Lawmaker's wife doubles salary with appointment

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SPRINGFIELD – An Illinois lawmaker's wife will nearly double her state salary thanks to an appointment from Gov. Pat Quinn.

Quinn named Carrie Zalewski to the Pollution Control Board with a salary of $117,000.

The 30-year-old Zalewski is an environmental compliance lawyer for the Transportation Department. She also has a general engineering degree.

She said Tuesday she wanted a post on the board because of its role overseeing environmental regulations. Zalewski said she applied through Quinn's online appointment Web site.

The appointee's husband is Chicago Democratic Rep. Mike Zalewski. He said he mentioned her interest to Quinn staffers but didn't promise anything in exchange for her hiring.

Carrie Zalewski said her "background speaks for itself."

Quinn's office did not immediately comment.