Dave McSweeney
State Rep. David McSweeney passed his House Bill 383 yesterday by a vote of 101-6-2.
Here’s the amended version of the bill:
Amends the Local Government Debt Reform Act.
In a Section concerning alternate bonds, provides that, in governmental units with fewer than 500,000 inhabitants, the petition for a backdoor referendum must be filed with the clerk or secretary within 45 days of publication of the authorizing ordinance and notice.
Provides that, in governmental units with fewer than 500,000 inhabitants, the petition must be signed by the lesser of
- 5% of the registered voters or 5,000 registered voters in a governmental unit with more than 4,000 registered voters, and
- 15% of the registered voters or 200 registered voters in a governmental unit with 4,000 or fewer registered voters.
5,000 signatures or 5%, if that is a lower number, is way too high, but in the Illinois General Assembly sometimes one must take baby steps.
Increasing the time period from 30 to 45 days is a step in the right direction.
In any event, after the upheaval on the McHenry County College Board, taxpayers don’t have to worry the reconstituted MCC Board will try to shove a huge bond issue down residents’ throats.
When will someone introduce state legislation or local board policy stating bonds should be competitively bid not negotiated.
Bond salesman and investors are making big profits at the public’s expense.
Recall him.