Quinn Says He May Remove U of I Trustees Who Don’t Resign

If they don't do it themselves ... Governor Pat Quinn may force out the remaining members of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. There are already well over a hundred people willing to serve next.

A state panel that reviewed how clout sometimes influenced which students were admitted to the U of I called for all of the university's trustees to step down. While three trustees announced their reisignations, including Chairman Niranjan Shah, six have not. It's not only against the panel's suggestion ... but also the governor's. Pat Quinn says it would be best for the university if they willingly leave the board.

"We'll thank them for their service and then move on", said Quinn, during a signing ceremony for new ethics legislation. "So that's what they should do and that's what the people I think want them to do, and it's time for them to do it."

If they refuse, Quinn hinted he will take it upon himself to remove the remaining members.

"When problems arise, things have to be repaired, I'm there to repair them," said the governor.. And so I'm ready to go."

Quinn called for the trustees' voluntarily resignations early this month, but has not taken any action.

The Governor says approximately 140 people have filled out online applications to be on the U of I board.

The ethics legislation Governor Quinn signed on Monday includes one measure that sets ethical requirements any member of a state board or commission must meet. It also requires information about state board and commission membership and vacancies be published on a government Web site.