CARBONDALE - Led by Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes, a group of state budget experts gathered on the campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale Wednesday to discuss the state's finances. Those looking for uplifting news would have done well to plug their ears.

Ditto for supporters of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who each speaker singled out for specific ridicule for lack of leadership.

In delivering the keynote address, Hynes offered a grim assessment of the state's economy and a harsh critique of Blagojevich, who he said has been missing in action as the state's finances crumble.

A few years ago Blagojevich accused members of the General Assembly of spending like "drunken sailors," Hynes recalled.

"Well, the governor is hiding in his quarters," he added. "The governor is hiding. He's failing the Woody Allen test that 90 percent of life is just showing up."

Hynes continued with the sailor metaphor, referring to the state's economy as listless and "taking on water."

Hynes was blunt while considering the possibility of a recall amendment, which would give Illinois voters the power to vote elected statewide officials, including the governor, out of office.

"You'll have to find him first," he said of Blagojevich. "Our problem isn't a financial deficit; it's a leadership deficit."

In his opening remarks, Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Director Mike Lawrence set the tone by referring to the "failure of leadership" that has led to the "sorry state of Illinois finances."

Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Budget and Tax Accountability, was next up and, among a slew of statistics announced that "low-wage service jobs now comprise 30 percent of the state's work force."

Marteri concluded his remarks by saying that the state's true problem is not overspending or overtaxing but an irresponsible outdated system of taxation and a lack of leadership to make the necessary changes.

At the top of the discussion, Lawrence announced that representatives from Blagojevich's budget team had agreed to attend but had cancelled the day before.

blackwell.thomas@thesouthern.com

351-5823