It's time to change the rules in Illinois

State Sen. Emil Jones considered ethics legislation - to take politics out of government's decision making process - because presidential politics made the decision for him.

We shouldn't be surprised, of course, but it is ironic nevertheless that political imperatives trump doing what's right in the first place.

This shouldn't be a conversation about presidential politics, but rather a discussion on the undeniable negligence by our elected leaders to show any leadership.

They show no regard for the taxpayers and public trust on ethics or education or finances or job creation,

Never mind that the previous governor is in jail.

Never mind that the current governor is embroiled in numerous federal investigations.

Never mind that Jones himself has been the source of questionable judgment as family members are being paid by a private sector company while at the same time he can decide the fate of legislation impacting that same industry.

This state is beyond overdue in enacting real ethics reform and it shouldn't take a presidential candidate and a political calculation to do so.

But this experience underscores the real problem in Illinois - the overall lack of accountability to make sure they do the right thing.

Frankly, our elected officials are completely out-of-touch with average citizens and the challenges they face everyday.

Illinois has the 48th worst performing economy in the nation, one of the highest tax structures on a state and local level in the nation and unemployment has soared to 7.3 percent, which is well above the national average.

Leadership should be focused on changing the rules of the game in Illinois to create prosperity in the private sector by making Illinois a business friendly place rather than a toxic stew of excessive taxes and spending.

John Tillman

CEO

Illinois Policy Institute

Chicago