Polls Closed In Highland Park, Moraine Township Referendums, Election Results To Come
HIGHLAND PARK, IL — As polls close on Election Day, Highland Park and Moraine Township residents await the results of two notable referendums that could influence the future of local governance and mental health services.
On the ballot were a pair of questions: one proposing a new, taxpayer-funded community mental health board for Moraine Township, and a non-binding referendum asking whether liquor license holders should be eligible to serve on the city council.
The first referendum, which applies to Moraine Township residents, seeks approval for the creation of a community mental health board, along with a 0.03 percent property tax levy. The tax, if approved, would fund mental health facilities and services, including support for intellectual or developmental disabilities and substance abuse treatment.
The tax is expected to raise between $800,000 and $900,000 annually, costing about $10 per year for the owner of a single-family home valued at $100,000. Advocates with the Yes for Mental Health committee have cited high local demand, noting over 300 mental health and substance abuse hospitalizations at Highland Park Hospital in the last two years and a lengthy waitlist for state disability services.
"Our community needs efficient, dedicated resources to fill critical gaps in mental health services," committee representatives said, underscoring their commitment to addressing unmet needs in Highland Park and Highwood.
The second referendum, a non-binding proposal, asks voters whether Highland Park's longstanding prohibition on liquor license holders serving as elected officials should be lifted.
The ordinance, dating back to the end of Prohibition, recently led Councilmember Jeff Hoobler, co-owner of Ravinia Brewing Company, to resign rather than give up his liquor license. Hoobler was the top vote-getter in the 2023 municipal election.
Highland Park Forward, a political action committee advocating for the change, gathered more than 2,500 signatures to place the question on the ballot. The advisory referendum reads: "Should the City of Highland Park, Illinois amend its laws to allow liquor license holders to serve as elected city officials?"
Supporters argue the prohibition is outdated and unnecessarily limits voter choice. "It's time for voters to decide whether a candidate's liquor license is relevant," said Doug Purington of the Ravinia Neighbors Association, calling the current law an "affront" to the community's judgment and a restriction on voter choice.
Highland Park Forward leaders, including Bluegrass restaurant owner Jim Lederer and business advisor Irwin Bernstein, say the measure would increase local representation and remove an outdated barrier to public service.
