honest straight shooter. One thing that I have not seen mentioned in print is that Bill is a Democrat, who was appointed by a democratically controlled Legi. I think he is 2 years into his 2nd 10 year term. At the end of this term he can retire. The current governer and his admin. does not have the power over him that they do over other state employees. From what I know of Bill he simply wants our state government to follow the rules as they are written and to benefit the citizens of this State not the politicians and their connections. CMS is barking up the wrong tree if they think they can smear Bill. This audit and the handling of it by CMS seems to be a window into the governer’s new way of doing business. If you don’t like the findings of an audit attack the person that performed the audit. They are acting like Jr. High aged brats that don’t like to be told they have done something wrong.


  2. - Tom DeLay's Mom - Thursday, Apr 28, 05 @ 3:44 pm:

    I could not agree more with the previous post! Absolutely right on the money. Holland has always meticulously followed the letter of the law and calls ‘em how he sees ‘em - whether he’s auditing Dem OR GOP controlled agencies.

    The “attack the messenger” tactic is tried and true on the campaign trail and is acceptable during a knock-down, drag-out fight between candidates - it’s not an acceptable method for taxpayer-funded state agencies to employ to run flak for the governor.

    This is yet another symptom of the Blagojevich Administration’s failure to understand the fact that there’s a big difference between campaigning and governing.

    The governor is an excellent campaigner - but he’s proven, time and again, he’s not much of a GOVERNor.

    That CMS Audit is going to have long legs…just wait until the House investigative hearings begin - breathes new life into this particular news cycle.

    Should be fun to watch!


  3. - Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 28, 05 @ 3:50 pm:

    I thought the press coverage could have been alot worse. I guaged “joe public” types and they have no clue what to make of it… They just dont understand.

    They dont know Bill Holland from Bill Cosby!


  4. - Tom DeLay's Mom - Thursday, Apr 28, 05 @ 3:58 pm:

    Just give it some time - the media is just starting to digest this. Editorial boards are pretty adept at explaining why “Joe Public” is a stakeholder and should care about issues like this.

    Sustained negative media coverage, and looming editorial spankings will hurt the governor over time - if you say something enough times, people begin to believe it.

    And even if voters don’t understand this issue (or care about it enough to read the news stories) - Blagojevich’s political opponents will be more than happy to summarize the issue for the electorate with a heavy salvo of nifty, 30-second commercials!

    The more coverage this story receives, the more soundbites and excerpts Blago’s opponents will have to insert into those ads…


  5. - Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 28, 05 @ 4:03 pm:

    Anyone else wondering who the City of Chicago employee is who obviously wasn’t doing city business but rather working for IPAM for I’m sure big $?

    #32 of the list of reimbursed expenses was a cell phone bill for $344.04 that’s statement is billed to the City of Chicago but yet IPAM was seeking (and received) reimbursement for it. Not only are these folks corrupt but completely incompetent!!!


  6. - Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 28, 05 @ 5:30 pm:

    Rich,

    What is so different?

    Both said, as of now, the contract is still in effect and, upon further investigation, it could be terminated.


  7. - danblake - Thursday, Apr 28, 05 @ 8:52 pm:

    I posted the just a few thoughts comments earlier. Since that time I was able to read some of the Gov’s comments about this audit. He made some sort of comment about this being a fight between accountants. I read this and have to think his 18 score on the ACT is showing through. Lets see they want to make the state to run more like private business. That being the case some people at CMS and some of the vendors involved should be facing fraud trials. (Enron,Tyco,World Com). Oh, maybe the gov. and CMS people just want to be able to inflate numbers and abuse fiducary duties but, don’t want to be held accountable. Maybe we need Elliot Spitzer to come from New York. My hope is that Lisa M. does look into this matter. However, not much may come of this because of the politics involved. From what I have heard she is a likely gov. candidate in 2010 and may not want to alienate to many people. On the other had I have not heard anything but good things about her. One thing most people outside of government don’t know is something like this has been along time coming. I am not involved in anyway in politics. However, I live in Springfield and know various pols. and lobbyist. Most of them even the Democrats have been amazed at the public persona of this admin. followed by actions that in some cases are worse than business as usual. I am sorry but, in my mind if you want a state contract you should not be allowed to give any campaign contributions. On the other hand this would mean that your ability to get a contract would be based on your ability to fulfill that contract. Hum a new concept.


  8. - Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 28, 05 @ 9:50 pm:

    Man, where was all this Republican indignation during the previous Edgar and Ryan administrations when countless examples of wrong doing occurred? Where was the Republican indignation when Treasurer Topinka had state staff running her campaign? Where was the indignation when JIm Edgar stepped all over the MSI scandal?

