Corruption begins at grass roots level

Illinois has several laws and regulation sets, which if followed closely by public governing bodies go a long way toward promising honesty in government. These are the Illinois Open Meetings Act, the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, and the Illinois Municipal Code. The first two are relatively brief, tend to be in plain English and have straightforward objectives that state they are the policy of governance in this state. The latter is long, hard to find, difficult to understand, and the interpretation of it is expensive to secure and sets rules of procedure for governmental bodies. Simultaneously, the court system and the Illinois Attorney General have taken a largely "hands off" stance toward enforcing the laws and rules, in an effort to allow local governing bodies autonomy in governance. Thus, they have rarely had their conduct held to the standards or spirit of the legislation. It has been trusted that elected officials and governing bodies will "do the right thing" in reference to them as they govern. When governing bodies do their best to comply, open and transparent government happens under the sunshine of day. However, when officials and governing bodies attempt to circumvent the laws and regulations, the result is obscure, confusing or secret governance, which is the breeding ground for corruption. Yes, corruption starts at the grass roots of local government which is the political training ground for higher office. We must congratulate elected officials who seek to use these laws as a true guideline, but must condemn and eliminate those who seek otherwise. It is admirable Governor Quinn seeks to set high standards at the top levels. But that is not enough. To stop the evils of rigged contracts, good old boy networks, smoke-filled rooms and obscured business practices, it is necessary to enforce the letter and spirit of these procedures and laws cited above on all levels of government.

John Mueller

Lisle