Dual Elected Duty: The Disenfranchisement of North Elmhurst Voters

On the controversy regarding dual elected duty, I respectfully ask the City Council to support an up or down referendum which is in line with the mayor’s promise to “Let the voters decide.”

But, we should let ALL Elmhurst voters decide, and the only way to do that is with an Elmhurst referendum on this November’s ballot. Let no one interfere with the unfolding of this democratic and constitutionally guaranteed process. 

The MAJORITY of Elmhurst voters are represented in DuPage District 1 and live on the north side of town, basically anywhere north of the Prairie Path. This leaves five of the seven Elmhurst wards either completely or partially without voice on dual elected duty since they can't vote for a District 2 candidate.

This is illustrated in the attached files. Please take a look. It’s eye opening.

Areas highlighted in red are DuPage District 1, and Mayor DiCianni will NOT appear on their ballot this November, nor was he on their ballot in the March Primary, as he is not running to represent them on the DuPage County Board. I don't know about you, but that seems like a glaring conflict of interest and representation to me.  

These North Elmhurst residents will have no vote, and no say, regarding this structural change to our local government. 

The smaller portion of voters live in DuPage District 2, mainly south Elmhurst Wards 6, and 7. This is where Mayor DiCianni is running for DuPage County Board. They are the only Elmhurst wards that get a complete say because of the DuPage District maps which split the city. These areas are highlighted in white in the attached file.  

White means you have a vote, red means you don’t. 

That is unfair to North Elmhurst residents. Let all Elmhurst voters decide if dual elected duty is condoned or rejected. Not just the minority of Elmhurst residents that live in District 2. Let’s let all Elmhurst voters decide.  I’d imagine we can all agree on that. 

As mayor of Elmhurst, Mr. DiCianni represents all Elmhurst residents and voters.  Not just the far south wards. North Elmhurst voters from the other five wards deserve to voice their opinion on this fundamental change in government structure because it will affect them as well. 

Article VII of the Illinois Constitution guarantees the defining qualifications of local elected officials to be left in the hands of the local home rule community. That is why Elmhurst is home rule. It is then specifically assigned to the hands of the people, through referendum, to avoid power consolidation on the part of their government. 

Alderman Mark Mulliner has made the courageous decision to lead us down this constitutional path, because it is simply his responsibility to do so. He took an oath to uphold the Illinois Constitution. I guess it must mean something to him. 

In November, the mayor’s supporters in this effort can vote for him for DuPage County Board in District 2, and if he wins he will be elected and seated. No one’s vote will be disrespected or usurped, as this is about the protection of our voting franchise. 

Voters should be allowed to vote on dual elected duty because it is a separate issue from the County Board campaign. Should Elmhurst public elected official be allowed to hold two elected offices at the same time? It is unprecedented. And, it is a fair question deserving a fair chance to be presented to the entire Elmhurst voting public. I think the mayor should agree. 

The Finance Committee has requested an outside legal opinion regarding limiting local elected officials to one office. They will find ordinance through public referendum is the ethical, constitutional and fair path. The deadline for a referendum to get on the November ballot is Aug. 20, so any delay is merely a political tactic. 

All of our elected officials take an oath to uphold the Illinois Constitution when they are sworn in to office. This is a sacred oath to the public. 

For the sake of fairness to the opponents and proponents of dual elected duty, and to follow the process guaranteed to all citizens in Article VII of the Illinois Constitution, I say, “Let All Elmhurst Voters Decide!”