By Dennis DeRossett, Executive Director, Illinois Press Association

Taxpayers have seen their fair share of government takeovers the past few years. The auto industry, Wall Street banks, student loans, healthcare, the list goes on and on.

All of these takeovers originated in Washington D.C. However, there is an ominous government takeover looming right here in Illinois, one that is not in the best interest of citizens of Illinois.

One important piece of foundation of our democracy is openness, or transparency, in government.

With the stock market fluctuating wildly, talk of bailouts for the three major American car companies and the mortgage crisis still going on in certain parts of the country, it’s nice to know that at least the gasoline prices are back down to an affordable level.