Don't open constitution to special interests
After a careful statewide study of the issue, the membership of the League of Women Voters of Illinois overwhelmingly opposes the call and recommends a no vote on the question of whether Illinois should call a constitutional convention.
Given the current level of discord in the General Assembly, there is a temptation to see a new or radically revised constitution as a solution. However, if one reflects on the source of the state's governmental woes, the problem lies not in the structure of the 1970 constitution, but in the lack of political will and leadership in Springfield. No constitution, however skillfully crafted, can change the contentious political climate or foster the necessary bipartisanship. This power lies only with the electorate and the candidates whom they choose to support.
The General Assembly already holds the power to address many serious policy issues. Amendments also are an option. In fact, 10 out of 17 amendments proposed since 1970 have passed.
It is worth noting that the General Assembly, as configured after November 4, 2008, would be the governing body of any constitutional convention. The General Assembly would control the process from how the delegates are chosen, to location, to duration. We are concerned the current political dysfunction will extend to the convention.
The risk of a convention outweighs possible benefits. Because a Constitutional Convention would open the entire document to revision, there is a possibility of weakening such important sections as the Bill of Rights. Proponents of a con-con hold out the hope that their issue would be addressed, whether it be recall of officials, term limits, binding citizen referendums and so forth. However, once a convention is under way, the entire constitution will be at risk and citizens might find that problems have been aggravated, rather than solved. There the costs of holding a convention - projected to be $75 million to $100 million. With the electoral expenses of convention delegates estimated to run into six digits, the vision of grass-roots, citizen-leaders begins to fade. What would likely remain would be a convention controlled by well-financed interest groups and party politics.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization with a long history of support for constitutional reform when needed. Now is not the time to give unlimited power to a convention to rewrite a basically sound constitution. Join us. Vote no on Nov. 4.
League of Women Voters
Cathy Duoba, Arlington Heights/ Mt. Prospect/ Buffalo Grove
Marti Stamper, Barrington
Rita Kirby, Deerfield
Karen Hunt, Evanston
Rhonda Diamond, Glencoe
Barbara B. Marsh, Glenview
Elaine Adler & Lila Trotsky, Highland Park
Rosemary Heilemann, Lake County
Lisa Dietrich & Cindy Morehead, Lake Forest/Lake Bluff
Marilyn Morel, Palatine
Joan Ebner, Park Ridge
Libby Bankoff, Wilmette
Elizabeth Bannon, Winnetka/Northfield/Kenilworth