Quinn: Burris' Son Received Job Fairly

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Mar 17, 2009 8:40PM

After an investigation into the allegations that there was impropriety involved in getting Roland Burris' son, Roland W. Burris II, a job with the state, Governor Quinn's office announced Monday that Burris II received the job fair and square. Quinn's office issued a statement saying Burris II acquired his job with the Illinois Housing Development Authority, "in an appropriate manner."

Upon completion of a thorough review into the hiring of Roland W. Burris II by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the governor's office of general counsel has found no indication of improper conduct.

Besides the obvious questions of interaction with then-governor Rod Blagojevich, under whom Burris II became employed, there was also the issue that Burris II got the job in spite of being issued a tax lien of over $34,000 and facing a foreclosure on his South Side home.

WBBM outlined the hiring process Burris II underwent for the job.

A statement says that, last July 2nd, Roland Burris II responded to an online job posting for a senior lawyer position with the Illinois Housing Development Authority. He filled out an application, was interviewed for the job, and was hired on September 10th, more than three months before then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich tapped Burris’ father to fill President Obama’s vacant Illinois U.S. Senate seat.

Gov. Quinn's office confirmed that Burris II will continue to work in his current position for the state. [Sun-Times]