Elmhurst Weekly: My Plan to Reform the Mayor's role as Liquor Commissioner

When I decided to run for Mayor, one of my initial Pledges to Elmhurst citizens was to reform the Mayor’s role as Liquor Commissioner.  My plan is to bring to the City Council a plan for a five person Liquor Commission.  The Commission will have full jurisdiction to hear matters pertaining to the granting and revoking of liquor and tobacco licenses, the imposition of fines, penalties and sanctions against current licensees; and make recommendations to the city council.

Many other cities have modified the state’s statutory direction making the Mayor of a city its Liquor Commissioner.  For example, Downers Grove has a seven member Liquor Commission, while Naperville has a five member Liquor Commission.  In fact, my idea was also endorsed by one of my Mayoral opponents, who now wants to take the idea one step further and prevent an entire group of taxpayers (those that have and are related to people that have any direct or indirect ownership interest in a liquor license) from participating in the political process.  But I want to make it clear that I do not favor an absolute ban on in kind gifts, discounts, or contributions; because I view her just released political referral as a violation of the fundamental civic rights of restaurant/bar owners, and their families.

Like with other Commissions, I pledge that all appointments will be based on qualifications and merit, not on relationships or campaign contributions.  The citizens who want to serve on the Liquor Commission will submit applications, all applicants will be screened, and all recommendations will go to the full City Council for approval. I also believe that one of the members of this commission should be a local merchant.

This is an important first step in restoring the presumed concept of integrity to our Mayor’s office.  Many cities have adopted this initiative because they understand that it is a recipe for potential abuse to vest the enforcement power to sanction with the ability to solicit campaign contributions from the very people that might be sanctioned.  Our democratic system of government is premised on three co-equal branches of government, which is why this power should not be vested in one person.

Whether or not restaurant owners felt pressured into not hosting events, or into donating gifts or money to political campaigns - my proposed reform will forever remove even the appearance of a conflict of interest.  Owners should not have to hire a lawyer to determine whether hosting an event will jeopardize their liquor license. Our restaurant owners are a sizeable component of our sales tax base, and provide full and part time employment for many of our citizens.  These business owners and their families should be allowed to fully participate in the political process; they deserve the same presumption of fairness and rights as all other employers in town.

Finally, as a true dividend, this move will also save the city’s taxpayers $ 25,000.00 over my term, as I will refuse or donate this stipend once the City Council approves this initiative.