Take remapping out of lawmakers' hands

Over the years Illinois has know as a state that consists heavily of corrupt government. With governors and representatives being convicted of crimes there is a need for some political reform within the state. One simple step to help end corruption is the 2010 Illinois Fair Map Amendment, which would change the way the district lines are drawn. For the past three decades our own legislators have been able to draw their own district lines and create districts after drawing names out of a hat. This process needs to be changed and put in the hands of an independent commission in order to make redistricting more fair. It needs to be taken out of the hands of the politicians so that they can no longer create their own lines to ensure their individual personal gains, such as re-election.

The legislators could change this process, but they haven't and won't. A representative does not want to get rid of their power to draw district lines that benefit their own campaign and administration. And you wonder why 98 percent of the Illinois elections are won by an incumbent? It is because of powers given to our representatives like redistricting that lead to the corruption within our own Illinois state government. However, there is a way to amend this process, which is granted in the Illinois Constitution. Individuals who are unhappy with the state government and looking to help end the corruption should be on of the 500,000 needed to sign an Illinois Fair Map Amendment petition in order to change the way the district lines are created. Help end this method and improve our state government!

Caroline Emde

Mundelein