    You all act so surprised at Governor Blagojevich but you shouldn’t. Leaders of your very own party have set the standard!


  9. - danblake - Thursday, Apr 28, 05 @ 10:20 pm:

    1st of all I have no party affiliation. 2nd, I can’t recall that any of the people you mentioned ever went public and said no more business as usual. The whole point is this admin is no different than any of the ones you mentioned. They can say whatever they want. However, actions speak louder than words. If they really want change, then heads should roll at CMS. You as well as I know this will not happen unless the presure gets to intense. At my place of employment actions outlined in this audit are grounds for termination. If they truly want to operate like private business the same should happen here. These actions can be disguised in any manner that CMS and the vendor wishes. The bottom line is that the vendors actions are plain and simple theft. CMS actions as shown thus far constitutes incompetence. The Gov. needs to put his money where his mouth is. No pun intended.


  10. - Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 28, 05 @ 11:53 pm:

    To the Edgar and Ryan were no better camp: no one is shocked that Blagojevich is doing the same thing.

    The shock comes in the showing no remorse, no promise to do better, no grasp that being incompetent is a political liability.

    Things like this are shocking:
    “WASHINGTON (AP) - Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Thursday that the state’s selling of old computers that still hold potentially sensitive government files and personal data should be addressed, but he made light of the situation, joking that it amounted to greater public “transparency” into government operations.

    It’s information that the public probably has a right to know anyway. So I’m not at all concerned about it,” he told reporters.

    Auditor General William Holland warned that the problem could be serious.

    The computers contained information about Internet addresses and servers that could help someone breach computer security measures. They also contained document files and instant messenger programs.

    Some of the computers were from the secretary of state’s office, which handles drivers licenses and other personal information.


  11. - Anonymous - Friday, Apr 29, 05 @ 8:08 am:

    At the moment, I am more concerned about Holland’s warning regarding the computers released from state custody with sensitive information still on their hard drives.

    Inappropriate expense reimbursements can be recalled and criminal charges can be filed when appropriate, but much of the sensitive information that went out the door with old computers easily could land in the wrong hands and be used for a range of criminal activity that could go undiscovered for months.

    Failing to oversee the proper destruction of sensitive electronic files is a serious violation of the public trust and deserves as much investigation and criticism as the allegations contained in the just-released audit.

    I hope state officials and the news media will take a closer look at how state agencies dispose of computers and other information management equipment.


  12. - Anonymous - Friday, Apr 29, 05 @ 8:26 am:

    I know this is off topic, but the SJR has a story about ANOTHER DOT employee charged with a DUI. He, of course worked on Blago’s campaign and was appointed to a Bureau Chief position after a short stay at CMS (maybe they didn’t invite him to the free lunches at CMS). He was found asleep in a parking lot at 1:30AM. I would love to take direction from him at 8:30AM or whenever he stumbles into work. This is the second Blago appointee charged with a DUI in last two weeks. Doesn’t that agency promote safe driving and no drinking? More quality people from this group….


  13. - danblake - Friday, Apr 29, 05 @ 1:51 pm:

    This post has been removed by a blog administrator.


  14. - Anonymous - Saturday, Apr 30, 05 @ 8:44 pm:

    Given their past relationship or lack of, I’m surprised that the Guv’s office hasn’t pointed the finger at Secretary White for not wiping those computers clean. Maybe the Guv’s folks knew they were SOS computers and are just trying to turn the heat up on Secretary White?


  15. - Tessa - Sunday, May 1, 05 @ 8:45 am:

    Did the computers come out of the SOS offices? Over the years, many of ours have been replaced and the old ones taken back to Springfield. At some point in time, they are to have the hard drive completely erased so that they can be gotten rid of, some how, some way. I, of course, wouldn’t want one of those antiquated things, but someone might.

    I can only imagine what could be found on some of the computers they take from administrators, but from local DHS offices, etc., the thought is scary. Identity theft is a click of a mouse away.

    As for Holland, I’m proud of what he’s done, regardless of party affiliation, he has a job to do and he has done it well.

    At some point, the Gov’s attitude about this is going to blow up in his face. He’s not taking this very seriously, at least not in front of the media. And this is far from over. The legislative hearings haven’t started.

    Grab some popcorn and sit back and watch.


  16. - classic car insurance quotes met life dental insurance - Monday, Jun 12, 06 @ 2:25 pm:

    rainy enlivens mast?carp Skye!summertime reducing recede


TrackBack URI

Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.


ON THE BLOG TODAY...
* This just in... Obama returning to Springfield
* Question of the day
* A look ahead
* The legacy
* The horse race
* A hyper local failure
* Morning Shorts
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax
** Yesterday's blog posts

Support The Capitol Fax Blog
Visit our advertisers...

