PEORIA -- A presidential election will dominate the ballot in Nov. 2008 but voters also will decide whether to proceed with a constitutional convention, to rewrite or revise the Illinois Constitution.
Jim Nowlan, an expert on Illinois government, spoke to the Greater Peoria League of Women Voters on April 21 regarding whether or not Illinois voters should approve a constitutional convention. A similar vote failed in 1988.
Nowlan is a senior fellow with the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs and a former state legislator and aide to two governors. He's also a prolific author and publishes a small newspaper.
If voters approve the ballot measure, the General Assembly must set up an election for delegates, which is likely to take place in 2010. After a convention, voters also must approve a new constitution or any changes to it.
"A good constitution allows (government) to function and be responsive to the electorate and be amended effectively," he said.
A convention will open the entire constitution to changes, he said, though changes also could be limited. He and others have identified several "hot button issues" that might motivate voters. They have partisans on both sides, and include:
Gay rights.
Reproductive rights.
The make up of the General Assembly and a return to cumulative voting.
The death penalty and governor's power to pardon.
Merger of offices such as comptroller and treasurer.
Merit selection of judges.
Restriction on home rule taxing power for cities.
Tax issues from a graduated income tax to limits on property taxes.
School issues including financing, school choice, charter schools.
Popular referendums.
Pension guarantees.
Term limits.
The governor's veto power.
The governor and lieutenant governor running together in the primary.
Arguments for a constitutional convention include improving the present constitution and engaging citizens in debates on the issues, he said.
But those who oppose it say "beware of what you wish for. The convention could be controlled by a singular interest group such as conservative Christians, which are better organized than most citizen groups," he said.
A convention may become an expensive exercise in futility, resulting in a document that will be defeated.
"I'm open minded," Nowlan said, about how to vote on this issue.
The resolution for a convention can pass only if 3/5ths of those voting on the issue approve it, or a majority of those voting in the election approve it, he said. For those who want it, "an organized effort, beginning now, will be necessary."
Readers who want to comment can send an email for a follow up story on this emerging issue in Illinois politics.
-- Elaine Hopkins
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