October 2008 - - - Letter To The Editor

ILLINOISANS NEED CON-CON

Why do Illinoisans need a constitutional convention to change the constitution of the State of Illinois?  The state government in Springfield has been deadlocked for years because members of the General Assembly and Governor can’t agree on much of anything.  The 535 Club (the U.S.  Congress) in Sin City (Washington, D.C.) have let the nation’s financial health go to ruin and are now arguing how to fix the mess without bankrupting taxpayers.  Good Luck!  Citizens can do a better job of running the State than our present elected representatives.  We need such things as  RECALL  and  UNLIMITED INITIATIVE  in the Illinois Constitution so we can pass petitions on these and similar issues of importance and get things done instead of being deadlocked.

Opponents of Con-Con say the cost could be about $72 million.  Since there are about 12 million citizens in Illinois that equates to about $6.00 per citizen, the price of less that 2 cups of Starbucks coffee.  Freedom is not free,  "The Price of Your Freedom is Vigilance and Participation".  Signers of the Declaration Of Independence gave their lives and fortunes.

Con-Con opponents say we have an amendment process that works.  When is the last time you’ve seen an amendment?  The present Constitution has a very limited amendment clause pertaining to the Legislative Article applying to the structure and procedure of the Legislature.  Members of the Legislature can introduce amendments to the constitution, but again, when is the last time you’ve seen one?

Con-Con opponents say there is no way to keep delegates to a constitutional convention from the influence of special interest groups and lobbyists.  What do you think happens during any election?  Most elected officials and members of the General Assembly will try to become Con-Con delegates.  They will want to keep control of their positions and pick up a few extra bucks in the process.  It will be up to citizens to work for election of people they think will be good delegates and block out the present establishment from being elected.

A constitutional convention will not have a negative impact on the state’s economy.  On the contrary, The total will of the people of Illinois will make the State better because it is in their interests to do so.

The bottom line is that if the result of a constitutional convention is not what the people think is good for the State they can always vote it down.

VOTE  YES  FOR CON-CON

Andrew J.  Clark       Downers Grove, IL

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