In true Illinois and Cook County tradition Bradley Stephens, Rosemont, IL trustee will be named to fulfill the remainder of his father’s term as Mayor of the Chicago suburb. Donald Stephens the first and only Mayor of Rosemont passed away on April 18th after battling stomach cancer.

In what has become a disturbing reality in Chicago and the surrounding areas we have seen a spate of hereditary successions to political office. Whether it be by death, illness, resignation or retirement the elected officials of the area seem to think political office is the family business and the offices within are for them to bestow upon family as they see fit.

This is an area that has seen Todd Stroger succeed his incapacitated father as head of the Cook County board, though wholly unqualified. Dan Lipinski stepped in to fill his father’s congressional seat after a post primary late withdrawal in the 2004 race, and interim President Bobbie Steele passed his county board seat to her son. These are but a few among many cases and it is no surprise, though one does weary of the practice. My proximity to my father did not make me a great die maker and neither does it make these beneficiaries of nepotism good representatives of their constituency. Often their prior public service is pointed out as a qualification but frequently that public service was a result of familial machinations more than any type of qualification. In Illinois this seems to cut across party lines (as if we really had anything resembling an option), as both sides have taken advantage of their power to enrich their progeny or other relatives. This is often done at the expense of the governed.

Stephens tenure saw the tiny Village of Rosemont grow to become a convention and entertainment powerhouse in the Chicago area. While the municipality benefits from excellent geographical location its growth was shepherded by the elder Stephens during his 51 year tenure and for that he deserves praise, but no such accolades should be given to the son who apparently is a winner in the lucky gene club.

It is about time we start looking at qualification over family connection and substance over a particular surname. Otherwise we need not bother going to the polls and instead can watch the birth announcements and society pages to determine our representation. We have a voice and we need to start using it at the ballot box lest we lose it forever.