Overdue reform: Signs of the times (Editorial)

It's taken more than five years, but Illinois is now poised to outlaw the brazen use of state property for self-promotion that came to symbolize the egomaniacal reign of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

A small thing, really, considering the scale of the real problems our state faces, but a satisfying development nevertheless.

Openroad In late 2005, large overhead signs costing $15,000 each went up at 32 Illinois State Toll Highway Authority plazas heralding the introduction of I-PASS lanes and reading "Open Road Tolling. Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor."

State ethics laws on the books since 2004 prohibited state officials from placing their names or images on taxpayer-funded "commercial billboards" promoting public services and programs. But the thinly disguised campaign signs on the tollway were technically noncommercial.