Shannon McClurg: Citizen-Led Win Against Backdoor School Bonds in Effingham, IL

Shannon McClurg joined the podcast to discuss:

• Stopping $57 million in school bonds that would have hiked local property taxes.

• Mobilizing a grassroots petition in 30 days to force voter say on "backdoor referendum" bonds.

• How neighbors can organize—fast—using simple tools and clear, voter-first messaging.

Shannon McClurg is a lifelong Illinoisan, local small-business employee, and grassroots precinct committeeperson who now serves as secretary for Effingham County. After learning her school district planned to issue $38 million and $19 million in bonds without a public vote, she helped form a six-person core team, recruited 100+ volunteers, and gathered more than 2,800 signatures on each petition in 25 days—leading the board to rescind the bonds. McClurg champions fiscal responsibility, transparent government, and restoring citizens' right to vote on major local spending.