Chicago Sun-Times: Governor's indecision hurting state's cash flow

This may sound like nagging, Gov. Blagojevich, but the state has been waiting patiently since last spring for you to make appointments to the Illinois Gaming Board. There are three vacancies to be filled and the board can't get any work done with just two members. Two does not equal a quorum. That means some casino projects are languishing and no new gambling revenue is rolling into state coffers.

The two remaining board members, Gary Peterlin and William Dugan, say they are itching to get to work, but you simply won't help them by appointing new members. "The reason we've come to a screeching halt is because we've got a bad manager," griped Dugan, earlier this week. "And that bad manager is the governor of the State of Illinois." The work is beginning to pile up: There are construction projects for existing casinos in Rock Island and Metropolis that need to be approved; three casinos and three gaming suppliers need their state licenses renewed, and then there's the long dormant 10th casino license.

Governor, you say you haven't filled the three positions because you can't find the right people for the job. But we don't buy that. We know the board should be made up of candidates with backgrounds in the law, accounting and public policy -- and without connections to any of the interested casinos -- but surely in this grand state of ours there is no lack of qualified people. You promised in June that you would nominate members to fill the empty seats. Isn't seven months ample time to do that?

Granted, the gaming board is a hot potato for you. Board members decided to pick Rosemont to be the site for the 10th casino, ignoring the advice of their staff worried about allegations that Mayor Don Stephens has ties to organized crime figures. Attorney General Lisa Madigan went to court to fight the gaming board decision to pick Rosemont, and now a private citizen also has filed a suit. It could be years before this mess is cleaned up. Maybe you are just waiting to see what the courts decide before you make a decision about board members. But that means it will take even longer for the other casino projects to get up and running.

The contracts for Peterlin and Dugan -- both appointed by former Gov. George Ryan -- will be up in June, and then you'd be able to name the entire board. They'd all be your people. But at some point, soon, the contenders for the 10th casino license -- notably Rosemont and Des Plaines -- need an indication of what's going to happen. And business shouldn't be stalled for other casino applicants. The new gaming board members will have to be informed enough to make decisions and the longer their appointments are delayed . . .

We're not asking you to roll the roulette wheel, Governor. But, as you well know, there's health, education and transportation to pay for. So start dealing. The state needs the cash.