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From those great folks who brought us Blagojevich...

Apparently our use of the township advisory referenda has attracted the attention of the Illinois General Assembly, and they have decided that this embarrassing expression of popular opinion has to be put down.

The bill described below has been passed by the House (our local representatives voting in favor) and sent to the Senate, where it has been referred to the Rules committee. Its purpose is to make advisory referenda on national issues impossible.

Note inter alia that the "procedure for voters to add an agenda item" is by written petition, well before the annual meeting: we could not add referenda to the agenda as we have. Moreover, "only objects relevant to powers granted to electors may be set forth" -- i.e, nothing on the war, impeachment, torture, etc.

I suggest we publicize widely this disgusting bit of anti-democratic chicanery. Among other things, we need to get in touch with state senators and advise groups like AWARE around the state to do the same thing. (And a little excoriation of state reps might be in order, altho' it's after the fact; at least we have another reason to vote against them when they come up for re-election.) --CGE

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Bill Status of HB5505 95th General Assembly
Short Description: TWP CD-AGENDA/MEETINGS

Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Township Code. Requires the township board to adopt an annual meeting agenda at least 10 days before the meeting. Provides a procedure for voters to add an agenda item. Items not on the agenda must be considered at a special meeting. In the statement of a special meeting, only objects relevant to powers granted to electors may be set forth. Limits special meetings to the business embraced in the statement and notice. Sets quorum requirements for special meetings. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Links to full text, etc., at
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5505&GAID=9&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=36820&SessionID=51&GA=95