Major interest groups split on rewriting Illinois' constitution

If voters are upset about the current state of Illinois politics, they should support a referendum to redraft the state's constitution on this year's ballot, supporters of a constitutional convention argue.

After years of budget gridlock, intraparty sparring and federal investigations, they say reopening the guiding document is the best solution.

"I think we need to rejuvenate our democracy," says state Rep. Jack Franks of Woodstock, who heads a coalition of interest groups supporting a constitutional revision.

But opponents - including business, labor and civic groups - say a convention may only worsen state government. They say it is not the constitution that is to blame for the current political problems.

"The problem is not the constitution. It is the group of people we have in Springfield," says Tim Drea, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO union.

This is the central argument between sides in the battle over the far-reaching referendum question voters face this year.

Supporters of the referendum include politicians, church groups and civic organizations. On the other side stands a coalition of major labor, business and special interest groups, including the state rifle association and Illinois Civil Justice League.

At issue is whether the state should elect delegates to redraft a constitution that will be sent back to voters for approval.

Franks and his Con-Con Yes organization are hoping to install term limits, reconfigure districting rules, revamp property tax and income tax measures and offer voters a way to kick elected officials out of office before their term expires.

Franks considers a constitutional convention process as a way to give citizens a voice. But opponents argue it will only lead to horse-trading and shenanigans by the same political players who are causing havoc at the state Capitol.

"It may do more harm than good," says Paula Lawson, president of the League of Women Voters.

Voters can also change the constitution through individual amendments to the constitution. Opponents of the convention argue that this is the appropriate course for some of Franks' proposals, but supporters say such referendums end up getting killed in the legislature before they get to the voters.

"You have to trust the voters," Franks says.

The constitutional convention question is placed on the ballot every 20 years. Last time it was defeated.

Here is a look at some commonly asked questions and answers regarding the referendum:

Q: What's the constitutional convention issue about?

A: Every 20 years, the state's voters are asked if they want to convene a constitutional convention to consider rewriting the state's constitution. This year is one of those years. The last time the constitution was rewritten was in 1970.

Q: If I vote for a convention, am I endorsing any changes?

A: No. Anything to emerge from the convention would go back to voters to be voted up or down.

Q: Will a new constitution really change anything?

A: It could. Everything from term limits to recall to taxation to public education funding to union rights to pension protections could be up for debate.

Q: So who participates in these conventions?

A: State lawmakers would decide the process for nominating delegates and holding delegate elections. The public would vote on the delegates.

Q: What are the central arguments for and against?

A: Convention supporters say a new constitution could fix a lot of the state's lingering problems that politicians haven't been able to. Critics say it'll end up being controlled by those already with control and could make things worse in addition to being immensely expensive.

Q: How much will this cost?

A: Costs have been pegged as high as $78 million.

Q: Who pays for it?

A: Illinois taxpayers.

Q: How long will all this take?

A: Based on past experience, months if not more than a year. There'd be primary and general elections for delegates sometime next year. Most scenarios envision delegates debating changes during most of 2010 and a final product going to voters either in November of that year or early 2011.

Q: Where can I find out more?

A: Just about anything you'd ever want to know - and more - about Illinois constitutional conventions can be found here: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/lru/ConConRef.html

Daily Herald staff writer John Patterson contributed to this report.

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