Kane County Reporter

State Representative Dan Ugaste of Geneva has introduced two legislative proposals aimed at increasing accountability among elected officials in Illinois. These proposals, comprising a bill and a constitutional amendment, seek to empower the public with the ability to initiate recall elections for elected officials across the state.

Rep. Ugaste emphasized the urgency of these measures, stating, “Considering the current situation in Illinois with elected officials, both at the state and local levels, these bills merit immediate consideration.” He further noted that "Illinois residents deserve to have measures in place that provide options to remove elected officials who are behaving recklessly or are neglecting their constituents without fear of any repercussions.”

House Bill 5924 focuses on local elected officials by allowing their recall through petition circulation and requires a 60 percent vote for removal from office. The accompanying proposal, House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 22, aims to establish a recall process for all state-elected positions. This includes significant roles such as Senate President and Speaker of the House.

Ugaste highlighted that some state officeholders wield considerable influence over Illinois yet are chosen by a small portion of its population. He stressed that "Illinois residents deserve accountability from their elected officials."

Together with Rep. David Friess from Red Bud, Rep. Ugaste held a press conference in Springfield where they detailed these initiatives. They urged the 103rd General Assembly to deliberate on these proposals during the ongoing Lame Duck Session but indicated readiness to reintroduce them in the forthcoming 104th General Assembly if required.