Friday, September 30, 2022

Pritzker appoints daughter of ex-Mayor Daley as chair of Illinois Arts Council, for many years Boss Madigan's wife held that job

While Nora Daley, the daughter of former Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley, has an impressive cultural background, I can't help not believing that in a state 12 million, a better person couldn't be found to chair the Illinois Arts Council. 

From a governor's office press release:

Governor JB Pritzker announced Nora Daley as the new Chair of the Illinois Arts Council. She replaces interim chair Rhoda Pierce, who will remain on the board and continue to serve as Vice Chair. "I'm delighted to appoint Nora Daley as Chair of the Illinois Arts Council," said Governor JB Pritzker.
"Nora has devoted her life to educating others about the wonders of art and culture. Her vast experience and commitment to the arts will serve our state well as she takes on the responsibilities as the next Chair of this vital council."
The Illinois Politico Playbook gives more details about the appointment--and the most important one--Nora is Daley's daughter. 

For many years--at least since the 1990s--that post was held by Shirley Madigan. Hmmm, Madigan, Madigan. Where have I heard that name before? Oh yeah, Shirley is the wife of longtime Illinois Democratic Party chairman and state house speaker, Boss Michael Madigan. Their daughter, Lisa, was Illinois' attorney general from 2003 until 2019. 

Michael Madigan was indicted an a bevy of corruption charges in March, which led Pritzker to promptly remove Shirley as chair of the Illinois Arts Council. Shirley remains on the council as chairman emeritus.

The Illinois Arts Council distributes grants to various state artists. 

Even the arts in Illinois is politicized. Sheesh.

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