Problems with proposed constitutional amendment

First off, I would like to thank the Daily Herald for making available the 45-minute debate about the referendum on the proposed Illinois constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot. I watched and listened to it. I came down on the side of voting no.

I am concerned about the possible unforeseen or unintentional consequences approval may bring; and how it builds in great difficulty in fixing those negative consequences if/when they become apparent. I think the argument that this will apply to public and not private sector employees will legally carry the day as there is indeed federal law/regulation that would take precedence over the state's attempt with regards to the private sector.

I am also annoyed that this amendment seemingly came out of nowhere and seems to be a solution in search of a problem. I get all the more annoyed by the politicians getting this referendum on the ballot when referendums for amendments I would like to see on term limits, fair apportionment maps and making the public pensions affordable cannot make it onto the ballot. Also, Illinois does not need to give businesses/employers another possible reason to see the Illinois business environment as less desirable relative to other states.

John Captain

Antioch