DeKALB | The possibility of the city clerk position changing from an elected to appointed post has some people weary.

City Clerk Donna Johnson has been involved in DeKalb government for the past 30 years, and during that period the clerk was elected. Now, a referendum on the ballot for the Nov. 7 election could change the status quo. This change has some people skeptical because of the possible increase in cronyism.

Cronyism is the practice of favoring one’s close friends. This is sometimes apparent with political appointments.

DeKalb City Clerk Donna Johnson said this referendum could put the new city clerk in possible uncomfortable situations.

“No one is going to talk back to their boss, even if some rule-bending is going,” she said.

Since the referendum has the possibility for favoritism, Johnson believes the current situation is best.

“I think it should stay as an elected position,” she said.

Johnson said keeping the city clerk as an elected position would be wise because it significantly reduces the chances of political corruption.

“It helps to have someone who can’t be fired,” she said.

Mayor Frank Van Buer believes the position should be appointed.

“Across the United States, the vast majority of city clerks are appointed,” Van Buer said. “There are no policy decisions related to the position.”

If the referendum is passed, the mayor would be able to appoint an individual to fill the city clerk’s position. The concept of not having an elected city clerk for the first time is hard for some people to swallow.

These sentiments were exemplified by some NIU professors after catching wind of the referendum.

“There is definitely a much greater chance of cronyism,” said Andrea Radasanu assistant professor of political science. “If you have the power to appoint anyone, it would be easy to appoint someone who isn’t qualified for the position.”

Sociology professor Kei Namaguchi agreed with Radasanu’s views.

“This could lead to a classic case of favoritism,” Namaguchi said. “If you are in office, you want someone who will cooperate with you and make decisions in your favor, like a friend.”

Johnson said the city has never seen any type of corruption.

“Right now, we don’t have this going on and I certainly don’t want to see it happen,” Johnson said.