By Illinois Public Radio
Chicago, Ill. – Seven current and former Illinois legislators are expected to decide next week whether former Gov. George Ryan deserves an annual pension.
But some members of that group have close ties to Ryan, and one is actually a former Ryan employee.
Retired legislator Phil Collins served under Ryan when he was Secretary of State. Collins still calls him a good friend, and says he finds it hard to believe Ryan is guilty.
Some observers say that makes Collins unfit to judge whether his old boss should get a state pension check. But Collins says his personal affections won't cloud his judgment.
"People can draw any inferences they want, but I have a fiduciary duty to the other members of the pension system," Collins said. "I will strictly vote my conscience in accordance with the law."
Collins says he'd thought of recusing himself, but decided to stay on the panel.
The trustees are scheduled to meet next Wednesday (November 29).