The AP reported today that the Secretary of State's office has begun distributing a pamphlet informing Illinois voters that the option of holding a constitutional convention in 2010 will be put before them on this year's ballot. As required by the current state constitution, the document informs residents about the ins and outs of a Con-Con and presents them with several pro and con arguments. Here's their summary of the arguments in favor of holding a convention:
1. A constitutional convention allows delegates to consider important substantive issues that have failed to advance in the legislative process.
2. Changes to our state and local governments are best addressed by delegates elected solely to review the Constitution.
3. A constitutional convention would provide the first comprehensive review of the Illinois Constitution since its adoption in 1970.
4. Any proposed changes to the Constitution must be ratified by the voters before they become effective.
And here are the summarized arguments against:
1. A constitutional convention could cost as much as $78 million.
2. The current Illinois Constitution could be changed without a constitutional convention, and in fact has been changed 10 times since the last convention.
3. A constitutional convention could be controlled by special interest groups and lobbyists, and there is no way to limit the issues discussed.
4. A convention could threaten the economy by creating an unstable business climate.
The document -- which you can read online or download (PDF) -- goes on to explain each argument in more detail.
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