April 19,
2011
To the
Honorable Members of the
Illinois Senate,
97th
General Assembly
I hereby return Senate Bill 1 with a specific
recommendation for change.
I commend the sponsors for their work to pass this
bill. This legislation will provide additional transparency and
accountability to the executive appointment process by expediting the
constitutionally required public review before the Senate of appointees serving
in expired terms.
The office of citizen is
the highest office in the land. One of the best ways to participate in
our democracy is by serving on a state board, commission, task force, or other
executive appointment. These positions oversee and advise Illinois' elected officials, state agencies and organizations on a wide range of issues
that affect the public welfare. They also play a vital role in promoting
efficient, effective, and honest government.
It is important that
citizens know about Illinois' boards and commissions and how to apply for
membership. In 2009, I created appointments.illinois.gov. On this
website, citizens can view descriptions of the positions, current members and
vacancies, and I encourage all citizens to consider applying for a board or
commission.
I applaud the sponsors for
working to make the executive appointments process even more transparent.
My recommendations for change would honor the intent of the sponsors but would
also give citizens ample time to apply for a vacant position and allow a
reasonable amount of time for identifying and recruiting qualified candidates.
Therefore, pursuant to
Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return
Senate Bill 1, entitled “AN ACT concerning government,” with the following
specific recommendation for change:
On page 5, by adding immediately
below line 22 the following:
“(e) The provisions of this Section
pertaining to a salaried office apply on and after July 1, 2011. The provisions
of this Section pertaining to an office other than a salaried office apply on
and after October 1, 2011.”.
With this
change, Senate Bill 1 will have my approval. I respectfully request your
concurrence.
Sincerely,
PAT QUINN
Governor
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