Illinois Needs A Constitutional Convention: Vote For It Nov. 4

Illinois has more than just the Presidential election coming up on November 4th. We have the option to vote for a Constitutional Convention and an opportunity to rewrite the state's basic operating document. The Chicago Tribune has some good articles on it. One talking about former Gov. Edger's opposition and one talking about the ballot controversy. I really think Illinois needs some constitutional reform. Our State Government is a national joke and chock full of corruption. We need to establish term limits and real reform to prevent quasi-life appointments of elected officials. Serving the people should not be a career, but a duty citizens take on for a period of time, then move on to private endeavors. With the exception of supreme court judges no one should hold office for life. Also, just because your Mommy or Daddy was, let's say, Cook County Board President or State Senate President doesn't mean you should be also. That is purely ridiculous and wrong.  Democratic government is not the same as private business; you do not own your position, the voters do. Maybe some of those officials think we live in a dictatorship or monarchy? The Constitutional Convention is the people of Illinois' opportunity to sweep away all the crap that our public officials have created and fix things up. I don't think we need a total scrapping of the state's constitution, just a remodel. Here are some the things I see need a major change.

First and foremost, we need hard term limits on all elected officials and some other non-elected/appointed state officials.  For example, we could have State Reps allowed three or four 2-year terms. I would also love (not sure if it's possible) to make non-state local positions also susceptible to term limits. We need to dismantle the political machines that control Illinois politics. No more King Richard (Daley) or other long-serving mayors or county commissioners.

Secondly, we need the ability to recall officials who are committing questionable acts or not performing up to par. This would help keep the officials honest and know they are accountable to the people. Of course, we would have to be careful not to allow someone to be recalled so easily that anyone will propose it for any minor infraction. Yet it cannot be so hard as to not allow it to ever be done.

Third, a new way to control redistricting and stop the ability of lawmakers to choose their own district and have single party strongholds. The more competitive the district the better for the people as a whole. We need our elected officials on their toes.

Fourth, merit-based judge appointments. While I'm for the people having to vote public servants into office, almost no one has any clue when it comes to electing judges. We need a better way of appointing judges, not based on party affiliation but on sound judgment and interpretation of the law. Perhaps we will need some kind of voter oversight with a voter approval or the ability to recall judges as well.

Fifth, government contracts must be totally transparent and require work to meet certain quality requirements. Roads can be built that don't buckle after a year or two and instead last 30 or 40 years. This might cost more in the short term but would save money in the long run and save us all the various problems associated with massive construction projects.

Sixth, consolidation of government offices and departments to make a streamlined and better-run state government. We can save money and increase the quality of services rendered. A total review of government is necessary to eliminate the fat and straighten out the crooked departments.

Seventh, tax reform. I don't know how exactly this one should pan out but perhaps a graduated flat tax that better distributes costs.

The bottom line is that our political process is stuck and not moving forward. The Democratic party controls the state House and the governor's office and yet can't get anything done because of infighting. It is purely embarrassing and unacceptable. I don't think the Republicans are any better. They are so inept that they don't hold a single statewide office and can't even field legitimate US Senate candidates, i.e. Alan Keyes. If people aren't happy with Obama's hopeful win in the presidential race, they have no one to blame but the Republican party of Illinois who put up absolutely no opposition to his initial senate run. VOTE YES for Con-Con.