Politics & Government
Kenilworth Home Rule Referendum Fails
The referendum would have shifted some decision-making abilities from the state to the local level by making the village a "home rule unit".
FINAL UPDATE AT 8:53 p.m.:
The Kenilworth's home rule referendum has been voted down with more than three in five Kenilworth voters casting "no" ballots for the measure. The referendum would have moved some taxing, zoning and licensing powers from the state to the local level by making the village a “home rule unit”. Did you vote "no" for the referendum? If so, take a moment to write in our comments section and tell us why.
UPDATED AT 8:16 p.m.:
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Though both precincts are reporting, this one isn't called yet. As of now, the "no" votes lead by 326 votes and 23 percentage points.
RESULTS (UPDATED AS THEY COME IN TUESDAY NIGHT):
Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
UPDATED AT 7:49 p.m.:
It seems about two out of every three Kenilworth residents voted no on the home rule referendum -- at least, that is how it stands with one out of the village's two precincts reporting.
EARLIER:
The race for Illinois' 18th State Representative pins incumbent Democrat Robyn Gabel against Republican challenger Eric Lieberman.
Patch will be updating election results on this page throughout the evening.
GO BACK TO WILMETTE ELECTION CENTRAL
ABOUT KENILWORTH'S HOME RULE REFERENDUM:
If passed, the home rule referendum would shift some decision-making abilities from the state to the local level by becoming a “home rule unit”.
Home rule allows communities a broad range of powers, such as taxing, zoning and licensing, unless exempted by the State.
Kenilworth Village President Fred G. Steingraber said in August that the village needs to improve its infrastructure but currently lacks the funds. 78 percent of sewers, 81 percent of water mains and 55 percent of fire hydrants in the village are more than 100 years old, Steingraber said.
“We’ve concluded the best starting point for [financing a long-term infrastructure plan] is to go into Home Rule for this community,” Steingraber said. “The long-term infrastructure plan is going require $17 to $20 million of capital over 10 years.”
Under the 1970 Illinois Constitution, home rule powers are automatically granted to municipalities with populations over 25,000, smaller communities can put the question on the ballot and let voters decide.
News
Will You Vote for Kenilworth to Become a Home Rule Community?
Kenilworth Puts Home Rule Referendum on Nov. 6 Ballot
