By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network
CHICAGO – Someone smart said if you expect nothing, you’ll never be disappointed.
So the “good government” groups which were behind Tuesday’s meeting between Gov. Bruce Rauner and the four legislative leaders – some of which was streamed online – met or exceeded expectations.
While few people believe the real negotiations belong in the public square, Bob Reed, director of programming of the Better Government Association, said it accomplished something.
“I think the reason people wanted the leaders and the governor to show their faces is because they haven’t met since May,” Reed said. “That’s more than legitimate. Let’s get on the record talk about what you are hoping to accomplish and what the sticking points are.”
Reed said the problem is when lawmakers are sneaky or try to confuse everyone about what is really in a bill. And he agreed with those who say the New Year, with bills needing only a simple majority and not a supermajority, should be what makes things really move.
The meeting ended with some expectation that there could be another one next week.
