John Gregory -- Illinois Radio Network

There was a lot of talking during Wednesday’s Legislative Audit Commission hearing on the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative, but not from witnesses.

All declined to speak, citing the ongoing federal investigation of the troubled anti-violence program championed by Gov. Pat Quinn. In fact, only one witness even showed up as others send lawyers in their place. State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) says those who were subpoenaed to appear before the commission should have come in person:

After arguments over everything from the agenda to when to break for lunch, Republicans and Democrats on the panel did agree to honor a request from the U.S. Attorney for Illinois’ Central District, James Lewis, that it not take testimony from witnesses for 90 days.

But the two sides could not agree on whether it needed to seek permission from prosecutors once that 90-day deadline is near, and left with the issue unresolved.  State Rep. Rob Reis (R-Ste. Marie) felt frustrated with what did—and didn’t—transpire at the hearing.

“This is embarrassing,” Reis said. “Absolutely embarrassing.  I’m not sure if anyone’s left even watching, but you know, we’ve been seven hours and haven’t asked one question.”

The panel did ask all witnesses or the lawyers sent in their place to turn over documents related to the NRI, which the legislators say does not interfere with the federal investigation.  They also unanimously voted to make all those documents available online to the general public.

If members of both parties agree on the 90-day deadline, the commission would able to hear testimony in October, weeks before the election.  The co-chairman of the commission, State Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley), says he’s not concerned with affecting the race between Quinn and his Republican challenger, Bruce Rauner.

“Just as I presided over the Blagojevich (impeachment hearings) and the MSI hearings under Gov. Edgar, that really doesn’t make a difference,” Mautino said.  “We’re gonna do what we’re gonna do here. The parties are gonna do what they’re gonna do.”

The commission will meet again on Thursday in Chicago.

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