rather than a nonpartisan, officer was undoubtedly tied to resolution of the other major problem whether to give the auditor general strong investigatory powers into governmental operations. It is significant that implementation came when the Watergate scandal had brought to everyone's consciousness the power of the legislative branch to investigate the executive (Public Act 78-884, effective 9/20/73). By giving an auditor general reasonably strong powers, the legislature really opted for an activist officer. Such a person is likely to have had a history of party involvement on one or both sides of the aisle.
Antagonism to change
In retrospect the Illinois General Assembly implemented the 1970 Constitution within a reasonably short timethree years. The two main obstacles to earlier and smoother implementation were the loosely drawn nature of the constitution and the legislature's early antagonism to constitutional change. Certainly the convention could have made the job easier by setting delayed but specific effective dates for the most crucial provisions, as it did for the State Board of Education. Some of the looser language, especially in the legislative article, demonstrates a lack of insight into the legislative process. The convention's delegates should have realized that legislative decisionssuch as those on vetoesare made in the political arena, not in the constitutional law seminars. On the other hand, the General Assembly found it difficult to regard the Constitution as a special assgnment which could be approached on a bipartisan "good government" basis. Many decisions on implementation were made clearly with one eye on dividing up power and the other eye on the Constitution.
In a way, implementation is not over. A constitution must be constantly reexamined, redefined and, in a sense, reimplemented by the legislature every generation.
The Illinois Papers
A GROUP of approximately eight essays entitled The Illinois Papers will trace the reciprocal influence of the land and the people in Illinois and the Midwest. The current project of The Center for Illinois Studies, Inc., each essay will focus on one area of Illinois life its historical development and its present and future significance for the state.
As a group, the essays will uncover the development of the present complex issues and the consequences of the interdependence of the Midwest with both national and global societies. The core of topics includes the environment, transportation, agriculture, work, education, the arts, and justice.
Not all of the Papers have yet been commissioned by The Center, which welcomes inquiries from persons interested in writing a paper. Inquiries should be sent to The Center for Illinois Studies, Inc., 8 South Michigan Ave., Room 2006, Chicago, III. 60603.
Lobbyists registered
MORE THAN 260 lobbyists had registered with the Secretary of State's Index Division by late February. Lobbyists are required to report expenditures made in promoting or opposing the passage of legislation (III. Rev. Stat., ch. 63, par. 171 ff). A person who for compensation or on behalf of other persons undertakes to promote or oppose legislation must register; exceptions are made for those who appear as witnesses before committees without compensation, the media and their representatives, state employees, and certain others.
The power often
In 1965, 117 Democrats elected John Touhy, speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, by a vote of 117 to 58, in one ballot; straight party line voting.
In 1975, 107 Democrats could not in 93 ballots muster 89 Democratic votes to elect a speaker. William A. Redmond was elected speaker with 7 Republican votes and 82 Democratic votes.
Do 10 Democrats make that much difference?
By ARVID HAMMERS
A research associate for (the Legislative Council, he also served on the staffs of the Constitutional Convention and the Council of State Government .
How to buy state surplus property
TWICE A YEAR, once in July and again in November or December, the public is given an opportunity to purchase surplus state property at an auction held at the State Fairgrounds in Springfield. In the main, this surplus property consists of such items as obsolete office furniture and business machines. Other items occasionally available include household goods, plumbing fixtures and automobile parts. Prior to the public auctions, other state agencies are given an opportunity to inspect the property and to obtain any needed items.
Used state-owned motor vehicles are also available to the public on an intermittent basis usually five or six times during a year at auctions generally held in Springfield.
Surplus state property is collected in the following manner. State agencies notify the Property Control Division, Department of General Services, whenever any of their personal property becomes obsolete. The property is then surveyed by inspectors from the Property Control Division; usable items are taken to a warehouse on the State Fairgrounds.
Individuals interested in purchasing surplus property must register, free of charge, about two hours before the auction. All items are sold on a cash and carry basis. The exact time and place of the auctions is advertised in the classified section of the Springfield newspaper, the Illinois State Journal Register, once during the week and on the Sunday prior to the auction. The auctions are held on Saturday for the convenience of the public. Attendance at the auctions ranges from 200 to 400 people. Motor vehicle auctions are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Persons outside the Springfield area or those interested in further information about surplus state property should contact Joe McCue, Supervisor. Property Control Division, Department of General Services, 4390 South Jeffory, Springfield, 111. 62705, phone (217) 786-6839.
134 /Illinois Issues/May1975