Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has assembled a team of budget and education expert since taking office in January. He says these staffers, whom he calls "superstars" are vital to helping him get the state government back on track. While questions have been raised over the pay of some members of his leadership team, particularly the funds from which they're drawing their salaries, Rauner told Natasha Korecki of the Sun-Times that his team comprises the most talented people he knows:"We are all about reform. We have assembled the most talented team of leaders that I know of to turn around a state government. I'm very proud of our team. And we are going to drive a transformation. The people of Illinois deserve it."Here are three of Rauner's superstars, along with their title, previous experience and salary:1. Donna ArduinTitle: Chief Financial OfficerPrevious experience: Budget director for former Governors John Engler, Michigan; George Pataki, New York; Jeb Bush, Florida; Arnold Schwarzenegger, California.Salary: $120,000 for 4-month contract (Feb. 2-May 31, 2015)From Capitol Fax:"Because she's the best in America," Rauner said when asked by a reporter how he can justify that expense. "She's a brilliant lady who's done financial turnarounds at a number of states. She's the smartest state government budget person in America that I was able to find and she's well worth it, because she's going to save us billions."2. Mike ZolnierowiczTitle: Chief of StaffPrevious experience: Served as Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. Mark KirkSalary: $180,000From the Governor's office:"I've worked closely with Mike Zolnierowicz for more than a year and he has my complete trust and confidence," Rauner said in a press release. "I know he shares my commitment to making our state the most compassionate and competitive in the nation. Mike will be a dedicated public servant whose only focus is on bringing back Illinois."3. Linda LingleTitle: Chief Operating OfficerPrevious Experience: Governor of Hawaii (December 2002-2010)Salary: $198,000From the Governor's office:"Linda Lingle was the first woman elected governor of Hawaii, serving two terms from 2002-2010. Gov. Lingle oversaw a $10 billion annual budget and made state government more transparent, responsive and accountable."From the Sun-Times:"I want people from the private sector like me, but I also really, really need talented people in government because I want to minimize the number of rookie mistakes I make," Rauner said. "This is going to be a learning curve for me, and so it's all about the team."Check out Reboot Illinois for more salary information on three more members of Rauner's "superstar" team. Sign up for our daily email to stay up to date with Illinois politics.NEXT ARTICLE: 11 Most Endangered Historic Sites in Illinois in 2015Betcha didn't know these 30 fun Illinois facts! Weird place names in IllinoisHouse approves bill to decriminalize marijuana in IllinoisThe top 20 most challenging high schools in IllinoisWant to tell your elected officials what you think of the state of government in Illinois' Use our Sound Off tool. -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
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