News April 2005

CMS director quits
Central Management Services Director Michael Rumman announced he will leave that post to seek work in the private sector. Before joining CMS two years ago, Rumman was president of Peoples Energy Services in Chicago. Assistant CMS Director Paul Campbell has been appointed to replace Rumman. Before joining CMS, Campbell was a partner at Piper Rudnick, a law firm and one-time lobbyist for Mesirow Financial. Mesirow's real estate division is part of a consortium that won $31 million in consulting work from CMS.

Illinois Issues April 5, 2005

 

U.S. attorney reveals details from case
against Ryan
Government's evidentiary proffer for United States of America v. Lawrence Warner and George H. Ryan, Sr. (.pdf)
See related court documents

Illinois Issues, January 11, 2005

---

Obit

William C. (Bill) Harris dies
The first state Senate president under the 1970 Illinois Constitution died December 30. He was 83 and had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

Harris was elected to the Senate in 1960 and served for 16 years, which included a stint as assistant majority leader. Previously, he had been a state representative for six years. The Pontiac native also was a member of several boards and commissions, including the Illinois Issues advisory board. Harris served on the board from 1986 to 1993 and subsequently he was honored with emeritus status.  He was appointed Illinois Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies by former Gov. James R. Thompson.

Harris was a political mentor and friend to many, including Pontiac Mayor Michael Ingles. “Bill had no enemies. He did have adversaries; that’s the nature of politics. But even his adversaries were his friends.’’

Harris had no tolerance for negative campaigning, preferring to be supportive of his fellow politicians. “He had a twinkle in his eye; he loved life; he loved his friends.’’ The mayor remembers counting on the Harris to offer the same parting words: “’Keep on doing what you’re doing.’’’

Ingles says, “I think of Bill as a role model, as the best of us in the political environment.”

Illinois Issues, January 10, 2005

---

People

U.S. attorney reveals details from case
against Ryan
Government's evidentiary proffer for United States of America v. Lawrence Warner and George H. Ryan, Sr. (.pdf)

Illinois Issues, January 11, 200

Read our analysis: George Ryan's political career

llinois Issues, December 17, 2003

Case summary of Operation Saferoad
(updated December 17, 2003)
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/osr/osrcasesummary.pdf

Press release, the Ryan indictment
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/pr/2003/pr121703_01.pdf