My fellow citizens, this election year, there are many issues that we face when we go into the voting booth this year. Everything from a new president, Congressional races, and we face an economic crisis that seems to be getting worse every day.

We also face the question of whether or not to call a Constitutional Convention in Illinois. Many people are in favor of it. Our state government has failed us left and right be it the issue of balancing the budget, closing state parks or failing to address the loss of jobs in the state. Believe me, I’m no fan of the Governor or many Springfield politicians. In fact, I’m in favor of a recall amendment, as it seems, according to polls, are many of you. But do we really need to have a Constitutional Convention? I say no.

Consider the following:
1) While it is true we could add a recall amendment, and make several other changes, let’s face it, the current Illinois Constitution is not the problem. In fact, as a framework for government, it’s pretty good. The real issue is the people in state government who can’t cooperate, and operate under pay to play and all sorts of other unethical politics. Corruption is rampant and it will not stop. Now ask yourself, who will be in charge of the Con-Con? The same people who are running state government right now.

2) Anyone who is relying on a state pension for retirement (state employees, teachers) could have their pensions put at risk.

3) While some people would argue that the money spent of the Con-Con, some people estimate $100 million, is no more then $1 per person. But ask yourself, in a state where we are running massive budget deficits, wouldn’t it be better to use that money to balance the budget? Or if we have that money, wouldn’t it be better to pay the police, teachers, fix roads etc.?

4) The Constitution can already be amended without the Con-Con, at no extra cost. The legislature simply has to agree to amendments, and then we the people have to vote on it. Simple.

What it boils down to is this, Illinois does not need a Con-Con. We need new leadership. Therefore, I propose that we vote no on Con-Con and vote out all the politicians in Springfield who have failed us.

Chris Heath,
graduate class of 2007

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