Illinois Chronicle

From John Bambenek yesterday I got some exciting news about legislation he's working on that would kick the Illinois career corrupt politicians and todies to the unions to the curb:

Friends-

Pardon the interruption but I wanted to send you a quick note on the latest project I'm working on in Illinois. Like many of you I find the dysfunction, corruption and chaos of Springfield maddening. That's the reason I've spent years trying to reform Illinois.

This year, I've written a state constitutional amendment to enact a package of reforms against legislative corruption.  Our state constitution has a very narrow window by which private citizens can propose amendments to the state constitution. It requires 500,000 signatures to be listed on the ballot next November, no small task. I need people in towns across Illinois to help me collect signatures and if you're willing to help, let me know.

In short, this amendment enacts term limits on state legislators. They can serve no more than 8 years and they need to find a new job.  It ends gerrymandering where politicians can pick their voters to ensure they face no serious election challenges.  It requires 7 day public viewing of all legislation before it can be voted on, ending the backroom legislating process Springfield now employes.  It equalizes ballot access where an insider needs far less signatures to get on the ballot than an independent, some times up to 15x less.  Lastly, it creates a unicameral body with 3 member districts with strong protections for individual legislators.

I need your help to get this on the ballot.  The manpower needed is immense. I've hired some national PR help to help me take on the Springfield political machine. That was $15,000 right there.  If I manage to get 500,000 signatures, that's at least $20,000 in paper in copying.  The costs add up.  I'm asking you to consider donating $8 for 8 years, which will the maximum amount of time that a legislator could serve if this amendment passes. Imagine what term limits could do to clean up Springfield right now...

You can donate here:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8609623

Or send PayPal directly to donate@putbackamendment.com. Please consider sending this message on to family and friends as taking on the Springfield powerbrokers is no small task and I could use all the help, volunteer and resources I can get! Together we can Put the People Back in Charge in Springfield!

Thank you for your time and consideration and always feel free to contact me for any reason.  You can view more about the amendment or get updates at http://www.putbackamendment.com

Sincerely,
John Bambenek
Principal Author of the Putback Amendment

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