Search This Blog...

Search the 95th General Assembly By Bill Number
(example: HB0001)

Search the 95th General Assembly By Keyword

Quick Links


Main Menu
Home
Illinois
YouTube
Pundit rankings
Obama
Subscriber Content
Durbin
Polls

Archives
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004

Blog*Spot Archives
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005

Syndication

RSS Feed 2.0
Comments RSS 2.0
WordPress
 

  
  » Hurricane Information Goes Mobile
  » Review: Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger
  » MacRumors: OpenClip.org Offers Copy and Paste for iPhone Across Apps
  » Jobs: Fix for iPhone Apps Crashing in September
  » MacRumors: Screenshots for Upcoming Nike+ App for iPhone and iPod Touch?
  » iPhone 3G Connectivity Failure: Roundup
  » Mobile Handset Sales Down in 2Q
  » Palm Treo Pro Leaks Around the Web
  » Review: BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth Headset
  » QuickText Speed Dial For SMS… Now That’s A Neat Idea
  » Going down memory lane with Treocentral Treocast #50
  » Treo 800w Accessories
Maintained by Feed Informer

  » Turtle Hunts Down And Catches Criminal, Eventually.
  » Best FTP Clients? [Hive Five Call For Contenders]
  » The Context-Configured Desktop [Featured Desktop]
  » QTAddressBar Brings Vista Explorer's Address Bar to XP [Featured Windows Download]
  » Gmail Superstars and Quick Links Make a Killer To-Do List [Gmail]
  » Explorer++ Improves On Windows Explorer [Featured Windows Download]
  » Declutter Your Schedule to Find More Free Time [Overload]
Succoured by FeedInformer

» Walk-off homer completes second cycle
» White Sox won't allow a letdown
» Clayton Richard Is Surprised He Won Too
» Richard gets win No. 1 for White Sox
» Crede returns to game action
» Hall fine after postgame prank
» Ramirez supplying power for White Sox
» Game #126: WhiteSox (71-53) vs. Mariners (46-78)
» The Four Horsemen...pt3
» The 2008 Scouting Report, By The Fans, For The Fans
Upholded by Feed Informer


  » A fine tradition of Chicago mediocrity - Chicago Sun-Times
  » Governor signs educational improvement bill - ElmLeaves
  » Senior Calendar - Aurora Beacon News
  » VP insight Obamarama . . . - Chicago Sun-Times
  » Senate Dems scramble for Jones' job - Chicago Sun-Times
  » ISAT results on hold while tests are rescored - River Forest Leaves
  » Pontiac won't give up prison fight - Peoria Journal Star
  » DSI joins fight against IDOT move - The State Journal-Register
  » Democrats award Blagojevich rivals key convention roles - Chicago Tribune
  » Family ties are what bind Illinois into its sad state - Chicago Tribune
Provided by feed dot informer dot com


  » Fire chief quits during contract talks
  » Richard leads White Sox over Mariners 5-0
  » Obama faces new criticism on abortion
  » Mental health exam won't be videotaped
  » Slain officer remembered by family, friends
  » Surprised cargo screening conduct at O'Hare
  » No Mega Millions jackpot winner
  » Harden pitches Cubs over Reds
  » Isringhausen likely out for season
  » Snell leads Pirates over Cardinals 4-1
Provided by FeedInformer

  » Air Force near choice on $15B copter deal
  » Daley joins local lineup at Dem confab
  » Aussie firm buys Shatkin Arbor
  » Man who suffered 9-ft. tapeworm sues Shaw's
  » Rep. Lipinski backs CN in rail fight
Powered by feed.informer.com


  » Plan to sell railway picks up some steam
  » 81 new firefighters are first group from '06 test
  » Should train conductors know CPR?
  » Fellow officers mourn off-duty cop shot last week
  » City agrees to arbitrator on firearms test for FOP leaders
  » Senate Dems scramble for Jones' job
  » Controversial pastor lands job at Orland Hills church
  » Living within her means has paid off big-time
  » Landlord, 77, attacked with burning chemical
  » Daley scoffs at worries of political purge
Upholded by FeedInformer


  » Apparent barricade situation in Cicero
  » Neighborhood zoning changes: Insider's game
  » Shooting near McDonald's may have been retaliatory
  » South Side landlord set afire
  » Denied refund, customer goes wild
  » State extends health coverage for young adults
  » Undocumented immigrant in coma set to be returned to Mexico
  » EPA: Chicago air fails to meet new standards
  » DeKalb alligator captured, officials say
  » DeKalb alligator captured
Brought to you by FeedInformer


