Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Federal approach could be model to cut number of government units

A state senator is looking to the federal government for a model on how to reduce the glut of local governments in Illinois.

Sen. Terry Link, D-Waukegan, wants to create a commission that will recommend governments to be consolidated or eliminated.

University of Illinois Springfield political scientist Chris Mooney said the proliferation of small government units makes it difficult for anyone to monitor their activities.

“Very few people know what these people are doing,” Mooney said. “There is a lack of accountability. There is an opportunity for nepotism and hanky-panky. They’re certainly not all corrupt, but when you get so many of them, people don’t notice what’s going on.”

Mooney's comments were featured in a March 27, 2011, article by The State Journal-Register.

Read the story online