The embarassing nightmare may finally be ending.
The Cook County Board will begin taking steps today to temporarily replace the ailing John Stroger as board president.
The move to name Bobbie Steele as interim president comes as a new report questions just how mentally aware Stroger is as he undergoes physical and mental rehabilitation from a March stroke.
The Daily Southtown reports that as recently as three weeks ago, Stroger was unable to move any of his limbs and couldn’t remember his name or the day of the week.
But Stroger’s chief of staff, James Whigham, vehemently denies reports that his boss is profoundly disabled, saying “this is not a man sitting there blubbering,” and Stroger is “not sitting there with drool coming down his mouth.” […]
Because John Stroger has not been seen publicly or heard from since the stroke, a majority of the 17-member board is set to select Steele to finish the six months left in Stroger’s term.
Though nothing is on today’s board agenda, commissioners said they expect extra meetings this month to make it happen.
“This will be done by July 1,” Commissioner Larry Suffredin said of the first-of-its-kind move. “But even if the vote was [today] I’m very optimistic she’d have nine votes and maybe more.” […]
Also Monday, a longtime John Stroger ally, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, joined calls from Mayor Daley and Sen. Richard Durbin that the Stroger family be more forthcoming about John Stroger’s health.
Sources close to John Stroger said his wife, Yonnie, recently rebuffed Jackson’s request to visit Stroger.
Surreal.
- Pat Hickey - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 8:24 am:
Terry Peterson was the first really effective Alderman of the 17th Ward in years; under Terry Peterson, more was accomplished to attract small business investors to the economic wasteland on 79th Street that had become a playland for for gangs. Blighted and abandoned buildings were targeted for development; the 6th Police District was moved from its blue velveeta cheesebox operation on Green Street to the new multi-million dollar headquaters on Halsted; Federal dollars were ear-marked for economic deveopment and not an alderman’s pockets; gangs were targeted with true aim; job opportunities for 17th Ward residents sprouted; and the neighborhood began to look like one.
Terry Peterson has taken on CHA - that should be enough for any man - and worked miracles in improving the lives of so many.
Terry Peterson is a hell of a guy.
- Wumpus - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 8:48 am:
How dare Rev Jackson, Daley, Durbin and these types dare think of speaking of Stroger. The man suffered a stroke and no one is allowed to question anything. Have they no heart?
- Niles Township - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 9:10 am:
How about Forest Claypool? Almost half the voters who actually voted supported him? Seems like the #2 choice to Stroger. If not Stroger, it should be Claypool, though it will never happen.
- zatoichi - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 9:11 am:
This whole thing just keep getting worse and makes all these people look like idiots. Stroger apparently has a had a bad stroke. The vultures are positioning for what’s in it for them. The family is unwilling to give up what they have, waiting for the miracle cure. Business has to go on and you would have thought some type of succession plan was in place. Isn’t there a vice-president that covers for the president when the president is not available. Guess that system does not work in Cook County like it does at thousands of other organizations. Do these egos all fit in the same room?
- Cassandra - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 9:14 am:
Ms. Steele may be the interim commissioner but I’d be really surprised if the Daley family lets her have the job permanently.
Claypool doesn’t have a chance. He’s white.
Daley needs the black vote for re-election.
- Skeeter - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 9:23 am:
I am turning into a Steele fan. The more I hear the better she sounds.
Stroger Jr. is unacceptable. Completely unqualified.
The only virtue of choosing Davis is to get him out of Congress — to digress, this should be the next poll question: “Can Danny Davis do more damage in Congress or as President of the County Board”?
Peterson doesn’t want the job.
I am still not convinced of the qualifications of Dorothy Brown. There has been improvement there, but nothing dramatic.
Steele is my choice.
One final note: I am not a fan of Jesse Jackson [I consider him a moth — he is always there for the camera lights], but I must give credit where credit is due. He stepped out in front on this one. He did the right thing.
- T-Bone - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 9:45 am:
How about Mike Quigley? This would be his best chance to serve as President. He couldn’t get enough petitions for the primary and he mucked up Forrest’s campaign. He could do all his grandstanding for the cameras for the next six months. It would be perfect.
