To the River Forest Village President and Board of Trustees:
On behalf of all residents of River Forest, and pursuant to my Nov. 5 letter to the Wednesday Journal Viewpoints section (https://www.oakpark.com/2024/11/05/a-lost-opportunity-for-river-foresters), I respectfully request that the village board take the necessary steps to place a term limits referendum for the office of village president on the April 2025 ballot.
My request is consistent with the citizen referendum for term limits signed by more than 700 residents and obstructed and prevented from appearing on the November 2024 general election ballot by the objection, filed by a single River Forest resident.
Our request reflects a commitment to fostering good governance, encouraging fresh perspectives, and ensuring a healthy balance of leadership within our community.
Term limits are widely embraced to promote accountability and prevent the entrenchment of power in public office. Many municipalities in our area successfully implemented government-initiated term limits for some or all elected offices, including Skokie, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, Broadview, Riverside, Lombard, Niles, Lyons, Franklin Park, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, and Naperville. These municipalities foster broader civic engagement and provide opportunities for a more diverse range of residents to serve in leadership roles.
River Forest has the opportunity to join these forward-thinking communities in enhancing our democratic processes.
A referendum on this issue will allow the residents of River Forest to directly voice their opinions and determine the future of leadership in our village. This democratic approach underscores the values of accountability, inclusivity, and citizen participation.
We request that the village board place the matter of a term limits referendum on the agenda of the next meeting of the River Forest Board of Trustees, on Dec. 16, and at that time discuss, draft, and initiate the process for a term limits referendum to appear on the April 2025 ballot.
River Forest residents deserve the opportunity to vote on term limits.
Deborah Borman
River Forest