Illinois Boards and Commissions are Stymied by Vacancies

Hundreds of Illinois boards and commissions have members serving on expired terms, vacant positions or no members at all.

Advocates say that can result in delayed decisions and ineffective advocacy for millions of Illinoisans, organizations and businesses. The state Banking Board, for example, hasn't had enough members to meet since 2003.

State officials and advocates place much of the blame on former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, saying he often ignored or delayed appointments.

Gov. Pat Quinn says he hasn't caught up on the appointments because of more pressing state issues and the desire to be extra careful after his predecessor was accused of trading some appointments for political favors.

Quinn says he plans to make many appointments in the next 90 days, and he's set up a Web site so people can apply online.