'Sunlight' sham leaves state in the dark
“Sunlight is the best disinfectant” is a well-known quote from former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, referring to the benefits of openness and transparency. Unfortunately the politicians that represent Waukegan in Springfield do not adhere to this honorable adage.
Earlier this year, the “Sunshine Commission Act” (HB 4836) passed both Illinois chambers with unanimous support. This act would have set up an oversight group of four lawmakers and four other taxpayers to examine every state government program and determine its effectiveness and efficiency.
What the oversight committee recommended would be considered in eliminating state bureaucracy waste in the attempt to balance the state's budget. Not surprisingly, Gov. Quinn issued an amendatory veto during the summer so that massive government waste would not be exposed prior to the Nov. 2 election. Gov. Quinn wanted to load the commission with his hand-picked, special interest appointees.
During the veto session in November, the Illinois House easily overrode the veto. Unfortunately several days later, the Illinois Senate voted against the override, meaning the bill is dead and the people get nothing. From Waukegan, state Rep. Rita Mayfield and state Sen. Terry Link both voted against an override of the governor's veto. Voting against this bill was a vote against transparency and accountability in Illinois government.
What we witnessed here was Kabuki theater at its worst. The unanimous vote early in the year was a sham so the turncoats could pontificate on how they were for an open and ethical government prior to the November election. The fix was already in knowing the governor would veto the bill. Feeding at the trough at the taxpayer's expense will continue.
With the dire straits we're in, we don't need career politicians that simply want to keep the gravy train rolling to their own benefit. We need public servants to stand against the status quo and make the tough decisions to return Illinois to prosperity.
Dave Pfeifer
Waukegan