Politics & Government

Niles Reacts to Blago News

Pols, people vary from empathy to anger.

As Illinoisans took in the news Wednesday that former governor Rod Blagojevich had been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, Patch caught up with politicians and residents to get reaction.

Some were attending the Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry's party at Playbook Sports Bar; others were reached by phone.

Earlier: Your reaction to Blago sentence?

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State Rep. John D'Amico (D): "I really feel for his family. He made a terrible mistake."

Niles Mayor Robert Callero: Declined to comment.

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James Hynes, Chairman of the Niles Ethics Committee and Niles Trustee: "Fourteen years is a little on the high side, but not too surprising. In terms of public officials, it's got to be one of the more severe sentences.

"There are a couple of factors that caused the judge to give 14 instead of something less. Blagojevich testified at one of the trials and the the judge concluded he lied during testimony--that doesn't bode well. Also, he's consistently denied he did anything wrong--finally he admitted some guilt at the end, though maybe not completely.

What does it tell us about ethics in Illinois? If there's corruption, it's because the citizens allow it to happen. If we want better legislators, we should be working harder at supporting those who are good and not supporting those who aren't. Behind the scenes, reporters have to do a better job of digging things up and people have to do a better job of informing themselves."

Randy Greco, member of the Niles Ethics Committee: "I think (14 years) is fair for the number of convictions he has (Blagojevich was convicted on 17 of 20 counts). I hope it sends a message to the rest of the politicians."

Bruce Hertz, Niles Chamber member: "He got what he deserved. As my grandfather would say, 'when you sin, you must pay for your sins." Blagojevich sinned so bad they raised our taxes from 3 percent to 5 percent."

Jerry Neiberg, Niles Chamber member, reacting to the former governor's contention his family will suffer because the sentence is so long: "If he had put his family first, he would never have gotten into this mess in the first place."

Evan Allen, Northbrook resident at Playbook sports bar: "What he did was wrong, so I'd say the sentence was about right--maybe a little long.

"To have two (former) governors in prison--it's obviously ridiculous. Who are we electing in the first place?"

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