Governor Pat Quinn has named two new SIU Trustees, and that pleases at least one Illinois lawmaker who's been keeping a close watch on things.
Both Retired Major General Randal Thomas and Former SIUE Professor Shirley Portwood have ties to SIU-Edwardsville. Thomas holds degrees from SIUE, Portwood used to teach history there. That pleases Alton Senator Bill Haine, who has criticized Governor Pat Quinn's picks in the past for a lack of representation for the metro-East. Haine says he thinks Thomas and Portwood will bring a balance to the embattled Board of Trustees, and should allow business to move forward for the first time in months: "I'm confident they both will contribute a board which functions for a common goal and a common mission, and without any public rancor at all."
In addition, Haine says he'll hold his bill to reconstitute the SIU Board and place geographic representation requirements on its members. Haine says this new group should have a chance to work things out, and he's confident they will. A third SIU Board position is still vacant.
The Board meets Thursday, May 9th in Carbondale.