From The Pantagraph

Illinois better off without lobbyists on state boards

Pantagraph Editorial
Thursday, December 4, 2003

Illinois' new ethics law will create several vacancies on state boards and commissions because of a provision that prohibits registered lobbyists and their spouses from serving in those positions.
Although the state might lose some fine, dedicated people in the process, it's a small price to pay for improving the operation of government.
A more narrowly drawn exclusionary rule -- one that only prohibited lobbyists and spouses from boards where there would be a direct conflict of interest -- might have worked. However, anyone who has followed Illinois politics for awhile knows how such "narrow" rules can be rendered meaningless.
When it comes to ethics, especially in Illinois, clearly drawn lines are needed, with few shades of gray.
Among the harder hit boards is the one overseeing the Chicago Transit Authority, where three of seven board members might have to resign. That's a tough break, especially when the board is working on a new fare structure. But it also raises the question of why the CTA board and others have so readily turned to lobbyists and their spouses to serve on these panels?
In a state the size of Illinois, it shouldn't be that hard to find qualified people to serve on these boards and commissions -- especially those that come with a hefty salary.
For example, as a member of the Illinois Industrial Commission, Jacqueline A. Kinnaman is paid over $100,000. She is married to Henry Bayer, executive director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, which represents most state employees.
Kinnaman might be doing a wonderful job as an Industrial Commission member. However, there undoubtedly are others willing and able to take her place -- someone who isn't married to the head of the largest union representing state employees.
The new rules could hurt a few state panels in the short run. However, in the long run, in addition to averting ethical problems, the changes could widen the circle of people considered for appointment to these jobs and breathe new life into them.