According to the Naperville Sun, today the DuPage County Board met to discuss proposals that Sarah Klaper, a lawyer with the Elmhurst-based government watchdog group Citizen Advocacy Center says is a step towards home rule. She charges the “finance committee and full County Board plan to pass new rules that mimic the state act creating an executive form of county government, a prerequisite to becoming a home-rule government.” Why does this matter? It matters because Klaper, who is a very intelligent critic of the Board’s actions, believes this is a way for the County Board to give the county home rule status without voter approval - that is, without a referendum vote and the campaign leading to it, that would permit voters decide what is in their best interest (DuPage voters rejected the idea last time 3-1). And what is “home rule” and how will it affect DuPage. Below is my position that I gave to the Daily Herald editorial board during the last election cycle in response to their candidate questionnaire:
“I am against DuPage home rule. Home rule increases the ability to tax, without voter approval, removing a restraint on a county board showing little restraint. The county has moved from budget surpluses to deficits. Assisted by state law, the county has raided $75 million from DuPage Water Commission funding, instead of reining in costs. What would they do with home rule’s additional tax powers? Home rule would also empower DuPage to change government structures, personnel codes and environmental regulations. Four months ago political arguments with the coroner led to attempts to eliminate his office — what might the board change with more power? Recently local and county employees have increased unionizing activities — what personnel changes might the board enact in retribution, affecting public safety? When budgets are tight, would environmental standards slip? We have a board that acts secretly and unaccountably. Home rule would make DuPage less accountable.”
I stand by my judgment.
Post a Comment