The advisory referendum gave the board public consensus but no plan of action.
The proposed dissolution of Evanston Township was noticeably absent from the official agenda at Tuesday night’s annual township meeting, but the issue was front and center for many of those who spoke. At the first township board meeting since Evanston voters passed an advisory referendum supporting township dissolution by a 67 to 33 percent margin, Evanston aldermen -- who double as township board members -- and city staff said they still had no immediate plans for actualizing the public consensus voiced during the March 20 elections. Ald. Coleen Burrus (9th Ward) said that the city was still “exploring options” of what to do next. Evanston City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz said that the city never created a definitive plan of how to follow up…
A binding referendum could land the city in legal trouble, but a transfer of powers might work.
When the advisory referendum for Evanston Township dissolution passed with 66.9 percent support during the March 20 primary election, Evanston voters sent a clear message that they backed the change. But due to the legal complications that might accompany a similar binding referendum, it is improbable such a vote will make the upcoming November ballot. However, according to State Senator Jeff Schoenberg, D-Evanston, a complete phase out of township services coupled with a wind down of its tax levy could accomplish the same goal. City officials have explored the idea of dissolving the township in the hope that reduced office rental and personnel costs could save the city nearly $400,000, but Evanston City Attorney Grant Farrar said in …
Everything you need to know about today’s elections.
Where can I vote? Evanston has 38 polling places. Find the one nearest you by entering your address on the Cook County Clerk’s website. The website can also provide you with a sample ballot to inform you of races and referendums on the ballot in your district. What time to the polls open? All polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., but anyone in line when the polls close is allowed to vote. According to a press release from the Cook County Clerk’s office, polling places are least crowded from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. What is on Tuesday’s ballot? The three referendums on Evanstonians’ ballots are perhaps most notable. What about races for public office? How can I follow the results? Unofficial results will be posted online here. Official …
Sharon Eckersall
9:36 pm on Friday, March 30, 2012
The budget for the township expires on mar 31. They have until june 30 to approve a new budget operating on old budget. more ›