Issue Focus: Government Reform

We have some transparency now (see the new Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal http://accountability.illinois.gov/), a no-brainer in this Internet age that nearly every single legislator rightly voted for and considered “sufficient” according to the incumbent. I disagree, more can be done.

The state is again examining redistricting, an altogether too politicized endeavor that cheats many of our fellow citizens out of competitive races and quality representation. Please read a Peoria Journal-Star editorial http://www.pjstar.com/opinions/x1990874211/Our-View-True-reform-Redraw-the-map-on-redistricting on the topic for more perspective. See also the State Senate’s “Gerrymandering” website (http://www.gerrymandering.senategop.net/ ) for more information and details.

Additionally, the Republican gubernatorial candidates are coming out almost daily with reform proposals and creative ideas to help change the culture, and perception, of Illinois politics.

I agree with a number of the ideas being discussed today and as state representative think you, the taxpayer, deserve to have all ideas examined and assessed. Let me briefly articulate some of my views on the issue.

First, let’s follow the lead of the Senate Republican caucus and get at a cornerstone of the problems in our state government – the gerrymandered districts that stifle competition and too often disenfranchise voters. We need to reform our redistricting process –which has landed in the courts the past three decades – and I would support efforts to take it out of the hands of the legislature and courts.

Second, while not a panacea, we should enact the same contribution limits we have for federal candidates on the state level. It doesn’t totally remove the money from the process, but it makes sense to have established, understood parameters, and eliminate the $25,000 contributions like those the former governor received. Tied to this are tougher penalties for violating the stricter law to discourage the folks that want to somehow work around the rules.

Third, while I am open to discussing terms limits for legislators, I do not see it as a silver bullet. Citizens’ should retain the right to vote in, or out, their local representatives as they see fit. However, limits on leadership tenure and a re-write of the basic rules of how legislation is heard would help create a more open, reasonable process and, I think, better policy in the end. Currently, three legislators, (three out of 118!) on the House Rules Committee, hand-picked by the speaker, dictate what legislation will be allowed out for a vote. We need to focus on policy, not politics, to get our state moving.

Other worthwhile ideas include moving the primary date back to shorten the campaign season (and who really wants to go out and vote in February!), requiring 3/5ths majority for any spending bill or tax increase and recall of elected officials.

Now, none of these are revolutionary, but they lay waiting for the political will to be enacted. That will only occur with new leaders in Springfield.

Ex of govt. waste

Please check out this Chicago Tribune editorial highlighting one of the more blantant examples of government waste and lack of oversight to our tax dollars. http://tinyurl.com/23a3m6 (site registration may be required)