(Source: The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.)
By The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.
May 27--There's still time for the Legislature and Gov. Pat Quinn to show they are serious about ethics reform and committed to restoring the public's faith in government.
There's also time for the public to tell them how to go about doing it.
And that is what it's going to take: an outcry from voters demanding stronger weapons for the state to catch and convict corrupt politicians; insisting on campaign contribution limits and calling for a stronger Illinois Freedom of Information Act. (Key contact information is at the end of this editorial.)
When a Senate subcommittee on Friday blocked all the criminal-law-related recommendations from the Illinois Reform Commission, the members didn't just spit in the face of the reformers appointed by Quinn.
Their action -- or, rather, inaction -- was a slap in the face of taxpayers who are tired of seeing governors carted into court and wondering how many other politicians and their associates are getting away with cheating the people of Illinois.
Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said, "These issues are not simple black-and-white issues. They require a lot of nuance."
Illinoisans are tired of "nuance" and tired of politicians who talk about "reform," then pass watered-down bills for show or do nothing.
These weren't just recommendations from an independent commission, they were promoted by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, a Democrat, and her one-time Republican opponent, DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett.
The commission's chairman, former federal prosecutor Patrick Collins, said after the subcommittee's actions, "What I just witnessed in there gives me grave concern about the fundamental fairness of this process."
We share his grave concern.
So do the co-chairs of Change Illinois, a coalition of groups working for ethics reform.
In a letter sent to newspapers across the state, Peter Bensinger and George Ranney said, "We cannot let partisan or personal rancor or manipulation destroy an opportunity to change the history of Illinois government.
In addition to the criminal law proposals being at risk, a proposal to limit campaign contributions is also in jeopardy.
Various groups, in addition to the Illinois Reform Commission, have recommended limits patterned after federal law: In each election cycle, individuals would be limited to $2,400 per candidate, interest groups would be limited to $5,000 and legislative leaders would transfer no more than $30,000 to a member's election campaign fund.
But some in power are not willing to place limits on the legislative leaders. That would give them even more unbridled power if contributions are limited from other sources.
Meanwhile, an effort to strengthen the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which addresses accountability from the local level to state agencies, is being thwarted by last-minute maneuvering.
With lawmakers planning to adjourn at the end of the month, time is running out. Contact your lawmakers and legislative leaders, particularly the top Democrats who have near dictatorial power to decide what gets voted on.
Let them know you are watching and it will affect your vote for them and for statewide offices up for election in 2010. Strike a blow for more honesty in Illinois government.
Who to call
Senate President John Cullerton, (217) 782-2728
Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, (217) 782-9407
House Speaker Mike Madigan, (217) 782-5350
House Republican Leader Tom Cross, (217) 782-1331
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