SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich has yet to appoint nine members to an economic development board, putting on hold plans to bring an estimated 500 new jobs to Southeastern Illinois.

"I have no idea what's taking so long," said state Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon. "We hear a lot of rhetoric from the administration about job creation. This is a perfect example of where that just appears to be rhetoric."

Six months ago, Blagojevich talked up the creation of the Southeastern Illinois Economic Development Authority board that would attract businesses with $250 million in bond authority.

"(House Bill 622) will make a real difference for the people of Southeastern Illinois, and I am proud to sign it into law," Blagojevich declared in an August news release. "It is crucial that we create new jobs and get the Illinois community back on track."

The bill, sponsored last session by state Rep. Bill Grunloh, D-Effingham, was signed by Blagojevich on Aug. 20, becoming effective immediately. Yet the board can't function because nine of 10 members still need to be selected by Blagojevich, which he is required to do by law.

"We can't do anything to help people access funds to develop economically if we don't have a board seated," Righter said.

Regional lawmakers say a company has expressed interest in coming to the Mount Carmel area, creating an estimated 500 jobs at about $16 an hour. But bonding authority through the economic development board is needed in order to proceed with the projects, said state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon.

The administration argues the delay is due to selecting the right candidates.

"We are still reviewing candidates for the board," said Andrew Ross, Commerce and Economic Opportunity spokesman. "We're just trying to get the best people for the board."

No timeline has been given.

Jones, Righter, state Reps. David Reis, R-Ste. Marie and Roger Eddy, R-Hutsonville, have all called on the governor to fill the positions and suggested potential candidates. Blagojevich's office has been contacted by phone and mail on numerous occasions, Jones said.

"I'm not insisting that (Blagojevich) appoint people that I recommend, but I think I've given him a broad spectrum of names and qualified people," Jones said. "I just want good qualified people on that board where we can start trying to attract some businesses to Southeastern Illinois."

The Southeast economic development board is one of seven economic development boards Blagojevich has taken credit for.

It's intended to promote economic expansion in Cumberland, Clark, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Marion, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Jefferson, Wayne, Edwards, Wabash, Hamilton and White counties.

Jennifer Miller can be reached at jennifer.miller@;lee.net or 789-0865.