Voters In Highland Park To Decide On Mental Health, Liquor License Holders Referendums

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Voters in Highland Park and Moraine Township will weigh in Tuesday on two distinct referendums: a binding one that proposes a new community mental health board and a corresponding tax to fund it, and a non-binding one asking authorities to expand eligibility for elected office by allowing liquor license holders to serve on the city council.

The mental health referendum applies to residents of Moraine Township, which includes most of Highland Park as well as all of Highwood and parts of Deerfield and Lake Forest.

The referendum asks whether the township should establish a community mental health board supported by a 0.03 percent property tax levy to fund mental health facilities and services for residents, including resources for intellectual or developmental disabilities and substance abuse treatment.

If approved, the tax would generate between $800,000 and $900,000 annually, costing the owner of a $100,000 single-family home about $10 a year.

According to the Yes for Mental Health political action committee, local demand is high, with dozens of residents waiting for state-provided disability services and an estimated 300 mental health and drug-related hospitalizations at Highland Park Hospital in the last two years.

“Our community needs efficient, dedicated resources to fill critical gaps in mental health services,” according to committee representatives, who have underscored the group’s commitment to addressing unmet needs in Highland Park and Highwood.

The second referendum is a non-binding, citizen-led effort to amend a city ordinance dating from the end of prohibition that forbids liquor license holders from serving as elected officials or police officers in town.

The belated recognition of the current law earlier this year controversially compelled Councilmember Jeff Hoobler, co-owner of Ravinia Brewing Company, to resign his council seat rather than relinquish his liquor license. Hoobler had garnered the highest vote count in the 2023 municipal election before the local liquor code provision was brought to the attention of city officials.

Highland Park Forward, a political action committee advocating for the change, gathered over 2,500 signatures to place the question on the ballot, aiming to give voters the chance to decide if liquor license holders should be able to serve in office.

The advisory referendum asks: “Should the City of Highland Park, Illinois amend its laws to allow liquor license holders to serve as elected city officials?”

“It’s time for voters to decide whether a candidate’s liquor license is relevant,” Doug Purington of Ravinia Neighbors Association said, calling the current law an “affront” to the community’s judgment and a restriction on voter choice.

Should voters approve the referendum, it could allow Highland Park business owners like Hoobler to serve without conflict over their licenses.

Highland Park Forward leaders, including Bluegrass restaurant owner Jim Lederer and business advisor Irwin Bernstein, have advocated for the measure as a way to increase local representation and eliminate what they see as an outdated restriction.

Polls open at 6 a.m. Tuesday and will close at 7 p.m. Results will be reported shortly thereafter.