Governor intervenes on behalf of laid-off, handicapped IDNR worker

[Cuban_Liberal]

BACK TO WORK: BLAGOJEVICH REHIRES IDNR WORKER WHO LOST WHEELCHAIR

BY CALEB HALE
THE SOUTHERN


JONESBORO -- Arthur Burchyett got an unexpected call from Gov. Rod Blagojevich Friday morning, telling him to report to work at noon.

It was strange for two reasons -- one, it was the first time a governor had ever called the 62-year-old mechanic; and two, Burchyett was one of 89 Illinois Department of Natural Resources employees laid off Jan. 14.

Burchyett, who has worked at the Union County Refuge for 22 years, was apparently a special case in the governor's eyes. Bound to a wheelchair since a 1994 tractor accident, Burchyett used a power chair the state purchased for him to continue working for IDNR. However, when he learned he would lose his job, the state also informed him he would lose the wheelchair.

<snip>

Blagojevich issued the following statement on the matter:

"Yes, these are tough times and we have to make tough decisions, but that has to be balanced with compassion and common sense. While we're going to do what it takes to not raise the income tax and not raise the sales tax, and while it's important to run government more efficiently, you can't look at everything in terms of dollars and cents. (Burchyett) should have his job back, and I'm ordering the Department of Natural Resources to give him his job back."

<snip>

More: http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2005/01/30/top/doc41fb80d2e8102942054165.txt

[davsand]

1. A cynic would wonder about Blag's motives for this one.

I'd never want to appear to be cynical, however.

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I do have a question for the Governor, however, that he might find difficult to answer...

WHAT ABOUT COMPASSION FOR EVERYONE ELSE YOU LAID OFF, YOU SORRY SOB?

Sorry. I had a momentary lapse in credulity. I'll not let it happen again.


Laura

[Tweed]

2. Good points

It does seem a little odd that he does this for this one special worker.

[Radical Activist]

3. aw shucks that makes me forget how little he has accomplished as Governor

NOT!