- Anon - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 10:07 am:
To T-Bone
Mike Quigley for President? Come on. Didn’t we hear this before. Remember when he announced he was running and then said that under no circumstances would he get out of the race? What happened? He had no support and heard rumblings that people were looking to take him out of his commissioner’s seat. He folded like a pup tent. This proves that he is a coward and a liar. Claypool lost because Quigley became his campaign manager. In the Southland, people hate Quigley. Look and Claypool’s numbers south and east of 55th and Western. If the Dems were smart, they would fill the interim spot with someone who will beat the Republican candidate (whoever that is).
- anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 10:38 am:
He couldn’t get enough petitions for the primary
False–Quigley had far more than he needed to qualify. I was one of his petition gatherers, so I should know. As for “mucking up” Claypool’s campaign–you mean the campaign that came closer to knocking off one of the most powerful politicians–and political organizations–in all of Illinois than anyone ever has before?
Look and Claypool’s numbers south and east of 55th and Western.
Talk about a red herring: south and east of 55th and Western is JOHN STROGER’S DISTRICT. Of course Claypool wouldn’t do well there. How gullible do you think we are, Anon?
As for Quigley, no candidate says they’re dropping out until they actually do–otherwise any leverage they have disappears. And as for “rumblings that people were looking to take him out of his commissioner’s seat,” the last time anyone tried that, Quigley crushed them at the polls. No real surprise then that he was unopposed this past March and is unopposed in November.
- The Peter(son) Principle - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 10:44 am:
Pat’s razor sharp political instincts are on display again, I see. Too bad for him that Terry Peterson is about as ready to clean up the Cook County mess as John Stroger is/was:
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — In a follow-up to an April 2005 investigation, the Better Government Association (BGA) and the Resident’s Journal have found that the 17th Ward Democratic Organization continues to receive a suspiciously high amount of its funding from Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) contractors….The only connection between the 17th Ward and CHA contractors is Terry Peterson, former 17th Ward alderman and currently the Chief Executive Officer of the CHA.
More here.
- Gigi - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 10:49 am:
I hope my wife would also tell Jesse Jackson not to visit me in the hospital. He would be the last person I would want to see during a recovery period. I don’t think Jesse would visit me anyway since there would be no TV cameras or other media there.
- Ashur Odishoo - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 1:11 pm:
Peterson is at the center of numberous campaign contribution scandals. Apparently, the 17th ward organization gets many donations from CHA contractors, yet there aren’t any CHA projects actually in the 17th ward.
How about throwing a bone to outgoing Carl Hansen for 135 years of service.
- Wumpus - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 1:42 pm:
Anon 10:38am - He couldn’t get enough petitions for the primary
False–Quigley had far more than he needed to qualify. I was one of his petition gatherers, so I should know. As for “mucking up†Claypool’s campaign–you mean the campaign that came closer to knocking off one of the most powerful politicians–and political organizations–in all of Illinois than anyone ever has before?
He almost did it? Stroger just suffered a Stroke and he still go spanked. i wish he would’ve won, but he wasn’t even close.
- Merlin - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 1:56 pm:
I guess Claypool’s people have a right to congratulate themselves for making the race relatively close, however, my take is that they ran such a negative, mean spirited campaign with such a hateful candidate that the voters actually preferred a half dead guy.
That’s the ones that actually voted. Most stayed home because Claypool was so inspiring.
- anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 2:23 pm:
Oh of course, Claypool shouldn’t have been “mean” and mentioned the catastrophic fiscal mismanagement at the county, beatings at the juvenile home, contracts going to dead people, filthy forest preserves, unimaginably long waits for prescriptions at the hospital, etc. How dare he make critical comments about a 12-year incumbent’s record! How dare he! It’s so mean.
The fact is, after Stroger’s stroke, Claypool pulled his hard-hitting ads and recorded a new one expressing sympathy for the president’s health while maintaining it was time for a change in leadership. Three months later, with the county adrift and massive problems still looming, can anyone honestly argue that a change in leadership isn’t LONG overdue?
- Anon - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 2:24 pm:
I have a source in the Speaker’s office and Quigley’s people were calling two weeks before the filing period seeking bodies to go out and collect sigs. I don’t think anyone took the request seriously. Who know if he had enough. Who cares. But if your talking about leverage; than why not file and then pull out. I am sure Mr Lyons or Mr. Beavers would have pushed for Mike for another office i.e. Treasurer or a future office such as City Clerk.
- Campaign Race - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 2:39 pm:
Just look at how many votes came out of Quigley’s home ward. It was pathetic. I doubt he even wanted Claypool to win. I just hope the voters are glad what they’re getting now. Everyone knew that Stroger wasn’t going to be able to serve when he had that stroke. The devil you know (Claypool) is better than the devil you don’t (whoever the 80 Committeman pick for us).
