We should allow recall votes in state

I think that the whole concept of recalling state officers for not doing their job is a good one. Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has been advocating this after seeing its use in California, it looks like a sound idea.

Our seeming inability to select good state officers has become apparent several times in the past few years. On the other hand, we may not have had the right people on the ballot in the first place. Perhaps this is the only device left to us in the electorate to enforce that we get the best people available.

To the many thousands of men and women in the business world with good jobs who have the constant responsibility to perform under pain of being fired, the seeming unconcern with which elected officers are doing their job in some cases is a very unpleasant thing to witness. People who are elected and become involved in corruption or show incompetence need to be replaced as an example set for what happens if the don't perform honestly and effectively.

A change in the state constitution is necessary to provide for a recall. The proposed amendment must then be placed on the ballot at the next election. To pass, it must be approved by voting on a separate ballot. Three fifths of those voting must approve it. If it appears as part of a general election, a majority of those voting must vote for it. Send a note to your state legislators requesting this.

Charles Barr, Jr.

St. Charles