About
the Yes for Illinois campaign
The ICC is building a consensus across the state and across the political spectrum on the need for a constitutional convention (“con con”) in our state.
This fall each person will have the chance to consider if they are satisfied with how their government is working and responding to their needs. We see a constitutional convention as the best opportunity for citizens to get involved and re-assert control over Illinois government. We believe there is nothing wrong with opening up the process to the public.
Also, the ICC sees a constitutional convention as crucial to increasing the rights and power of the individual. Through a recall, ballot initiative or other non-partisan, citizen-driven measures, individuals will be re-empowered to run their state. This wide agenda can only be handled through a “Yes” vote on constitutional convention. With regards to the outcome of the future constitution, the ICC does not favor a partisan victory towards any political persuasion. Rather, it sees the opportunity for change that benefits the state in its entirety. We consider this an “omni-partisan” campaign dedicated to achieving lasting improvement in Illinois governance. Vote Yes for Illinois!
The Illinois Citizens’ Coalition is an Illinois Political Action Committee formed by Illinois citizens concerned about the downward spiral in Illinois political and financial condition. While the general goal of the Coalition is to inform and organize Illinois citizens to take more of an interest in their state, the immediate goal of the Coalition is to;
- Secure a “Yes” vote for the Illinois Constitiutional Convention question in November of 2008
- Identify, Organize and Assist Illinois Citizens interested in running or campaigning for qualified Delegates to the Convention
- Assist Delegates in promoting new Constitutional Articles and Clauses that empower Illinois Citizens - not the political class
- Secure a “Yes” vote on postive changes in a New Constitution.
We seek decent Independent, Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green, and/or Progressives who understand that the “Pay-to-Play” backroom culture of Illinois politics has bankrupted the state of Illinois in both moral and financial terms.
If you are interested in keeping up with the growing interest in a Convention “yes” vote, and the necessary debate that should spark the interest of all Illinois citizens, you should log-in and become a member of our coalition. Merely logging in will allow us to keep you up to date, while a small $25 donation (click “Donate” button to the right) will help us reach more concerned citizens across Illinois.
Who founded Illinois Citizens Coalition?
Illinois Citizens Coalition was founded in 2008 by Bruno Behrend and John Bamabenek. Both founders have co-authored a book on the upcoming vote on the Illinois Constitutional Convention entitled “Illinois Deserves Better,” where they lay out the case for a “yes” vote on the convention.
Bruno Behrend is currently the host of a Radio Show on WKRS - 1220 AM broadcasting out of Waukegan, Illinois. He is also a consultant to the non-profit sector and a licensed Illinois Lawyer.
He has a background in various areas, including:
- Public Policy Research
- Database Consulting
- Real Estate Investing and Renovation
- Corporate Seminar and Training Development
Mr. Behrend is a graduate of University of Illinois (1983) with a degree in Finance, and a graduate of IIT-Kent College of Law (1990). He is a life-long Illinois resident currently residing in River Forest, Illinois.
John C. A. Bambenek is an academic professional at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and co-founder of the Illinois Citizens Coalition. Additionally, he is executive director of the Tumaini Foundation which supports AIDS orphans and other disadvantaged children in Tanzania to get an education. He is considered one of the nation’s top experts in information security and is a columnist on political and cultural issues. He is a life-long Illinois resident currently residing in Champaign, Illinois.
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