Since last November, when over 85% of Oak Parkers voted in favor of adopting initiative rights, I have had many conversations with village board members, candidates, and Oak Parkers about enacting an Oak Park Voter Initiative ordinance in line with the people’s will.
The ordinance I have proposed outlines a process by which community members could collect signatures of a couple thousand registered voters to bring an ordinance before the board. If the board does not take action that satisfies the petitioners and the village attorney determines the question does not infringe on rights protected by the Illinois Constitution, it would proceed to a referendum. The people would then have the opportunity to make their voices heard.
This will not undermine our village board. The board still reserves the right to amend and repeal any initiated ordinance. It will be an alternative pathway for the occasional idea to come forward. Great ideas about sustainability, ethics, or anything else don’t just have to emerge from the boardroom. They can also come from conversations between friends and neighbors. Right now, we might be missing out on those. The Oak Park Voter Initiative gives a structured, though rigorous, avenue for them to be advanced.
Nearly every municipality in our Midwestern neighbors, Ohio, Nebraska, Michigan, and numerous other states, provides their residents with initiative rights. Since 1981, Arlington Heights has had an initiative process in place. Their ordinance, drafted by their well-respected municipal attorney, serves as the model for the Oak Park Voter Initiative ordinance.
As democracy retreats across the country, we should champion its expansion here. Embracing tried-and-true practices like initiative will improve our local governance and show our residents that we fully believe in the merits of an expansive, inclusive democracy.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg put it best saying, “The invention of the initiative was in full harmony with the Constitution’s conception of the people as the font of governmental power.” The village board should heed Justice Ginsburg’s words and pass the Oak Park Voter Initiative.
If you would like to get involved, please email me at Jacob.Drews@gmail.com.
Jacob Drews
Oak Park