Emergency Power! Mayor Cleared to Pull Business Licenses

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet City Council cleared the way for the mayor to suspend a business’ license for seven days without going through the trouble of holding a hearing.

The council voted 7-1 to allow Mayor Bob O’Dekirk to shutter a licensed business. Councilman Pat Mudron was the lone dissenter.

“I think it opens us up for litigation,” Mudron said.

At Monday night’s pre-council meeting, Inspector General Chris Regis explained that the measure was intended to “close an existing loophole in the city ordinance” and will let the mayor close down a “potentially dangerous business,” such as one where drugs are being sold.

“This gives the police department an additional tool to do their jobs,” Regis said, telling how the ordinance is “investing emergency power in the elected official.”

The mayor must first consult with the city legal department before going ahead and suspending a license, according to the ordinance.

“The mayor can’t just do it,” Councilwoman Jan Quillman said Monday night. “He has to get some legal advice.”

Mayor Bob O'Dekirk | image via City of Joliet