Blaster Posted March 22, 2009 at 11:23 PM Posted March 22, 2009 at 11:23 PM Link to Article A 29-year-old West Point Graduate is taking over as the state's top cop.Today, Governor Pat Quinn appointed Jonathon Monken as the new director of the Illinois State Police. He has served as a platoon leader in Kosovo and Iraq before becoming a recruiter for the Illinois Army National Guard. Monken's appointment comes just two days after former state police director Larry Trent resigned. Trent served with the state police for 22 years and as director since 2003 when former Governor Rod Blagojevich appointed him.Governor Quinn calls Monken quote-a battle-tested and energetic leader.
PPK Posted March 22, 2009 at 11:45 PM Posted March 22, 2009 at 11:45 PM Let's hope he doesn't get bought by the Chicago Machine. I'm hoping a war hero's advise for women being sexually assaulted is more like, "Shoot the enemy!"
RichardM Posted March 23, 2009 at 12:23 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 12:23 AM hmmm.... miltary leader for our police state this could go one of two ways...both on opposites
ishmo Posted March 23, 2009 at 12:39 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 12:39 AM I've got a bad feeling about this but I'll wait and see what happens down the road a bit before I comment.Monken said not having a law enforcement background should not affect his credibility within the state police ranks. He has not yet decided whether to wear a state police uniform.http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/03...ate-police.html
Silver Guardian Posted March 23, 2009 at 12:43 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 12:43 AM hmmm.... miltary leader for our police state this could go one of two ways...both on opposites My thoughts exactly. This could be very good, or very bad. *flips coin*
Ocellairs Posted March 23, 2009 at 12:44 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 12:44 AM I've got a bad feeling about this but I'll wait and see what happens down the road a bit before I comment.Monken said not having a law enforcement background should not affect his credibility within the state police ranks. He has not yet decided whether to wear a state police uniform.http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/03...ate-police.html ...he's fooling himself on that matter....and big time.
PPK Posted March 23, 2009 at 12:59 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 12:59 AM Try leaving a pro comment on this Site. Just saying that he should at least be given a chance. Every comment about him is negative. I think there's a little censorship going on.
Silver Guardian Posted March 23, 2009 at 01:03 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 01:03 AM Try leaving a pro comment on this Site. Just saying that he should at least be given a chance. Every comment about him is negative. I think there's a little censorship going on. Done. EDIT: It went through after 35 minutes of verifying.
PPK Posted March 23, 2009 at 01:20 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 01:20 AM Good luck. Mine may have been censored because I said something about women shooting the low-lifes that try to rape them rather than fight them off with combs, keys, and throwing up.
bob Posted March 23, 2009 at 01:34 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 01:34 AM 29 YO sounds a little young to be running a large agency like the ISP. esoecially without police experience and his only management experience being a platoon leader for a short time. I suspect this is going to go over like a lead balloon. I am not surprised there is a purge going on of Blagos appointees. no one who worked with Blago can be trusted by any of us, even if they are not tainted.
Don Gwinn Posted March 23, 2009 at 02:56 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 02:56 AM Hey, man, I'm about to turn 31 and I've got no law-enforcement experience. Why didn't somebody call me? I guarantee the FOID backlog would go away if I were in charge. Speeding and unsafe driving would be rampant on our highways, and the forensics lab might get sold and turned into a nightclub, but by God the FOID cards would be prompt. No, seriously, what connections does this guy have? He's a military recruiter for a living? He has zero experience at police work? He led a platoon and now he's going to lead one of the biggest and most complex police departments in the U.S.? Either there's a lot they're not telling us about this guy's real leadership record, or there's a lot they're not telling us about his clout.
RichardM Posted March 23, 2009 at 04:23 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 04:23 AM maybe he recruited Daleys son for the army...what happened to him anyway?
Molly B. Posted March 23, 2009 at 04:58 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 04:58 AM What I want to know is where does he stand on License to Carry? Molly B.
RacerDave6 Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:04 AM Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:04 AM What I want to know is where does he stand on License to Carry? Molly B.I would bet that like most appointee's he's gonna stand right where the gov tells him to. Dave
MARKHOLSTRUM Posted March 23, 2009 at 02:31 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 02:31 PM I'm not trying to smear his character BUT 29 year olds that get put into that high of a position (and the pay probobly isnt too bad either) are fairly beholding to the ones that PUT them there if you know what I mean.
