Quinn probe commission debates next hearing date as election looms

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Only one of seven subpoenaed Quinn administration officials appeared at a state commission's hearing Wednesday as part of an ongoing probe into a 2010 anti-violence program.

Five of the absent sent their lawyers to the hearing and one wrote a letter citing the U.S. Attorney's request that the commission not hear testimony for 90 days amid a federal investigation.

"Her intent is not to provide testimony in deference to the United States Department of Justice," said John King, attorney for Toni Irving.

Commission member and Sen. Bill Brady questioned what right the witnesses had not to appear in person.

"I wonder what authority you think you have to tell your client to avoid the statutory requirement," Brady said.

The bipartisan, 12-member commission is investigating the Quinn administration's 2010 Neighborhood Recovery Initiative, the $55 million anti-violence program a state audit found to have been mismanaged, with some of the money unaccounted for.

The governor said his administration uncovered the program and corrected the issues nearly two years before the audit.

"I will not ever apologize for fighting for programs that save lives," said Rev. Michael Phleger of St. Sabina Faith Church.

Outside the Bilandic Building, activists, including some who received NRI grants, accused audit commission republicans of using the hearing as an election year gambit.

"Don't sit down here and play your political games," Phleger said. "These are real children, real lives. Come out and tell them you want to stop the funding."

The commission, unable to hear from witnesses Wednesday, is divided on when to reconvene in the fall, when the U.S. Attorney says testimony would not interfere with the federal investigation. Republicans are pressing to meet again in October before the November election. Democrats are pushing for a date after the election.