10-27-10
The Daily Journal editorial got it wrong!
This article is in response The Daily Journal’s October 26, 2010 editorial on the county board district referendum. The most important reason to vote for seven Kankakee County board districts with four members each is it will return to the voters the right to vote for four members which was illegally taken away in 2000 by county board vote. This action is prohibited by the Illinois State Constitution which requires a referendum to be placed on the ballot. As a result this referendum will be on the November 2 ballot.
The Journal’s argues that having 28 county board districts with one representative each is better then having 7 districts with 4 members each is because the public is unlikely to remember who their 4 members are makes little sense. Having the ability to vote for 4 county board members gives the voter more power over their government.
The editorial said a better thing to do in the future is to reduce the size of the county board. This idea may sound good to some but it is very wrong in this case. 26 out of 28 County board members make on average $3,000 per year. Only the chairman and vice-chairman make more. Less then half take health insurance because the cost would take all their salary. New members elected this November and beyond will no-longer be allowed to take insurance.
If we reduce the size of the board it will make it far easier for the crony network to influence and control the board. We would have never stopped the mega dumps if we only had a handful of board members to be influence by the dump developers. A smaller board can vote to increase their salaries and benefits by declaring their job as full time thereby far exceeding the costs we now pay for the representation of 28 members. We will get far better representation with 28 board members divided into 7 districts at 4 members each. The cost is reasonable compared to what it could be with a small full time board.
Please vote November 2 for 7 county board districts at 4 members each.