* John Patterson has some quotes from the governor’s State Fair press availability this morning…
On the unbalanced state budget lawmakers sent him …
“It’s not only wrong, it’s dishonest.”
On abolishing property taxes as key funding source for schools [the top priority of Sen. James Meeks during the upcoming special sessions] …
“No, I don’t support that.”
On his ability to compromise …
“I don’t support an expansion of gambling.”
The governor said his supporting of gambling expansion to pay for construction shows he’s willing to negotiate. […]
On those who’ve criticized how he cut the budget …
“You know, you ought to walk a mile in my shoes.”
On his public perception …
“I don’t want to shock you, but once in a while I get negative feedback.”
On why residents of Springfield don’t like him …
“They’re mostly angry at the way things are,” (as opposed to him)
On House Democrats …
“They frustrate me. All they’re interested in is playing stupid games.”
On public dissatisfaction with state government …
“Are people angry? Sure. But so am I.”
* The SJ-R has more…
[Gov. Blagojevich] hit on several issues brought up by reporters including moving the Illinois Department of Transportation’s traffic safety division from Springfield to Harrisburg in southern Illinois.
He called it a “done deal,” despite the fact a state facilities panel still has to vote on the issue next week, and repeated that Springfield-based workers who don’t want to relocate will be able to get another state job for the same pay and benefits.
When asked what Springfield officials could do to restore operation hours at state historic sites here, he said they need to get on the backs of House Democrats, who he says are holding up passage of funds to allow that to happen.
* AP…
Governor Rod Blagojevich says the Illinois State Fair is the best place to be in August… The governor says the fairgrounds in Springfield are one of the wonders of Illinois and a beautiful place.
* Another story from the AP…
[Gov. Blagojevich] was asked repeatedly by reporters what education funding proposal or reform plan he supports, but he would not answer.