Illinois politicians have created election and governing systems designed to preserve their power, not serve voters. We will need to act up to change that and demand improvements.
Policy
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Keeping With the Times: Chicago Would Be in Good Company If It Broadcast and Recorded Its Committee Hearings
The big policy debates happen in committee hearings and right now you can only catch them in person.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: We’re in the Election Sprint. Here’s How You Can Ensure You Cast an Informed Ballot
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s departure ought to emphasize you have critical civic homework to do before you vote.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: Candidates, Where’s the Discussion About Our Big Debt Problems?
We need to see some leadership about addressing our serious pension and other debt problems in Chicago and Illinois.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: Here’s How Political Powers Control Who Gets to Run for Office
Illinois’ political powers have plenty of ways in which they control who gets to run or hold office in Illinois. Here are some and a few suggestions for ending the election games.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Policy Team Says Police Draft Consent Decree Needs Transparency Work
While the draft Chicago police consent decree is an important step, the BGA’s Policy Team recommends revisions to advance Chicago police transparency.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
Curbing Golden Parachutes: BGA Policy Team’s Government Severance Pay Act Becomes Law
Public executive severance packages will be limited to 20 weeks’ salary and no severance is allowed for those fired due to misconduct.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: How One Citizen Changed His Local Township Government — and Maybe State Law
Think you can’t fight city hall, or township hall? Here’s how one Illinoisan did just that.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Leven: Put Responsibility for Compensating Injured City workers in the City’s Hands
Chicago is the only major city to pay injured workers out of its legislative body. Changing that could be something for some enterprising aldermanic candidates to champion.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Policy Team Offers Public Comment Supporting Government Consolidation, Financial Accountability, and Transparency
Join BGA’s Policy team and weigh in on the future of Chicagoland.