Dear Brothers & Sisters:

On November 4 Illinois voters will decide whether to call a constitutional convention, commonly known as con-con.

This is an issue that is critical to the health, welfare and pensions of Illinois fire fighters. 

The current Illinois Constitution, adopted in 1970, requires that the question of a new constitutional convention be on the ballot every 20 years. In 1988, the referendum lost by a 3-1 ratio. Of the 3.6 million voters in the 1988 election, 75% voted against the convention.

The AFFI and the Illinois AFL-CIO has joined a broad-based, non-partisan coalition of respected consumer, education, judicial, business and citizen organizations to urge voters to safeguard the constitution by voting “NO” on a November referendum concerning the constitutional convention.

Our current Constitution has proven both effective and flexible.  In the last 38 years, the Constitution has been amended just 10 times, addressing issues such as the size of the House of Representatives, the discipline of judges, and rights of crime victims. The Constitution already provides a clear mechanism for amending it, and the amendatory process is proven to work.

A constitutional convention would open the floodgates on competing issues and could realistically endanger many of the rights and laws that protect firefighters and their families.  It is important that you will be able to discuss with your families, friends, and neighbors the detrimental impact that a con-con could have on the people of Illinois.

It’s no secret that the political climate has changed dramatically since this Constitution became the legal framework for Illinois.  Special interests’ enormous financial and political resources have gained significant influence since the Constitution was adopted.

            It is important that fire fighters stand together now, while our own influence is still guaranteed under what has proven to be an excellent Constitution.

Enclosed are facts you can share with your members. The information will also be posted on our website under the members’ only section. (www.affi-iaff.org)

Please educate your members of the potentially devastating effects of a constitutional convention and the importance of voting no. As always, do not hesitate to contact any of us if you have questions or concerns. 

Fraternally,

Eddy Crews, Legislative Committee Chairman

Chuck Sullivan, Legislative Committee Secretary

Richard Martin, PAC Treasurer

Pat Devaney, President