There are a lot of issues to be decided on the November ballot beside the presidential race. Illinois voters for example are being asked whether they support an Illinois constitutional convention.
What is that, you may ask.
Every two decades Illinois voters can decide whether to hold a convention to overhaul the state constitution.
Supporters, like the group United Power for Action and Justice say a convention would push legislators to address issues like ethics reform, school funding and the pension system. They are also in favor of reforming property taxes and adding an amendement to allow voters to recall public officials from office.
But opponents say the state constitution doesn’t need an overhaul.
The League of Women Voter of Illinois is one group that’s against holding a convention.
The league's position is based on three principals:• The current constitution is a good document and is serving the state well.
• A constitutional convention will cost Illinois' financially strapped government at least $78 million and this money can be put to better use.
• There has been insufficient broad public education to ensure voters understand all the pieces of the vote.
If convening a constitutional convention is the choice of the voters, they will most likely have to vote on acceptance or refusal of the entire document including all changes. Using the amendment process, voters have the opportunity to give serious consideration to each change.
They also point out it would be the same legislature and governor who would be setting the parameters and funding the convention. And questions whether they would do this expeditiously and in a nonpartisan manner.
What do you think? Convention or no convention?
Comments (2)
The Legislative Research Unit compiled a report that said the constitution would cost around 23 million rather than $78 million. I know $23 million is not a small number either, but keep in mind that even the $78 million, a number that anti-concon groups are stating, is less than 2/10 of 1 percent of the state budget.
Since any suggested changes to the constitution must be approved by the voters in Illinois before the proposed amendments can be enacted, no one will vote to take away pensions.
Posted by JOE | October 27, 2008 1:46 PM
Posted on October 27, 2008 13:46
I think everyone should VOTE NO against a constitional convention. Not only will it cost the state...which means tax payers...$78 million dollars it will most likely eliminate police & firefighter pensions.
Individuals that put their lives on the line and deal with the possibility of death when on duty, toxic smoke, physical stress of carrying heavy equipment, mental stress of patient death as firefighter/paramedics, injuries, dangerous situations, etc.
Why put Illinois in more debt? Why have you & I pay more taxes to re-write something that is working fine? Why take retirement pensions away from fire/police workers?
"If it's not broke...don't fix it!"
Prove it's broke and I'll reconsider...until then I will not be part of eliminating fire/police pensions!
Posted by Marty | October 20, 2008 3:30 PM
Posted on October 20, 2008 15:30