The Iroquois County Board (Tuesday) voted to place a referendum question on the November 5 ballot asking voters if they find it OK to pursue separation from Cook County government to form a new state.

The non-binding referendum has gained support from several downstate counties. A group is proposing the separation out of frustration of playing second-fiddle to Democrat-dominated Cook County. Many have voiced the frustration – for years –of being overlooked by the political strong arm of Cook County.  If nothing else, it sends a message that downstate is tired of being ignored by policy-makers.

Opposition to the move to separate finds most people saying downstate separation from Cook County would be an economic disaster.  Without a connection to Chicago, downstate would lose some 75% of federal funding Chicago brings to Illinois. Lack of resources would  leave nothing for the rest of the state.

It’s unlikely anything would happen. The State Legislature and the Federal government would have to approve such a move.

There were two dissenting voted from the Iroquois County Board ---- Mitchell Bence and Raymond Williams. Chad McGinnis and John Zumwalt were absent.

94.1 WGFA