PEOPLE Edited by Jennifer Davis
MSI trial: Not guilty James Berger, the highest-ranking state official indicted in the Management Services of Illinois Inc. scandal, was found not guilty. The deputy director of Public Aid on unpaid leave was charged with 16 counts of mail fraud and one count of misapplication of federal funds. Three defendants and the company had been found guilty earlier in connection with a scheme to defraud the state in a contract. Another defendant pleaded guilty. Chicago Library board head steps down This is the 125th anniversary of the Chicago Public Library board, a perfect time for "fresh faces and new energy," says longtime board member and President Cindy Pritzker in announcing her resignation. Pritzker, wife of wealthy hotel owner and congressional candidate Jay Pritzker, has been described as the "heart and soul" of the city's library system. A Chicago Sun-Times editorial recently credited her with "turning what was once a neglected, even pathetic, civic institution into a nationally acclaimed asset." Indeed, Pritzker was the driving force behind Chicago's Harold Washington Library Center. "Thanks to her, the building came in on time and on budget," says Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey. Pritzker, the board's president since 1989, was first appointed in 1984. She will stay on with the board's nonprofit fund-raising foundation, which she created. 36 / February 1998 Illinois Issues Question & Answer GARY J. LAPAILLE After two terms as Democratic Party chairman for Illinois, Gary LaPaille has decided not to run again. For anything. At least not now. The former state senator and Democratic House chief of staff spoke with Illinois Issues shortly after the holidays. He reflected on the past, his own future and the future of the party.
Which are? I'm very proud of the fact that we carried Illinois twice for President Bill Clinton. And the party's decision, my decision, to have an open [U.S. Senate] primary in 1992 resulted in the historic election of Carol Moseley- Braun. [Braun became the first black woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate]. And also our recent success in regaining control of the House. Not that we haven't had our down times. We've had some very down times. Like 1994, when the entire state ticket succumbed to the Republican national tidal wave. Still, in the past, the party chair was just a figurehead. You'd only see him every two years when it was time for slatemaking. I've really made it into a contact sport. I've really traveled the state, especially downstate. I remember missing birthdays of my children to be in southern Illinois. Your name came up recently as a potential state treasurer candidate. What made you decide not to pursue that race, and what does your political future hold? I was encouraged to run for treasurer by several Democrats, but I decided it just wasn't the right fit at this time. At age 43, I'd rather continue to zero in on my business. It's a good, thriving business, which allows me to travel with my family when I wish. As for my future in politics, I wouldn't rule out any future runs for office at any time. It depends on what becomes available. I do plan to remain active in national, state and local Democratic politics and to keep up the network of friends I've built up over the years. With your national connections as a member of the Democratic National Committee, are you looking more at entering national politics? Never say never. I am currently active in national Democratic politics in that role and as finance co-chair of the Democratic Governors' Association. That allows me to go into other states and try to elect Democratic governors. I plan to continue in both those party-building roles. Many have said your last responsibility is producing a unified ticket in the upcoming election. With four contenders continued on next page Illinois Issues February 1998 / 37 Q & A continued.... for governor, do you feel you've done that? Hey, they ain't going to pin this one on me. I attempted to forge endorsements from the top of the ticket on down, but the response I got from everyone was: Just let them all run. So, if people say the ticket is not unified or not balanced, don't look at Gary LaPaille to shoulder the burden. I shouldered the 1994 debacle [the Republican sweep nationwide], although that was a national trend and every state was hit. I had to survive an attempt to oust me midterm after that election. The four candidates running for governor right now are all very strong- willed. They know they only need 25 percent plus one vote to win the primary, and they all have their various scenarios as to how they can accomplish that. Still, maybe in several weeks some reality will start checking in. You recently stopped short of advising Jim Bums to drop out of the race. Yes, well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see he was led into the race by House Speaker Michael Madigan. Whether Madigan's support was real or just perceived, he is now supporting Glenn Poshard to labor [unions]. That is significant action, and Burns should look at it. Speaking of Madigan, what is your relationship with the House speaker now? You were once his chief of staff, but your falling out is widely known. We live a block apart and I see him from time to time in the neighborhood. I still consider him a friend and one of the best Democratic strategists in Illinois. I was proud to be a part of his team when I was [in the State- house]. I consider him someone who knows how to organize and coalition- build and keep Democrats together. And I believe I've learned and used many of those skills over the years. Still, if he ever wants my help, I'm just a phone call away. LaPaille is also president of Capitol Management Group, a Chicago-based business marketing and consulting firm he founded three years ago. State science-technology panel created Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra will oversee the new advisory committee designed to help the state better use its technological resources. In a statement announcing the committee, Gov. Jim Edgar said it would help "prepare industries for global competition and help educators, researchers and industrialists anticipate and respond to emerging scientific and environmental trends." The committee replaces the Governor's Science Advisory Committee. Jack Kahn, president emeritus of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, will retire as chairman of the GSAC. Alan Schriesheim, director emeritus of the Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago, is chair of the new committee. The members have yet to be appointed.
38 / February 1998 Illinois Issues
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