Springfield, IL – State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) and State Representative La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) are urging the General Assembly to work together to hold elected government officials accountable. Rep. Ugaste has filed two bills in the 104th GA that allow for the public to initiate proceedings resulting in the recall elections of elected officials in Illinois. In addition, Rep. Ford has filed legislation that establishes procedures to recall the Mayor of Chicago and set a special recall election.
“In 2010, I worked to pass a bill that enabled the governor’s recall only,” said Rep. Ford. “For the past ten years, I have been striving to establish a mechanism for recalling the Mayor of Chicago. Now, at the request of voters across the state, I am dedicated to collaborating across party lines with Rep. Ugaste to develop a comprehensive plan that broadens the recall process to include all cities in Illinois. We must get this right and prioritize the needs of voters. Holding public officials accountable is vital for restoring and maintaining public trust, and we are responsible for ensuring that voters have a voice when elected leaders fail to meet expectations.”
“In extreme cases, it would be in the best interests of residents and taxpayers to have options in place to remove public officials who have acted inappropriately or have historically low approval ratings,” Rep. Ugaste stated. “Representative Ford and I have both filed legislation to address accountability for officeholders, and it would be in the best interests of all Illinoisans if we can work together in a bipartisan manner, which we have committed to start. The process to initiate these recalls should not be easy, and with high threshold limits and signature requirements, any political or partisan concerns should not be a factor.”
House Bill 1304, filed by Rep. Ugaste, provides for the recall of local elected officials upon the circulation of petitions and a vote of 60 percent to remove them from office. The recall election would take place during the next General Election or Consolidated Election, whichever comes first. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 4, also filed by Rep. Ugaste, would provide for a recall mechanism for all elected officials, including state officeholders, the Senate President, and Speaker of the House. State officeholders would only be able to be removed during a General Election.