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Shimkus opposed to moving IDOT jobs from Springfield

BY THE SOUTHERN SPRINGFIELD BUREAU

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 4:48 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to move jobs from Springfield to southern Illinois puts U.S. Rep. John Shimkus in an awkward spot because he represents both areas.

But Shimkus said Wednesday he opposes moving 110 Springfield transportation workers to Harrisburg. Blagojevich pitched the idea as a way to save money on rent and to serve as a boost to the southern Illinois economy.

''I think that this forced relocation of employees from the state capital is a shame,'' Shimkus said. ''I think it's wrong,'' he added.

Shimkus was in Springfield Wednesday for a Chamber of Commerce event.

The Collinsville Republican said that if the move does happen, management should move along with the majority of workers. About 150 people work in the Division of Traffic Safety targeted for the move. The 40 management jobs aren't targeted for a move.

''If you believe in leadership by example, the leaders have to go,'' Shimkus said. ''And you can't have a double standard.''

A hearing on Blagojevich's proposal is scheduled for July 31, but any recommendations that result are not legally binding. And last week, Blagojevich called the move a ''done deal.''

Still, several of Blagojevich's plans from past years have stalled, including attempts to close prisons.