(The Center Square) – Some Illinois Republicans are calling for legislation to allow Illinoisans to recall corrupt public office holders.
House Republicans Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, and David Friess, R-Red Bud, have introduced legislation that provides that local officeholders who were elected during a general or consolidated election may be recalled under the Local Government Elected Official Recall Act.
“The fact that there’s no mechanism for removal prior to the next time they are up for office is absolutely unacceptable,” Ugaste said during a press conference Monday. “We can’t allow this to continue.”
Using examples as former House Speaker Michael Madigan, who is on trial for bribery, and current Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, whose government is shut down, Ugaste said the measures would address corrupt politicians.
“The process outlined in these bills would be practical only in extreme cases, but here in Illinois we have seen in Chicago and Dolton and across the state, we continue to deal with the extreme,” said Ugaste.
One measure would amend the Illinois Constitution and create a recall mechanism for all elected officials in the state.
Ugaste said he plans to work with Democratic party officials on the legislation. He added that he isn’t confident the legislation will make it to the House floor for a vote during the lame duck session, but plans to introduce the bills again during the 104th General Assembly.
“No position, no matter how powerful, should be beyond the reach of the people’s voice,” said Friess. “As elected officials, it’s a privilege to be here.”
