By David Stanczak
While you’re still basking in the glow of the 4th of July weekend, here’s some encouraging news and the chance to make even more encouraging news.
The Independent Map Amendment people delivered over half a million signatures,many of them yours, on petitions to put the proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution on the November 8 ballot. After validating the signatures, the State Board of Elections unanimously approved the petitions. Subject only to a lawsuit filed by a Mike Madigan stooge, we will get to vote on the measure. The Chicago Tribune is optimistic about the court case. Its editorial board, having searched the proceedings of the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention, concluded: “Convention records show the delegates specifically mentioned redistricting as an appropriate target for citizen-driven change.”
Assuming the court finds the measure constitutionally appropriate, that’s where you come in-again. A 60% approval is needed in November.
One of the arguments disingenuously raised by opponents of the measure is that taking the redistricting power away from the politicians will prevent them from protecting minority voting power. Bunk! Rose Joshua, president of the NAACP Chicago Southside Branch said, “We need to change the mapmaking process and make all of the legislative districts…more reflective of the designated communities represented and the people who reside in the communities. The proposed Independent Map Amendment will bring that needed change to the General Assembly.” Folks, the opponents of this measure in the General Assembly are interested in protecting only one thing: their incumbency, and they do that very well, perhaps the only thing they do well. But the politicians’ interest in incumbency and the people’s interest in representative, responsive government are diametrically opposed to one another.
The redistricting authority is a very useful plaything for the General Assembly. But those of you who are parents know what to do when a child consistently misuses his or her toy: you take it away. That would be good news for the people, and you can help write that story.
David Stanczak, a Forum commentator since 1995, came to Bloomington in 1971. He served as the City of Bloomington’s first full-time legal counsel for over 18 years, before entering private practice. He is currently employed by the Snyder Companies and continues to reside in Bloomington with his family.
The opinions expressed within WJBC’s Forum are solely those of the Forum’s author, and are not necessarily those of WJBC or Cumulus Media Inc.
