Rep. Sue Ness Asks Constituents about Double-Dipping Elected Officials

Found this survey on State Rep. Sue Ness’ December newsletter:

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this survey. My office has recently received several constituent inquiries about the ethical considerations surrounding elected officials holding more than one public office at the same time. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue. Indicates required question

How familiar are you with the practice of elected officials holding multiple public offices simultaneously?*

• Very familiar
• Somewhat familiar
• Not very familiar
• Not familiar at all

In general, do you believe elected officials should be allowed to hold more than one elected position at the same time in Illinois?*

• Yes
• Yes, but only in certain circumstances
• No
• Unsure

Referring to Question 2, why do you feel this way? Please write a brief opinion.

Not a required question, however, if you’d like to express your opinions, please do so down below.

Some regions of Illinois, especially those in southern and rural areas, struggle to find candidates to fill local offices. Should exceptions be made in places where it’s difficult to recruit candidates?*

• Yes, exceptions should be allowed
• No, the rules should be the same statewide
• Unsure

When an individual holds more than one elected office simultaneously, what should happen regarding compensation?

• They should receive the full salary for each office
• They should only receive the salary from the highest paying office
• They should only receive the salary from the lowest paying office
• Salaries should be combined, but capped
• Other:

What should happen regarding pensions for individuals who hold multiple elected positions simultaneously?

• They should accure pension credit for each position
• They should accrue pension credit for only the highest paying position
• They should accrue pension credit for one office only
• Other:

How concerned are you about potential conflicts of interest when one person holds multiple public offices at the same time?

• Very concerned
• Somewhat concerned
• Not very concerned
• Not concerned at all

Do you believe holding multiple positions reduces, increases, or has no effect on public trust in government?

• Significantly reduces trust
• Somewhat reduces trust
• No impact
• Somewhat increases trust
• Significantly increases trust

Should the General Assembly pass legislation restricting or prohibiting elected officials from holding multiple offices simultaneously? 

• Yes
• No
• Unsure

Please provide any other further comments, questions, or concerns you may have.