- Can't understand it! - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 2:51 pm:
How about a hispanic canididate for Board President? Maldonado or Moreno can fill the post. Why are they not being mentioned? How about Manny Flores, or Sen.Iris Martinez?How about Sen. Del Valle or Ald. Solis or Ald. Ocasio or Rep. Soto?
Oh why ,Oh why are there no hispanic poltician being mentioned.Is it because they are so insignificant? Can someone tell me why?
- Levois - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 3:11 pm:
It’s probably about time that they make a move on this. It would be nice if the Stroger family could be honest. However if they can’t then perhaps what they already have should be taken from them.
- anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 3:36 pm:
I have a source in the Speaker’s office and Quigley’s people were calling two weeks before the filing period seeking bodies to go out and collect sigs.
Find a new source. The idea that Quigley would turn to Madigan for help, or that Mike “Mr. Democratic Machine” Madigan would help upstart Quigley (regardless of his machine beginnings) is laughable.
Just look at how many votes came out of Quigley’s home ward. It was pathetic.
Claypool received almost 83 percent of the vote in Quigley’s 44th Ward –the second highest vote percentage for Claypool in the city, second only to the 47th ward, his own base. How much better was Quigley supposed to do?
- Wow - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 3:40 pm:
Amazing how no one knows the rules.
Claypool cannot be the nominee because he lost the primary.
No one can be an interim president unless a vacancy exists.
The only one who can declare a vacancy is John Stroger.
The board has no authority to remove the executive.
Stop dreaming up scenarios. Until Stroger says he will not be the nominee, the Central Committee cannot choose someone else. Unless Stroger says he will not be the President the Board cannot choose someone else.
There are no other rules. There are no other choices. Most of what you read is wrong.
- voice of reason - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 3:49 pm:
Wow–thanks for clarifying some of the rhetorical mess.
Claypool Camp–it would not have been “mean” for Claypool to make legitimate criticisms of poor management and fiscal policies. The ads I received from him, however, simply LIED about County property tax levies. The second one cited a 1995 Tribune article as the source for the assertion that Stroger has raised the levy 10 times–most of those times occurring after 1995. Since the County’s levy has been flat for several years, and Claypool has been a commissioner and has complete access to that information, and in fact should be well-versed in it, I could only conclude that this was an attempt to appeal to wealthy white northsiders who don’t like property taxes. That was the moment he lost my vote.
- Campaign Race - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 3:58 pm:
Wow, he got a high percentage, but the turnout in that ward was PATHETIC! 20% of the registered voters. Whoopty doo! Anonymous, you and Quigley could run some pretty good campaigns with those numbers. Good luck.
- Huh? - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 4:11 pm:
Wow,
Please don’t demonstrate your complete ignorance for the world to see. You are absolutely wrong. Feel free to actually read the state statute.
1. Nothing would prohibit Claypool from serving as Acting President while Stroger is incapacitated. Claypool cannot, however, serve as the party nominee.
2. The County Board has express authority under state law to name a successor in the event of the incapacity of the President. 55 ILCS 5/2‑6003.
So, in summary, Wow - stifle or get a law degree.
Signed,
A Real Lawyer
- Just Observing - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 4:35 pm:
BTW everyone… Quigley was NOT Claypool’s campaign manager… he was Claypool’s campaign chairman — a big difference. The manager actually manages the campaign, while the chairman is a feel-good, do-nothing talking head for the campaign.
- sideline watcher - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 6:15 pm:
How about looking outside of Chicago? Cook County is really large place, and it would be nice to see someone under 65 for a change, and not mired in the muck and garbage of Chicago politics. Chicago and Cook County politics is as disgusting as it is because we let it continue unchecked and unchallenged.
- Ignatius J. Reilly - Tuesday, Jun 6, 06 @ 7:59 pm:
It is truly a Confederacy of Dunces in inaction. Peraica’s need to stir things up and John Daley’s need to protect the family interests are understandable. Likewise, the actions of both pro and anti Stroger camps with a direct interest in the outcome. Wrong or right they’re standing for something. But is there any statuatory guidance that leaves the John Strofer and the combatants in place for some more rousing debates and maybe a little governance, but gives all the deadbeat, Ted Lechowicz type, Sideline Tippy Toed Peeping Toms and Lipstick Liberal Reformers of both parties the boot for being the ones that are really unfit for service?
