Unfair legislative maps keep Madigan in power

As we entered campaign season, the Daily Herald has printed some thought-provoking editorials and articles. I especially appreciated the article on "redistricting," as it correctly identified the power that Mike Madigan wields with his unlimited funding ability.

For example, in 2014, my state representative, Sam Yingling, received over $1 million for his campaigns. With so much money, Yingling ran unopposed in the Democratic primary?

Everyone knows that Yingling is one of Madigan's favorites, and Sam receives unlimited funding in primary and general elections. In exchange, Yingling always votes for Madigan.

This massive funding of campaigns happens statewide, and results in Madigan being "emperor" of Illinois. This is a direct result of the post-census redistricting process we go through every ten years.

Following the 2000 census, Madigan redefined "gerrymandering" with absurd changes to the legislative district boundaries. And in 2010, Madigan drew a map that gave unbelievable dominance to his minions. Madigan's power to create a legislative district, and then excessively fund the Democrat candidate, destroys that legislator's ability to be an independent voice for his/her district.

The Daily Herald was 100 percent correct when they stated that Illinois is doomed until there is an independent legislative map. More than 500,000 citizens signed petitions to place the Independent Map Amendment on the upcoming ballot. But Madigan's allies went to court and, in a strictly partisan vote, the Illinois Supreme Court tossed the amendment off the ballot.

Springfield is broken, and the people of Illinois are paying the price. I don't see any improvement in the future until there is a fair, independent, legislative map.

I applaud the Daily Herald for bringing this sad situation to the public's attention.

Robert W. Churchill, Former Illinois House Majority Leader

Grayslake