Kate Campaigne asks from the Illinois Policy Institute’s Open Illinois blog, “Transparency would help inject direly needed sunshine into government spending and shine a light on the pay-to-play politics, corruption, and insider deals swallowing up our state. After this monumental arrest, how can elected officials say no to implementing transparency?”

Good question. There has been the usual parade of outrage from public officials from both sides of the aisle, and a growing call for a special election instead of an appointment (as stated in the IL Constitution now) but no major elected official is talking transparency.

So the real question becomes, who will step up to the plate to take a leadership role in implement the transparency legislation needed? The IL governor’s race will be a crowded event. Candidates: Show IL voters your commitment to them (and all taxpayers) by working to pass comprehensive transparency legislation. The Illinois Policy Institute, Americans for Prosperity Illinois, and For the Good of Illinois have been local champions- seek them out, and get it done.

For non-elected officials: Look here for ideas on how you can help the Sunshine Review Open Government project, and keep your politicians’ feet to the fire. Fighting corruption should be up to every citizen, not just the US Attorney.

Category: Corruption, Transparency Activist, Transparency Legislation