By Adam Studzinski
SPRINGFIELD – The citizen led initiative to have an independent commission, rather than politicians, draw political maps was struck down by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Executive Director of the Independent Map Amendment group Cindy Canary says it was a head scratching decision. She added the redistricting process right now creates a conflict of interest.
“The lines have been drawn to protect partisan advantage and incumbents,” said Canary. “(House Speaker Michael Madigan) has done this, really, quite masterfully. The Republicans have done it as well, but no one has done it quite as well as the speaker has.”
Canary added the best option might be for legislators to bring about this change.
“They’ve pledged that they support this and now they should show it to us,” she said.
She said the legislature does not face the same hurdles citizens do when it comes to placing a measure on the ballot. This is the second time in two years the effort to get this question on the ballot has failed.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].