Political Power

What is a PAC and Why Should We Care?

In Wikapedia the definition of a PAC is: In the United States a Political Action Committee, or PAC, is the name commonly given to a private group, regardless of size, organized to elect political candidates or to advance the outcome of a political issue or legislation. Legally, what constitutes a “PAC” for purposes of regulation is a matter of state and federal law. The regulating authority in the State of Illinois is with the State Board of Elections,
www.elections.il.gov. ICON came together to move issues forward on behalf of Springfield’s Older Neighborhoods, this is best done in the political arena. One of the founders said it best, “It doesn’t matter how much I care when I am not the one voting on the issues.” Walla, the light bulb turned on.

Download the ICON ByLaws… (PDF)

“All it takes is 6 votes!”

In section 6.8 of the City of Springfield’s City Council’s Rules of Procedure, Committee Review it states: “The Committee of the Whole shall take such action as it is necessary to review the ordinances and resolutions before the committee and may adopt
such amendments as the committee deems appropriate for each ordinance or resolution. A vote of six members of the committee shall be necessary to take committee action. If the committee takes action on an ordinance or resolution by recommending “to approve” or “not to approve,” the ordinance or resolution shall be submitted to the Council for final action at the next meeting of the Council…”

Springfield City Council

Frank Edwards                  Ward 1 frankedwards@comcast.net
*Gail Simpson                    Ward 2 gldst4lif@aol.com
*Doris Turner                     Ward 3 cdt2100@aol.com
*Frank Lesko                      Ward 4 franklesko@gmail.com
*Sam Cahnman                  Ward 5 samcahnman@yahoo.com
*Cory Jobe                          Ward 6 cory@jobeward6.com
*Joe McMenamin               Ward 7 joeforward7@aol.com
* Kris Theilen                      Ward 8 kris@theilenforward8.com
Steve Dove                         Ward 9 stevedove1@aol.com
Tim Griffin                           Ward 10 tgriffin3900@sbcglobal.net
* Indicates Aldermanic Wards that are Old Neighborhoods

Resources

Find out how your Alderman voted
City Council Rules of Procedure (Springfield City Clerk website)
Springfield Interactive Map
Find the ward you live in…
(Sangamon County Clerk website)
Springfield Ward Map (PDF)
Springfield Neighborhood Associations (City of Springfield)

Springfield City Council

You may need to scroll down to see details on each page.

2010 Council Audio, Agendas and Minutes…
City Council Calendar…
Municipal video channel…