Republicans are criticizing Gov. Pat Quinn over hiring troubles at his Transportation Department, where he replaced director Ann Schneider.
Quinn’s GOP election challenger, Bruce Rauner, says the governor “commands a culture of patronage, corruption and cronyism.” There was no word on why Schneider is leaving. But news reports and a federal lawsuit have questioned agency hiring which put politically connected people into jobs that should be been protected from political considerations.
State Rep. Ron Sandack is the ranking Republican on a House transportation committee. He says the hiring scandal tarnishes Quinn’s image as a reformer and Schneider’s ouster was inevitable.
Meanwhile, Quinn told reporters Tuesday that Schneider resigned voluntarily.
He said he accepted Schneider’s resignation and he’s appointed someone new who will carry out the “responsibilities of the job with excellence.”
Quinn would not discuss in detail the circumstances of Schneider leaving.