“Yes” For Illinois

Yes for Illinois in the News

“Americans this weekend are celebrating the Declaration of Independence, but some folks say it’s also a good time to start thinking about the Illinois Constitution.

While not quite as old as the document signed by Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams in 1776, the Illinois Constitution hasn’t been reformed in nearly 40 years. According to Yes for Illinois, a group dedicated to convincing voters to call a 2010 constitutional convention at November’s general election, that’s entirely too long to wait.

“The demographic, political and economic environment has changed dramatically since 1970,” said Leslie Golden, a group spokesman. “The constitution is out of date. Society is moving at such a rapid progression, it’s going to be even more outdated by 2030,” the next time Illinoisans have the option to call a convention.

If a simple majority of those who take ballots in the Nov. 4 general election vote “yes” to a constitutional convention, one would be scheduled for 2010. Then, in each of the state’s 59 senate districts, voters would elect two delegates to attend the convention and help craft a new document. The voters enter the process once again later, voting either to ratify or reject the new constitution.

The core group leadership of Yes for Illinois consists of 18 people, with about 300 smaller factions around the state.

Golden said he hopes a convention would bring about term limits for those in state government, and prevent strategic redistricting by politicians that keeps them running uncontested time after time.

There are more qualified people to send to Springfield, Golden said…
Split on referendum

Local legislators appear divided on the issue. The General Assembly as a whole seems to be a “mixed bag” of convention proponents and opponents, according to state Sen. John Millner, R-Carol Stream.

Millner said “there are so many potential problems” with calling a convention, including well-meaning delegates who could opt to install high tax rates against corporations. These corporations would undoubtedly leave the state if asked to pay more, decimating the tax base, he said.

“Sometimes the populist ideas win at the expense of the long-term solutions,” he said.

Sen. Michael Noland, D-Elgin, sang a different tune.

“In general principle, I support it,” Noland said. “It allows us to take the politics and personalities out of some important decisions that the people of Illinois have to make. I really think it’s time. Generations have passed since we visited the issue, and I think it’s long overdue that we visit it again.”

Golden said Millner’s tax argument against the convention is one of a handful of very common ones. Another is cost. While Yes for Illinois estimates the price tag at $10 million to $12 million, some say it could cost as much as $100 million to convene in Springfield. Golden said that’s an unfounded figure…”
By DAVID GIALANELLA