1957Human Posted March 23, 2009 at 04:58 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 04:58 PM According to Quinn: "Monken led more than 100 tank combat missions in Iraq without losing soldiers or equipment." Maybe he didn't lose any "soldiers or equipment," but maybe that's more reflective of how one defines "combat missions." "A 1998 graduate of St. Charles High School, Lt. Jonathon Monken graduated West Point Military Academy in 2002. Shortly thereafter, he was deployed to Kosovo, where he served as Military liaison with local community and school officials. In that capacity, he became extremely concerned about the poor condition of the schools he visited and founded the Kosovo Education Initiative in response. Jon worked to secure financial backing from numerous sources including his father's Rotary Club in St. Charles. Eventually, he collected $20,000 which was then distributed to superintendents of the local Muslim and Christian schools alike. In February '04, Jonathon was deployed to Iraq where he worked as Support Platoon Commander for a base that serves 600 outside Baqubah. To ensure the physical and mental health of the soldiers, it is essential for them to have access to exercise equipment - equipment which was lacking at that particular base. Again in response to a very real need, Lt. Monken "went to work" and through fund-raisers back home, was able to purchase in excess of $5,000 worth of exercise equipment which was subsequently shipped to his base. And those are just the highlights of numerous service projects Lt. Monken has performed both in this country and abroad." http://foxriver.redcross.org/heroes/past2005.html This is from the Hometown Heroes website. Why would they play down his role as a "tank commander" if he was one? I believe one must always view Quinn's actions with the thought in mind that he represents the "progressive" wing of the Democratic Party. Thus, we get a man at the head of the ISP whose military job was as a liasion to local schools. Wonder if he'll attend the State Police Academy in order to qualify to carry a sidearm?
jobes Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:13 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:13 PM Sorry but 29 come freak'n on. I don't care what experience you have or the background you come from. Sure this is going to payout as well as Weis and the Chicago troops. Morale down the old stinking toilet. Welcome to god forsaken IL
anonymous too Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:30 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:30 PM Is it possible to deliver a plaque to him like the governor received at IGOLD?
SirMatthew Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:38 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:38 PM He's got a MySpace, set to private though. Anyone having a MySpace account who wants to try to ask him directly feel free: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea...iendID=30642608 Private photo collection here: http://community.webshots.com/user/jonathonmonken
Pecker Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:41 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:41 PM I've actually talked with Capt Monken recently as I was researching joining the IL National Guard as an officer and Capt Monken is/was the Officer recruiter in the Northern Illinois area. Turns out Jon and I both worked for the same mortgage company for a few months before realizing we both had souls (We worked there at different times.) (There's a mortgage company in Chicago that has recruited a handful of service academy grads over the last 5 years.) Anyway, I spoke with him the day after I-GOLD and he privately, before being named to this post, was in support of our position. What his position will be on the matter after talking with his new boss...that is the question.
PPK Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:52 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:52 PM I've actually talked with Capt Monken recently as I was researching joining the IL National Guard as an officer and Capt Monken is/was the Officer recruiter in the Northern Illinois area. Turns out Jon and I both worked for the same mortgage company for a few months before realizing we both had souls (We worked there at different times.) (There's a mortgage company in Chicago that has recruited a handful of service academy grads over the last 5 years.) Anyway, I spoke with him the day after I-GOLD and he privately, before being named to this post, was in support of our position. What his position will be on the matter after talking with his new boss...that is the question.As one of the minority on here who's willing to give him a chance to prove himself, I'm thrilled to hear he supports our LTC position. I realize he may have to go with whatever the Gov's position is but then again he may align himself with the sheriff's view. I'm hoping for the best.
SirMatthew Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:56 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 05:56 PM As one of the minority on here who's willing to give him a chance to prove himself, I'm thrilled to hear he supports our LTC position. I realize he may have to go with whatever the Gov's position is but then again he may align himself with the sheriff's view. I'm hoping for the best. Well said. I doubt he'll be in the mood to shake things up right at first, but let's see what happens down the road.
Silver Guardian Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:04 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:04 PM SirMatthew - Thanks for the contact info. Just how did you find that? Well I've asked him. Made sure to use some words from his televised broadcast. I would like to congratulate you on your appointment as the new director of the Illinois State Police. As the highest ranking man who will now be responsible for the safety of your fellow citizens, I would like to know where do you stand on License to Carry? Let's see whether the clean side of the coin lands face up.
SirMatthew Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:20 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:20 PM SirMatthew - Thanks for the contact info. Just how did you find that? Well I've asked him. Made sure to use some words from his televised broadcast. I would like to congratulate you on your appointment as the new director of the Illinois State Police. As the highest ranking man who will now be responsible for the safety of your fellow citizens, I would like to know where do you stand on License to Carry? Let's see whether the clean side of the coin lands face up. Let us know what he says!
