A press release from State Rep. Barb Wheeler:
Barbara Wheeler Signs on to Support Term Limits
SPRINGFIELD… State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) has signed on as a co-sponsor of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 9, which would enforce term limits on General Assembly members. Rep. Wheeler believes term limits and a new, fair redistricting process is the only way to restore faith in Illinois’ elected officials.
Barb Wheeler
“Republicans and Democrats in Illinois have lost the faith of the people long ago,” said Wheeler.
“We need strict term limits to ensure ethical leadership. Being elected to office is not a career, it is a public service. This constitutional amendment will ensure career politicians do not become complacent and restore faith that General Assembly members are serving in the best interest of their constituents.”
HJRCA 9 was introduced by Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove). The amendment, should it pass, would prohibit a State Senator or a State Representative, or an individual serving in a combination of those offices, from holding office for more than 10 years. HJRCA 9 would ensure elected officials remain true to their constituency and put Illinois on a path to eliminate the “revolving door” policy that is alive and well in the Illinois legislature.
“Including a combination of both offices is very important to the goal we are seeking,” said Wheeler. “Illinois essentially has a ‘revolving door’ where elected officials serve for decades only to ‘retire’ to big government jobs or lobbying contracts. This amendment is 10 years and you’re done, period.”
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Bob Costello, who is a leader in the petition circulation featured in Joe Walsh’s Town Hall Meeting on Sunday at McHenry County College, says the issue of Term Limits polls at the 70% level, higher among Republicans, lower among Democrats, but still a healthy majority.
The Constitutional Amendment is question will not be called by House Speaker Mike Madigan, but the citizen initiative might get on the ballot.
Well Miss Barbie, how many signatures are you going to get?
There are enough units of local government in this state that career politicians will be given no troubles by term limits.
My big concern is whether this would make the Mike Madigans of the world more difficult to keep tabs on.
He wields the same power no matter whether he’s in the GA or on some water reclamation district board, and it’s a lot easier to watch him in the GA.
You can watch Madigan all you want mark, but nothing will change.
It’d sure be nice to clean out the GA and bring Illinois back, and it can start right here in McHenry County.
Although 10 years is a long time to wait for some of the newer legislators.
A lot of damage can be done in 10 years.
On the other hand, the very few legislators in Springfield who actually get it, and are doing the right thing would be greatly missed.
I guess it’s a Catch 22.
Did she check with Jack first?
There’s a great editorial in yesterdays Tribune regarding term limits and redistricting with links to petitions
Barb is doing a great job as a CONSERVATIVE rep.
Her voting record is impeccable.
Yes, there is more work to do, eliminate townships, consolidate school boards, reduce the number of county board members, and on and on.
Barb has the fortitude to get it going, now it is up to you and I to follow through and help with the ground work.
Hey Numbers guy, don’t forget about about her checking with the other puppeteer Al.
There are no term limits on the controlling puppeteers JS and AJ.
Jim B. And you are from what planet?
ProudCONSERVATIVE: Let us pray that changes in the very near future.
It is an absolute shame that so many commentators on this blog are so negative.
Constant complainers with little to offer.
Barb Wheeler is a conservative hero working in the political cesspool that is Springfield
She’ll get some heat even from the Republicans for this move.
The ONLY REASON she supports this move for term limits is because she knows that it will be good for the state of Illinois, and NOT her career.
Political hack thugs like Madigan and Franks HATE the move toward term limits….as Franks even promised in 1998 to his electorate that he would only serve 3 terms. (Press, where are you?)
Madigan may even allow Franks to vote “for” this bill if the leader otherwise has the votes to defeat it.
That will give Jack the needed “out”.
I’ve disagreed with Ms. Wheeler on this blog on a few issues in the past, but she has revealed on more than one occasion that she is a true conservative hero…Jim Bishop is right on.
Seems like Ms. Wheeler’s angling for Pam Althoff’s job, should Pam decide it’s time to retire.
Wheeler’s become a political pinball, bouncing from one issue, one candidate, to another, then back like a homing pigeon to “boss” for a new script.
What is up with the angry blogger commenters these days?
You all seem to be swatting at anything that’s put in front of you.
Wheeler is a solid conservative and shes never been a go along to get along politician.
Lol mike shorten – a go along 150 politician like yourself and barb?
Endorsing McClellan, Zinke speaks volumes.
How’s Al & Jack these days?
When does endorsing other Republicans become a conservative sin?
Stick with the issues, people.
Otherwise, you start to sound like whining Democrats.
Wheeler has been an outstanding representative.
I didn’t like her endorsement of Zinke either…but get over it.