Illinois has a long history of corruption in its government, and looking back, it seems the only governor who was any good was Jim Edgar (R), who attended Eastern.

Nobody expected Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) to be corrupt, but since he took office in 2003, he has done a series of goofy things that only plunges Illinois’ reputation of corruption deeper.

The thing that pisses me off most about Blagojevich is how he chooses to use the money you and I pay him.

In March, he spent $600, provided by state and campaign funds, on a haircut before his annual budget address. His makeup artist, Deborah Dee, said she’s worked for him for the last four years.

In 2006, Blagojevich’s campaign and state funds made four payments to Dee totaling $2,700. Who knows how much more he spent?

From January 13, 2003, to the beginning of November 2003, Blagojevich and his staff managed to round up 170,000 air miles between Springfield and Chicago alone, costing $72,000.

And that doesn’t include the apartment rentals, auto mileage reimbursements or hotel costs, which totaled an additional $90,000.

He works in Springfield, but lives in Chicago, thinking that growing up in Chicago is going to make his 10-year-old daughter, Amy, more normal.

I can only hope that a little girl’s well-being isn’t the root of all his foolishness. He does have a commitment to the people of the state, as well.

Edgar never did anything like this; at least that we know.

By the time Edgar left office in January 1999, he eliminated the backlog in payments of the state’s bills, gave Illinois a surplus and reduced the size of state government.

Edgar was considered one of the best governors in Illinois history, and left with approval ratings exceeding 60 percent, whereas Blagojevich is barely making the majority, with a 50.6 percent approval rating as of May 2007.

In lieu of this majority, I give a pat on the back to Eastern and the community of Charleston.

The one recent governor our state had who wasn’t corrupt or deceitful or doubled our toll fees or used our money foolishly came out of this town.

As little credit as Charleston receives for its geography, lack of entertainment and quality of food, I think Edgar outweighs all that.

If we want to change the way things are, then the best way of doing that is by voting for your state’s politicians.

Gossip and hype that pop culture feeds us seems to shape our state of mind, and I think the fact that it carries over into real life is a problem.

Voting for local government could make a world – but at the very least, a state’s worth – of difference.