Quincy Reporter

Quincy conservative activist Mecki Kosin struggles to understand why there’s still debate about what’s most needed in Springfield.

“Everyone knows that major reforms in ethics are desperately needed and everyone knows that can only begin in earnest once we’ve removed (House Speaker) Mike Madigan from the picture completely,” Kosin told the Quincy Reporter. “Whatever it takes, he needs to go and it’s not enough for Democrats to just talk about it any longer.”

With the state’s longest-tenured lawmaker now embroiled in a still developing federal corruption probe involving utility giant ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme, some Democrat lawmakers are pushing an array of reform measures they tout as ways to change the culture in Springfield. Topping the list of proposals are measures that would ban legislators from becoming lobbyists, require greater financial disclosures, establish a censure process, make the legislative inspector general more independent, and institute term limits.

While there are those who argue simply removing Madigan won’t be enough on its own to bring about the change that’s needed, Kosin is electing to be optimistic.

“I have to believe most lawmakers are typically good people and once Madigan is out of the picture and no longer wielding his iron fist over so many of them that will reveal itself,” she said. 

Kosin said she often wonders what Madigan seems to hold over so many of his colleagues to keep them in line with his every whim.

“I don’t know if it’s all the money he has or something more,” she said. “It’s just a great mystery, but the good thing is it seems to be starting to unravel a bit.”