Pecker Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:37 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:37 PM I've actually talked with Capt Monken recently as I was researching joining the IL National Guard as an officer and Capt Monken is/was the Officer recruiter in the Northern Illinois area. Turns out Jon and I both worked for the same mortgage company for a few months before realizing we both had souls (We worked there at different times.) (There's a mortgage company in Chicago that has recruited a handful of service academy grads over the last 5 years.) Anyway, I spoke with him the day after I-GOLD and he privately, before being named to this post, was in support of our position. What his position will be on the matter after talking with his new boss...that is the question.As one of the minority on here who's willing to give him a chance to prove himself, I'm thrilled to hear he supports our LTC position. I realize he may have to go with whatever the Gov's position is but then again he may align himself with the sheriff's view. I'm hoping for the best. I know him very very tenuously. However, when talking with him about National Guard opportunities I mentiond I-GOLD and he did say "Yeah, I heard about that, that sounded great." or something to that effect. Don't read too much into it.
Don Gwinn Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:46 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:46 PM I'm happy to give him a chance, which is good, because it's not as if I could block the appointment if I chose to focus my powers in opposition. But I think it's reasonable to be skeptical. He may be great, but at first blush, he has all the marks of the malleable young fall guy politicians like to have in key positions. And I hate to sound cynical, but I guess I'm going to now: when Jon said this man had expressed private support for our position my heart lightened a bit. When he later specified that a military recruiter had said something like "Yeah, that sounds cool" in agreement with the guy who was thinking about signing up . . . . well, recruiters probably get a bad rap, but they are known for saying whatever they have to say to keep the conversation going. I'll tell you what, if he turns out to be pro-LTC, I owe everybody a beer. (That's everybody who has already posted above this post.) I pay it gladly.
PPK Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:49 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:49 PM I'm happy to give him a chance, which is good, because it's not as if I could block the appointment if I chose to focus my powers in opposition. But I think it's reasonable to be skeptical. He may be great, but at first blush, he has all the marks of the malleable young fall guy politicians like to have in key positions. And I hate to sound cynical, but I guess I'm going to now: when Jon said this man had expressed private support for our position my heart lightened a bit. When he later specified that a military recruiter had said something like "Yeah, that sounds cool" in agreement with the guy who was thinking about signing up . . . . well, recruiters probably get a bad rap, but they are known for saying whatever they have to say to keep the conversation going. I'll tell you what, if he turns out to be pro-LTC, I owe everybody a beer. (That's everybody who has already posted above this post.) I pay it gladly.Corona is my favorite. Don't forget the lime
Federal Farmer Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:51 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:51 PM I'm happy to give him a chance, which is good, because it's not as if I could block the appointment if I chose to focus my powers in opposition. But I think it's reasonable to be skeptical. He may be great, but at first blush, he has all the marks of the malleable young fall guy politicians like to have in key positions. And I hate to sound cynical, but I guess I'm going to now: when Jon said this man had expressed private support for our position my heart lightened a bit. When he later specified that a military recruiter had said something like "Yeah, that sounds cool" in agreement with the guy who was thinking about signing up . . . . well, recruiters probably get a bad rap, but they are known for saying whatever they have to say to keep the conversation going. I'll tell you what, if he turns out to be pro-LTC, I owe everybody a beer. (That's everybody who has already posted above this post.) I pay it gladly.Corona is my favorite. Don't forget the lime I've been drinking Bud Lime lately...Poor man's Corona.
Pecker Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:57 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:57 PM I'm happy to give him a chance, which is good, because it's not as if I could block the appointment if I chose to focus my powers in opposition. But I think it's reasonable to be skeptical. He may be great, but at first blush, he has all the marks of the malleable young fall guy politicians like to have in key positions. And I hate to sound cynical, but I guess I'm going to now: when Jon said this man had expressed private support for our position my heart lightened a bit. When he later specified that a military recruiter had said something like "Yeah, that sounds cool" in agreement with the guy who was thinking about signing up . . . . well, recruiters probably get a bad rap, but they are known for saying whatever they have to say to keep the conversation going. I'll tell you what, if he turns out to be pro-LTC, I owe everybody a beer. (That's everybody who has already posted above this post.) I pay it gladly. Thats why I wanted to clarify what he said to me. I mentioned that I met a few guys from the IL National Guard at I-GOLD as well and that was part of what motivated me to get more info. I am shocked though. I do think this position is likely a bit above his pay grade just a bit. I do know he was/is in school finishing up his MBA right now as well. While I do know West Point, Annapolis and Air Force Academy leaders are known to surprise folks in the civilian world with their leadership ability, the political back room deals might eat him alive. Who knows...good luck to him though.
Don Gwinn Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:57 PM Posted March 23, 2009 at 06:57 PM Don't take this the wrong way, but you guys are cheap dates. Also, I don't think I mentioned "your choice of beers."
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