- Pat Hickey - Wednesday, Jun 7, 06 @ 7:53 am:
Peter,
Peter, old sock, would it not be mete for the director of CHA to find contractors building affordable housing for relocated former residents of ‘the jets’ in the 17th Ward where such housing projects for poor people are afoot?
Seems so.
Alas, my unburnished steel offers this quid nunc:
It is not the task of the President of the Cook County Board to ‘clean up’ Cook County; rather, to serve as the executive of that gathering of worthies. Peter, Peter, Peter; men speak to one another like men and not school girls.
- The Peter(son) Principle - Wednesday, Jun 7, 06 @ 8:22 am:
Lay off the magic mushrooms, Pat–you’re unintelligible.
- Pat Hickey - Wednesday, Jun 7, 06 @ 9:12 am:
Peter,
I have no doubt that you are unable to read the last post.
- The Peter(son) Principle - Wednesday, Jun 7, 06 @ 11:01 am:
No, I just think your attempts to emulate William Safire are ludicrous. You’re just not that good.
To cite but one example, “mete” is not an adjective, despite your use of the word as that part of speech. The Oxford English Dictionary–pretty much the final word when it comes to the English language–lists two noun and three verb definitions for “mete,” but no adjective definitions. If the OED has no clue what you mean, I sure as hell don’t.
It is also obvious that you didn’t understand the BGA’s press release about Peterson, in which it is quite clear that the contractors making donations to the 17th Ward Democratic Organization have NO CONNECTION WHATSOEVER to the ward except that it is the home base of Terry Peterson. Again: NO CONNECTION.
- Pat Hickey - Wednesday, Jun 7, 06 @ 11:31 am:
Peter - Mete not an adjective
Mete - OE. used as a verb transitive or noun.
Safire? You read Safire? De Gustibus Non est Disputandem. For you - Non homo sed in vero mentula magna minax! Have fun.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 7, 06 @ 1:04 pm:
Safire? De Gustibus non est disputandem. I thinking more along the lines of Giovanni Bruti; thus:
“I am therefore of this advise, that it not mete nor convenient for a Maiden to be taught or trained up in learning of humane arts, in whom a virÂtuous demeanor and honest behavior, would be a more sightlier ornament, then the light or vain glory of learning, for in learning and studying of the arts there are two things finally proposed to us, that is recreation and profit, touching profit, that is not to be looked for, at the hands of her that is given us for a companion in our labors, but rather every woman ought wholly to be active and diligent about the government of her household and family, and touching recreation by learning that canÂnot be granted her, without great danger and offence to the beauty and brightness of her mind; saying then that the government of estates and public weales are not committed into the hands of women, neither that it is lawful or convenient for them to write laws, by which men should be ruled and governed, as Draco, Licurgus, and Numa Pompilius did, neither as professors of Science and faculty, to teach in Schools the wisÂdom of Laws and Philosophy, and seeing also that in such studies, as yield recreation and pleasure, there is no less danger, that they will as well learn to be subtle and shameless Lovers, as cunning and skillful writers, of Ditties, Sonnet’s, Epigrams, and Ballades, let them be reÂstrained to the care and government of a family, and teach them to be envious in following those, that by true virtue have made little account of those, that to the prejudice of their good names, have been desirous to be reputed Diotimes, Aspaties, Sapphoes, and Corinnes. For such as comÂpare the small profit of learning with the great hurt and damage that comes to them by the same shall soon perceive (although that they reÂmain obstinate therein) how far more convenient the Distaff, and Spindle, Needle and Thimble were for them with a good and honest reputation, then the skill of well using a pen or writing a lofty verse with defame and dishonor, if in the same there be more erudition then virtue.”
Mighty shrill there, Pete.
- Ignatius J. Reily - Wednesday, Jun 7, 06 @ 7:34 pm:
Wow! Semper ubi sub ubi.
- Reality Check - Thursday, Jun 8, 06 @ 10:33 am:
Huh?
Hope you don’t get sued for malpractice.
Check that statute. Show us where the statute say the board can declare the incapacity.
Without that authority, the board can’t legally do anything under that section.
The closest they could come is the election code.
Huh=Esq. Doubt it
- Lance Corpral U.S.M.C. - Thursday, Jun 8, 06 @ 3:58 pm:
GO TONY HURAH.SEMPER FI