Illinois citizens should make voice heard through anti-corruption commission

People often lament their voice is never heard by elected officials. In many cases it's not that the voice of the people isn't heard, it's that it is ignored. But sometimes the people can impact policy decisions if their collective voice is loud enough.

Since moving to Illinois 18 months ago, the Sideline Pundit has heard many people lament about the corruption of politics in Illinois, but it has often been accompanied by "but that's they way it's always been and there's nothing we can do about it." Let me tell you kids, that ain't true. With the spotlight now piercing the murk of Illinois politics due to the election of Barack Obama and the criminal charges surrounding embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich, this is the time for the people to make their disgust known.

One way is through a new initiative launched by the office of Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and headed by former U.S. Attorney Patrick Collins - www.reformillinoisnow.org. Through this Web site, citizens can send the commission (members have yet to be named) an e-mail sharing ideas and complaints about Illinois corruption.

This is a good start and the people of Illinois should hammer the commission with all kinds of complaints. However, watchdog organizations should carefully watch this commission and make sure they are truly investigating the corruption. Citizens should also remember this commission is political in nature - oh, they'll say it isn't, but it has been created by an elected official with an eye on higher office. That's not to say Quinn's office will not investigate corruption in the state, but when dealing with elected officials, a bit of skepticism is always recommended.