The letter below has been sent to ISP Director Larry Trent, with cc's to Governor Blagojevich and Lt. Governor Quinn.

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Larry G. Trent, Director
Illinois State Police
125 East Monroe Street, Room 103
P.O. Box 19461
Springfield, IL 62794-9461 December 17, 2004

Dear Director Trent:
On behalf of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association (INBA) and the journalists of our state, I am calling on you to immediately lift the gag order you have imposed on Illinois State Police troopers.

The timing of your order – following a WLS-TV report spotlighting the activities of Governor Blagojevich’s ISP bodyguard unit – could not be worse. It sends the message that improprieties and cover-up are acceptable, while full disclosure and whistleblowing are not.

INBA agrees with Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn that your order will have a chilling effect on troopers who see media contact as the only way to expose wrongdoing.

Since his election in 2002, Governor Blagojevich has claimed to be a champion of open government. Your gag order directly contradicts the governor’s claim. It is imperative that you lift this order immediately.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you at greater length.

Sincerely,

Steve Scott, President
Illinois News Broadcasters Association
(contact info provided)

cc: Governor Rod Blagojevich
Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn

Steve was the "star" of part of an IRN package on this issue today. I used it, as I'm sure many of you did.

Kudos for jumping on this issue as soon as you did.

Will