Better ways to change state constitution

The 1970 Illinois Constitution requires that the Nov. 4 ballot contain a proposition allowing the people to call a constitutional convention (con-con). In considering this matter, voters should not blame the current breakdown of the political process in Springfield on our state constitution. Our problems governing the state are due to the caliber of the people we have elected to serve us. The federal government, operating under the world's greatest written constitution, exhibits similar problems, yet few are calling for a convention to rewrite the U.S. Constitution.

If a con-con is called, the 1970 constitution gives the sitting Legislature the authority to establish the rules for the convention. Do the proponents believe these legislators will refrain from using their power, support networks and resources to control what happens at a convention, directly or indirectly? Is that what we want?