  » District Urges Chicago Students to Attend School
  » Lake Shore Drive Resurfacing Begins
  » CHA Residents Mobilize to Move Elsewhere
  » CTA Presents Orange Line Extension Options
  » Immigrant’s Kin Fights to Keep Hospital from ‘Deporting’ Him
  » Daley Not Committing To Potential Lay-Offs
  » CHA Donates Space for National Public Housing Museum
  » Illinois Colleges and Universities To Fast-Track Vets' Applications
  » Bears' Orton to Start As Opening Day QB
  » Few Motorists Means Less Cash for Indiana
Upholded by feed.informer.com


  » Talk regarding Jones’ seat dominates Senate session
  » Part of MacArthur closed for tree trimming today
  » Veterinarians remind owners to update dogs' vaccinations
  » Aldermen banned from city council's office supply closet
  » Downtown Springfield Inc. joins fight to stop IDOT move
  » Review: Poison’s explosion fills the hall
  » Dave Bakke: Some closure 31 years after disappearance
  » Chatham public works committee stands by RV storage rules
  » Riverton School District deficit at $150K
  » DSI joins fight against IDOT move
Maintained by Feed Informer


  » Costello to have office hours in Southern Illinois
  » Renfro likely new park district leader
  » From Southern Illinois to everywhere
  » Race for state Senate takes nasty tone
  » Donation to jumpstart charity car show
In Association with feed dot informer dot com


» Friends of MCC raise $40,000 for scholarships
» Long Grove site of best-dressed dog show
» Police beat
» Northwest suburban fundraisers
» Northwestern suburban networking calendar
Upholded by FeedInformer


  » One amendatory veto slips through
  » Peorians may get a say in how it elects its own city council
  » Rod Blagojevich: Accessory After the Fact
  » GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 19, 2008
  » Why Emil Stepping Down Hurts Linda Holmes
  » Bad News for News
  » The start of a new beginning
  » Anything He Wants
  » What Does Omar López Represent?
  » Sen. Emil Jones' Campaign Fund: a half-million dollar personal bank account?
In Association with FeedInformer

» US in talks with Turkey for Straits passage of its naval vessels - Turkish Daily News (subscription)
» Clear choice awaits voters in Illinois' 11th Congressional race - Southtown Star
» State politics smitten with incurable plague - Chicago Sun-Times
» Carney readies for reserves training - Citizens Voice
» Rev. Jesse Jackson, Chicago 1996 - Rocky Mountain News
» Immigration: Enforcement or Politics? - BusinessWeek
» Kirk fights pork, wasteful spending - Chicago Daily Herald
» Seals targets Kirk on women's rights, pay equity vote - Chicago Daily Herald
» Thompson golfers target the $10 million mark - Idaho Mountain Express and Guide
» Salazar will speak at DNC Wednesday - Valley Courier Online
Brought to you by feed dot informer dot com

» Beebe: No rush to replace slain Ark. party leader - The Associated Press
» Democrats need 'strong, unified voice' - Red and Black
» Obama could unveil VP pick in Springfield - Southtown Star
» Up like a rocket, down like a feather - Southtown Star
» Clear choice awaits voters in Illinois' 11th Congressional race - Southtown Star
» What Obama must do to win - Arkansas Online (subscription)
» Republican Convention: Lookahead - Sky News
» Blame game misplaced in teen pregnancy saga - Gloucester Daily Times
» Is Obama reversing course on space? - SunJournal.com
» Personal About Politics: Cone of Silence? Not So Much, No. - Gather.com
In Association with Feed Informer

» Keep Blagojevich out of Senate; vote McCain - Bloomington Pantagraph
» Congressman backs CN takeover of EJ&E - Chicago Daily Herald
» Campaign Surrogates: Winners and Losers - WIS
» How Democrats Honor The Troops - GOPUSA
» Political briefs - Waukegan News Sun
» Making college affordable - In-Forum
» Public housing museum moves closer to a permanent home - Chi-Town Daily News
» Whistle-blowers - Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
» Do Democrats actually listen to T Boone Pickens? - Hot Air
» Alton wants back thousands on flood costs - Alton Telegraph
Supported by FeedInformer

    » Election 2008 | Obama-McCain Race is Too Close to Call According to New Poll
    » Election 2008 | Obama Plans Springfield Rally on Saturday...Veepstakes Winner Announced?
    » Back to the future
    » You Can't Walk All Over Miss America Anymore
    » Beijing 2008 | Shawn Johnson Wins Gold on Balance Beam
    » Politics: LaHood's statement on Lyon's accusations
    » The More We Get Together, The Happier We'll Be...
    » Surrender, or accepting reality?
    » Ad coming
    » Barack’s simmering born alive lie
    » Jill Stanek Follies
    » typetext
Powered by feed.informer.com




Header Photos...