A proposal in the Illinois House would stop local government leaders from using public resources to fight efforts to consolidate any government unit.

Former Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the bill before leaving office, but bipartisan support in the General Assembly may send it back to the governor’s desk.

Red-light cameras generated lots of traffic ticket revenue for local government without proof they made roads safer. One Illinois House bill would ban them from certain municipalities, but another would ban them statewide.

The bill would make it easier for McHenry County residents to dissolve the county’s 17 townships at the ballot box – and find relief through tax savings.

State Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Smithton, has joined the fight against a progressive tax hike in Illinois.

The appearance of patronage hires in some McHenry County townships highlights consolidation efforts at the state and local level.