Jan. 13--At prior Springfield inaugurals, many of Illinois' new governors have painstakingly pandered to this and that favored voter group, this or that band of crony insiders. As if to say between winks, "I made it, pal, and here's what's in it for you."
But as the clock ticked off 22 brisk minutes Monday, Gov. Bruce Rauner gave a different sort of speech. He sought to bind all Illinoisans as one, not as a collection of political constituencies. Sublime riffs, gauzy promises and breezy predictions of the easy road ahead (now that I'm here)? No, this was the hurried talk you have with frightened family members when the firefighters have run out of water and the house is burning to the ground. As if to tell the more than 12 million people of Illinois: There's only one way we'll get through this. Together.
Rauner's tone was gracious but his indictment direct: Illinois is in crisis because, for several decades, a bipartisan cabal of leaders have been guilty of bad decisions, bad practices, bad management. And the only way out of this is for all of us to pull in tandem. To sacrifice -- a word Rauner used repeatedly.
Our chief disagreement came with Rauner's assertion that, "I'm nobody nobody sent." We appreciate the independence of a wealthy man who doesn't owe debts to this state's political class. Many of them are frightened that he'll do exactly what they've done, steering campaign money to legislators who vote his way. Somebody did, though, send him: On Nov. 4, voters statewide instructed Rauner to challenge that incestuous tribe.
On Monday those voters heard what they've been hoping for: a pledge of Statehouse accountability. Rauner spoke of freezing nonessential spending and of reviewing contracts signed during his predecessor's lame-duckery. We expect him also to use performance metrics of what state spending does or doesn't achieve. Friday's Tribune disclosed the latest of many examples of lawmakers throwing money at a problem and declaring it solved. We're talking about the $20 million Illinois has invested to develop 1,000 teachers to work in distressed public schools. That generous if poorly monitored revenue stream for colleges and community groups has produced ... only about 80 teachers.
Too few among us have faith in state government, Rauner said -- adding that the widespread lack of faith is justified. By that point he was reaching past the political class, speaking directly to citizens about hard work and responsibility, about values and civic commitment. Yes, about sacrifice. Listeners waiting for a long list of freebies at state expense on his watch surely went away disappointed.
To keep running Illinois as it's been run, Rauner told the people of his state, would be morally corrupt. We imagine there was some shifting of fannies in tailored suits when the new governor said his administration will make decisions based on what's best for the next generation, not what's best for the next election. That would be a shock; doing what's best for the next election has been the imperative of Illinois pols of both parties. They've focused on preserving their powers and their careers. I'm not one of them, Rauner said Monday without saying so. I won't be here forever.
The new governor's speech was a smart outreach to a state tired of losing. He spoke of an economy that creates growth and jobs. He spoke of opportunities that will bring Illinois' sons and daughters home. He wants a state that's as competitive as it can be, so it can be as compassionate as it wants to be.
So do we all, Gov. Rauner. Good luck.
