This summer I fought to give Oak Park voters an advisory referendum on the proposed abolishment of single-family zoning in Oak Park, a decision that could have a profound impact on our community for generations.[1] More than 400 residents emailed the village board on this issue, and over 95% asked for that vote. Unfortunately the village board decided against allowing this referendum, though it is exactly the kind of question that belongs before Oak Park voters.
There is however, a different referendum question on the November ballot — about state pension policy. Voters will be asked whether Illinois should repeal its law barring state pension investment in companies that boycott Israel. I urge Oak Park residents to vote No.
Supporters (vote Yes side) argue the current Illinois law is fiscally irresponsible and claim it has cost Illinois pensions $149 million.[2] As a CPA, the numbers do not add up. No Illinois pension system has reported a loss from this law. A $149 million loss that no one can show or validate should not be used to persuade voters; it reads like propaganda.
If this campaign were truly about fiscal responsibility, it would be more appropriately focused closer to home. Oak Park’s own tax levy deserves close scrutiny, and I have spent years pushing for exactly that. Instead, this energy is going to a state pension question our village has no say over.
Oak Park has spent decades building a community that welcomes everyone. Yet many of my Jewish friends, neighbors, and constituents have told me of growing antisemitism in the village because of this referendum question. This is on top of years of growing antisemitic incidents that have forced our own synagogues to employ armed security.[3] That is not who we are supposed to be, and I find some of the behavior around this referendum question to be shameful and reprehensible. Everyone in Oak Park should be able to express their opinions and advocacy without being harassed, threatened, or intimidated. All this referendum question is doing is pitting people against each other on an issue these same people have zero control over. It is not productive, and it is causing harm.
Residents deserve a direct voice on the decisions that shape Oak Park, and our ballots should be used for these topics. I encourage you to vote No on this referendum. I also encourage you to stay engaged as the zoning proposal moves through the Plan Commission. Attend the hearings, offer public comment, and make sure your voice is part of the record.
Notes
[1] Jim Taglia, “Your voice still matters,” Wednesday Journal, July 28, 2026. https://www.oakpark.com/2026/07/28/your-voice-still-matters
[2] https://www.opfreespeech.org/faqs
[3] ADL, 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, May 6, 2026. https://www.adl.org/resources/press-release/adl-records-historic-high-antisemitic-assaults-and-attacks-deadly-weapons
Jim Taglia is an Oak Park village trustee.