LWV Distressed Over LF City Council's Abrupt Advisory Board Shut Down

The League of Women Voters Lake Forest Lake Bluff Area is distressed at the news that the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Board has been abruptly abolished. A first reading on April 21 was followed by a second reading and vote on May 5, successfully terminating this advisory body with minimal public discussion. The Legal Committee was also on the chopping block, slated for dissolution in the April 21st reading, but not included in the May 5th vote.

While some notice of the pending action was given, the speed of the vote precluded significant community input in advance of the action. Why is this a concern? Democratic government requires timely communication. A sudden, unexpected, and significant change with minimal notice limits residents’ opportunity to participate in their own government.

The city wrote in its e-news, four days after the first reading, that the change “will streamline communication between staff and the City Council.” While this may be true, a parallel concern might be that the elimination of a citizen advisory board could set aside the communication between city government and the citizens it represents.

The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon informed and active participation in government and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible.

In this case, many well-placed and well-informed community members were unaware of the imminent change. Public confidence in government requires mutual trust. We respectfully state that open discussions and timely communication in advance of significant actions are always the best policy.

Sincerely,
Carol Russ, President
League of Women Voters Lake Forest Lake Bluff Area