Editorial: Our views on the suburban ballots' advisory questions on fair maps, pension reforms and unfunded mandates
Illinois voters should have the opportunity to send a message to politicians on the most important issues affecting their quality of life and cost of living. Unfortunately, they rarely have that chance.
That's why we're pleased to see a number of suburban townships asking voters to weigh in on big issue advisory questions on April 1.
The questions cover thorny issues for Illinois politicians:
Fair maps: 'Should the state of Illinois create an independent citizens commission to draw fair and competitive federal and state redistricting maps, rather than allowing lawmakers to decide?'
Unfunded mandates: 'Should the state of Illinois be allowed to force unfunded mandates on local governments who may raise property taxes to cover the costs of those mandates?'
Pension reform: 'Do you support constitutional pension reform to protect workers' existing retirements and generate savings which could provide property tax relief or be reinvested in the community?'
The editorial board has long-held opinions on each of these issues.
First, as we wrote in these pages earlier this month, Illinois must adopt fair maps that lead to fair and representative elections. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie along with Reps. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria and Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva are championing a lawsuit filed in January that would throw out the current outrageously gerrymandered map in favor of a fairer one. They've asked the Illinois Supreme Court to declare today's map unconstitutional and appoint an independent official to draw a new map. Regardless of the outcome in that lawsuit, the problem of gerrymandered maps — and politicians picking their voters — isn't going away until we change the way political maps are drawn.
To that end, we encourage voters in Lemont, Homer and Palos townships to vote 'yes' on this advisory question.
Second, the state should not be forcing unfunded mandates onto local governments, especially because they so often lead to increased tax burdens for residents. Why should the state be allowed to pass a bill that requires spending someone else has to cover? For example, Illinois sets required wage rates local governments have to pay for public works projects—a mandate that takes away local control, significantly inflates costs and limits the ability to stretch taxpayer dollars.
We encourage voters in Palatine, Lemont, Homer, Palos, Leyden, Wheeling and Addison townships to vote 'no' on this advisory question.
Third, the only way Illinois homeowners will ever see meaningful property tax relief is for the state to enact pension reform, which means a constitutional amendment. While supporting current retirees, this board has long said the state must amend a provision added to its constitution in 1970 that has made real progress on pensions practically impossible. This would not provide immediate property tax relief, but would stop pension costs from driving up property taxes in the long term.
We encourage voters in Palatine, Lemont, Homer, Palos and Winfield townships to vote 'yes' on this advisory question.
True, these questions are advisory, meaning they're nonbinding and have no legal impact. But they matter, because this opportunity offers a rare chance for us to see how Illinois voters feel about key issues and ideas for reform. We wish it was easier for Illinoisans to get meaningful, binding questions on the ballot, but Illinois' rules make it incredibly difficult to the point that it almost never happens. Meanwhile, California's process empowers voters there to directly participate in the state's legislative process by proposing and enacting laws or constitutional amendments. We encourage Springfield to give that power to the people of Illinois.
Until then, it's important that voters weigh in when they can — and for elected officials to listen to the results.
'These are important issues. If the powers that be look at this I hope they see that people are taking notice,' Lemont Township Supervisor Mike Shackel told the editorial board.' Hopefully this gets the attention of the legislators and the governor. These issues have to be dealt with and they're being ignored.'
Just like elections to determine who will represent you in the Illinois General Assembly, Village Hall and your local school boards, these advisory questions are an opportunity to send a message to Springfield. Tell them it's time to focus less on Washington and more on what's happening right here in Illinois.
We say: Yes to fair maps. No to unfunded mandates. Yes to constitutional pension reform and property tax relief. Voters, the ball's in your court.
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