This year's Illinois ballot includes a somewhat obscure referendum question that, every two decades, gives Illinois voters the opportunity to decide whether to hold a constitutional convention. Since the summer, countless forums and discussions have been held on the pros and cons of rewriting the document. Thanks to a controversy this fall over the ballot language, more voters are aware of the issue today. Still, our polls in the 10th and 11th congressional districts showed that about a third of the respondents didn't know anything about the matter as of mid-October.
In a feature article back in May, we explored what remaking the state's constitution could mean for Illinois' future. A Con-Con could present the opportunity for some very progressive advancements -- like revising our regressive tax code or taking redistricting power out of legislators' hands. Conversely, many worry that that the same problems that pervade the statehouse would carry over into a convention. Others warn that special interest groups might use the process to tamper with our bill of rights.
In recent weeks, the debate has moved onto the op-ed pages. Below is a list of links to those arguments, grouped into pro and con sections. Decided for yourself which are the most convincing. We've got to warn you, though, they don't exactly make for an easy voting guide.
Pro Con-Con:
"Here's a real chance to fix Springfield," Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown
"Illinois should vote for a new Constitution," Capitol Fax's Rich Miller
"Vote 'yes' on Con-Con," Chicago Tribune
"Our Opinion: Vote 'yes' on constitutional convention," State Journal-Register
"If you care about schools and property taxes," Cook County Assessor James Houlihan
"Recall rejected, but the people still have a tool to reform government," Democratic State Rep. Jack Franks
"Con-Con? Yes!," Lake County News-Sun
"Vote 'yes' for a constitutional convention," Journal Gazette/Times Courier
"In the simplest terms, we're too stupid for con-con," SouthtownStar columnist Kristen McQueary
"Time to change politics in Illinois," SouthtownStar columnist Phil Kadner
"ConCon can fix state pension fund," Democratic State Rep. John Fritchey
Con-Con opponents:
"Don't vote for a new constitutional convention," Chicago Sun-Times
"Illinois doesn't need a new constitution," Sun-Times columnist Carol Marin
"Change politicians, not the constitution," former Gov. Jim Edgar
"Illinois not ready for con con," former congressman, federal judge, and White House counsel Abner Mikva
"Vote 'no' on constitutional convention," Daily Herald
"There oughta be a law, but a new state Constitution?" former Chicago Alderman Dick Simpson
"Leaders need changing not our constitution," The Southern
"Dysfunctional state needs leadership, not a convention," Rockford Register-Star
"Politics, not constitution, state's problem," Dispatch-Argus
Andrea Raila (not verified) on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 01:57
When the Illinois legislature can stop school funding reform, property tax and ethics reform, and taint the ballot language on an historical public policy issue that comes only every 20 years---there is something fundamentally broken in our government. It’s an insult to democracy.
In 1992 the legislature placed an educational funding reform amendment before voters, which got 58% approval – but just 2% shy of 60% to become law.
Our elected officials placed no other educational funding reform amendment on the ballot again in the past 16 years.
Paul Vallas, currently leading the New Orleans Recovery Education Project, was the former head of the Chicago Public School. Vallas --- cited by President Clinton for raising test scores and balancing the budget ----urged a Yes Vote for the Illinois Con Con. Vallas certainly knows a thing or two about Chicago public schools.
Cook County Assessor James Houlihan and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr both endorsed and urged a yes vote for the constitutional convention. They certainly know a thing or two about inequitable property taxes and inequitable educational funding.
If you want to take back your own state and tweak the constitution to close loopholes, vote “yes” for con con. Or vote no as Governor Blagojevich, former Gov Edgar, the union bosses, insurance companies, utility companies and special interest PACs and trial lawyers and powerful lobbyists urge us with their $1.7 million in “Just Vote No” money.
When we wake up November 5 Wednesday morning after the elections, will Illinois citizens is better off if the self-serving special interests have bought their election choice with fear mongering?
A “yes” vote for con-con is at the very least a vote for a fair taxing system to better educate our children.
Andrea Raila
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