Governor Rauner Grabs the Reins with Executive Orders

It remains to be seen how well Governor Rauner will be able to work with the General Assembly. Illinois' moribund fiscal condition is in need of a course correction, and that won't happen without a series of politically tough votes. Republicans and Democrats will have to cooperate by putting votes on difficult legislation, and Governor Rauner will probably need to be the fulcrum between both parties to make it happen. 

In the meantime, the Governor is using his Executive Order authority to begin shaping policy where he can act alone. He has thus far signed the following three Executive Orders:

Executive Order to Address the State's Fiscal Crisis
This Order directs the state agencies to identify and halt non-essential spending. This includes contracts and grants, with certain allowable exceptions. It also forbids any expenditures tied to supplemental funding. Vehicle purchases and out-of-state travel are also prohibited unless authorized following a review. In-state travel by state agency personnel is restricted and subject to approval. Surplus property must be identified and sold at auction and agencies are encouraged to adopt energy conservation practices to cut costs. 

Per David Ormsby at the Illinois Observer, the Director of the Governor's Office of Management and Budget has issued compliance guidelines for determining appropriate versus prohibited spending with respect to this Executive Order.

Executive Order to Ensure Ethical and Responsive Government
This Order imposes a one-year revolving door ban on lobbying state agencies, restricts gifts to state employees, requires state employees to file a statement of economic interest, and instructs the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) to review employment contracts. This includes employment contracts entered into by units of local government, universities, boards, and commissions.

Executive Order Requiring Transparency Within State and Local Government 
This Order requires the posting of all political hires on the Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal (ITAP) operated by the Department of Central Management Services (CMS). The Order also calls on the state to assist local governments in complying with the employment postings required under the ITAP law (this law was approved a few years ago, but implementation of the system was delayed for some time).

These are important reforms that set a new tone for the state bureaucracy while sending a signal to outside observers that things are changing in Illinois government. The Executive Orders are also a good way to build some momentum toward the ominous negotiations and votes that will be required for the more consequential and structural reforms that lay ahead. 

Where Are the Mr. Smiths?

I made it my ambition to get involved with politics and government after watching "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" in junior high. The speech in the clip below is what made me realize what I wanted to do with my life. I can trace it back to that singular moment.

I'm still idealistic enough to believe in Senator Smith's pleadings against an "establishment" that serves no interest except for the cultivation of its own power and self-interest. I still believe in the nobility and honor of ethical service to others. And I still believe that there is no endeavor more worthy of pursuit than the "lost cause." I believe that the greatest "lost cause" involves the wielding of conferred power with respect and humility. It's about the realization that power doesn't belong to an individual and their allies. It is merely borrowed to accomplish a purpose. And it must be returned to its source when that purpose is accomplished. Power cannot "belong" to a person or group of people. Power cannot be earned since nobody is actually worthy of it. Power can only be entrusted. And it must never become an entitlement or be used for personal gain.

If leaders maintain a humble and ethical relationship with power, everything else will take care of itself. Where are the Jefferson Smiths? We need them now more than ever.