We are pleased that the River Forest Village Board declined to vote on and approve a resolution (at the Nov. 17 village board meeting) to place another term-limits referendum on the November 2026 general election ballot. By declining to pursue this unnecessary measure, River Forest voters can finally feel secure in the April 1, 2025, referendum election results, which clearly established term limits for board officials in River Forest.
The terms of office that the voters approved on April 1, 2025 provide that any village board member, president, or clerk elected in 2027 or 2029, and in all elections going forward, will be able to run one additional time, for a maximum of 2 four-year terms.
Although the administration has yet to memorialize the results of the Yes vote and record the law as an amended ordinance in the Village Code, the village attorney clearly stated at the June 9 village board meeting, “Some communities put qualifications for office in their code, others don’t, but qualifications for office is a State law matter.” Thus, it is not necessary to formally amend the River Forest code to reflect the result of the April 1 election. It is the law now.
Democracy only works when constituents participate. We thank everyone who participated in this effort.
Happy holidays to all River Forest constituents.
Debbie Borman
Sue Foran