Give voters a say in electing House speaker

I am writing in response to your recent Op-Ed entitled, "Is this election signaling a change for Madigan legacy?"

It is very apparent that the voters in Illinois are frustrated with the leadership of Mike Madigan, yet many Democratic voters are equally fearful of Republican leadership should that party take control of the House of Representatives.

In today's legislative environment, the speaker of the House almost solely dictates policy at the state level. It is only fair for the voters to have direct say over who that person is.

As a government teacher, I am constantly asking my students to debate reforms that could restore this nation and our state back to the principles upon which it was founded.

What Illinois needs is to reform how the speaker of the House is chosen. Instead of this futile pursuit of term limits, Illinois should try a different approach.

During each statewide election, the question should be put on the ballot that reads: Should the speaker of the House retain his/her position for the next two years?

If 51 percent of the voters choose yes, then that person remains as speaker of the House. If a majority votes no, then the party that wins control of the House would be forced to choose another Speaker to lead for those next two years.

The framers of the Constitution guaranteed a republican form of government, in which citizens were able to choose their representatives. With our elected legislators having their voices drowned out in recent years, it's only fair for us to have a say in who our legislative leader is.

Thomas J. Kuhn

Round Lake