New ethics reform law does not go far enough

Illinois can and should do better with the newly introduced ethics reform if we truly want change in the state.

According to UIC's 2021 ranking, Illinois is the third most corrupt state and Chicago is the most corrupt city in the country. To attempt reform, legislation tackling ethics has been passed and awaits Governor Pritzker's signature.

Yet, according to Springfield Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope, this legislation can limit the legislative inspector's power on personal character issues. She gave the example of former representative Nick Sauer, whose ex-girlfriend alleged he made a fake Instagram account to post revenge porn. Under the proposed legislation, the legislative inspector would not have jurisdiction to launch an investigation into this matter because it exists in the realm of his personal life.

I want my representatives to be held accountable for ethics in all realms of their life. This legislation excuses personal unethical/corrupt decisions. The limitation of the Legislative Inspector's power and the distraction from personal life decisions prompts me to think this legislation promotes corruption as long as you properly cover it up.

We need to be serious about holding our politicians, especially in Illinois, to the highest ethical standard in all aspects of their lives if we truly want to change corruption in the state.

If you feel similarly, I strongly urge you to support organizations that actively work to promote ethics reform and contact your representatives.

Stella Cook

Kenilworth