Blago signs being covered up on Illinois Tollway

Auction rate political vehicle Rod Blagojevich became a toxic asset following revelations of his profanity-wrapped RFP for President Obama's vacant US Senate seat. At the end of an impeachment process the Illinois State Senate bailed him right out of the governorship, Thursday.

"He's out" was the Chicago Tribune's headline. That was Thursday.

Friday the Illinois Tollway gave visual drama to the change of regime.

First thing in the morning Illinois Tollway maintenance workers were up on lifts or bucket trucks at overhead structures doing coverups of the words 'Rod Blagojevich, Governor' in 16inch (40cm) high white on blue lettering on signs which used to read 'OPEN ROAD TOLLING (I tollway logo) ROD R BLAGOJEVICH, GOVERNOR' .

They were installing the name of the toll plaza over the top so they now read "OPEN ROAD TOLLING (I I-PASS logo) SOUTH BELOIT PLAZA'  for example.

Goes back to 2004

Some 32 giant signs 'OPEN ROAD TOLLING (I I-PASS logo) ROD R BLAGOJEVICH, GOVERNOR' were installed on open road toll gantries, sign gantries, and overhead walkways starting 2004 at a cost of $15k each, the Tollway has said.

Local press reported motorists honking their horns and giving thumbs up signs in support of the changes today. Some pulled over to take pictures and in some locations local TV helicopters hovered overhead to get video of the changeover.

Spokesman Joelle McGinnes said in 2006 when there was some criticism of the signs that without Gov Blogojevich the program would not have been possible.

Although by law the governor was just one member of the board of directors the Tollway frequently let Gov Blagojevich make its announcements and feature heavily in its publicity.

The signs really should have read 'OPEN ROAD TOLLING -JACK HARTMAN' for the name of the Tollway executive director who was the driving force behind the program. Hartman was apparently a Blagojevich nominee.

Or they could have read 'OPEN ROAD TOLLING - ELECTRONIC TRANSACTION CONSULTANTS' for the contractor responsible for the work.

Also today the Tollway's website registered the change of regime by substituting Pat Quinn for Rod Blagojevich under their 'Leadership' page.

The last sign of Rod Blagojevich on the Tollway was scheduled to be gone by Sunday.

TOLLROADSnews 2009-01-30