A few thoughts about the recent proposal to put a non-binding resolution on the November ballot:
First, I would ask the Oak Park Township Board to consider what a democratic process might look like. Nearly 500 people showed up in order to express their opinions regarding the proposal. That fact alone is an indication that there is great interest in discussing the issue in our entire community. That fact alone is a reason to place the proposal on the ballot to enable there to be discussion among voters.
The manner in which the township meeting was conducted was that perhaps half of those who showed up, voted and left before any discussion took place. This is not what a democratic process looks like. When discussion did begin, the first speaker was former D200 school board member Ralph Lee, who said he was neutral because he had not heard enough about the issue to make an informed decision.
Secondly, I have to point out the irony that the anti-referendum organizers named their effort “Jewish Community and Friends of Democracy.” There are multiple Jewish communities in Oak Park, obviously including the two Temples on Harlem but also the Oak Park Jewish Secular Community, members of the anti-Zionist Tzedek Chicago, and unaffiliated Jewish people not represented by any temple.
To name a group Friends of Democracy in order to organize against allowing voters to decide a referendum question is double-speak of an Orwellian nature.
Five hundred people out to discuss a law governing Illinois is a good thing. It also means this issue has not been decided.
Jim Madigan
Oak Park