Democrat Gov. Pat Quinn rehired a former top aide who resigned following ethics violations that became an issue in the governor's race, his office said today.
Jerry Stermer, who served as chief of staff before resigning in August, will return to Quinn's administration on Nov. 29 in the role of senior adviser. He will make $125,000 a year.
Stermer, a longtime education advocate, will consult with Quinn on issues such as healthcare, education, social services and the budget.
Stermer resigned several days after former Executive Inspector General James Wright found he improperly sent e-mails to Quinn campaign aides using a state account. Quinn fired Wright the same day he was briefed about the violations, though Quinn has said the timing was a coincidence. Quinn dismissed Wright in the morning, but said he did not read the report until that evening.
