ILLINOIS GOVERNOR RE-HIRES EDUCATION ADVOCATE WHO RESIGNED UNDER ETHIC VIOLATIONS FOR CRIMINAL HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION, & SOCIAL SERVICES BREACHES

Quinn rehires top aide who resigned over ethics breach

11/23/2010

By Monique Garcia - Chicago Tribune

Gov. Pat Quinn rehired a former top aide who resigned following ethics violations that became an issue in the governor's race, his office said today.

Jerry Stermer, who served as chief of staff before resigning in August, will return to Quinn's administration on Nov. 29 in the role of senior adviser. He will make $125,000 a year.

Stermer, a longtime education advocate, will consult with Quinn on issues such as healthcare, education, social services and the budget.

"He is coming back at the governor's request," said Quinn spokeswoman Ashley Cross. "He has a wealth of experience and knowledge in these areas and has a long history of working with legislators and others that make him the best fit."

Stermer resigned several days after former Executive Inspector General James Wright found he improperly sent e-mails to Quinn campaign aides using a state account. Quinn fired Wright the same day he was briefed about the violations, though Quinn has said the timing was a coincidence. Quinn dismissed Wright in the morning, but said he did not read the report until that evening.