Watchdog Group Sees Problems With Governor Recall
CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Chicago's Better Government Association has nothing against letting voters recall a governor, but the executive director says the proposal now on the ballot is cumbersome and problematic.
BGA Executive Director Andy Shaw tells Newsradio 780 that the first problem with the proposed constitutional amendment is it only targets a sitting governor.
It doesn't give voters the ability to recall any other constitutional officers or any legislators. He says that's just unfair.
"Of course, our General Assembly never wants to put itself in the cross-hairs, so it's exempt," Shaw said.
Newsradio 780's John Cody Reports
Podcast
Secondly, says Shaw, there are no grounds spelled out for recall--like misconduct or unethical conduct. He says this leaves open the possibility that a governor could be recalled just for being unpopular, not because he or she has done anything wrong.
Shaw also says Illinois is the only state that would allow legislators to block the citizen recall procedure.
He said after citizens gather the requisite 100 signatures in every single Illinois county, the lawmakers would have final say on whether a recall vote would proceed.
Shaw stresses the BGA isn't objecting to the idea of allowing citizens to recall a sitting governor. But he says the amendment is very poorly drawn.
