Original article by Jonah Meadows, Patch Staff
Curated summary
In Highland Park and Moraine Township, voters are deciding on two important referendums aimed at addressing local needs.
The first referendum, which is binding, proposes the creation of a community mental health board for Moraine Township, which includes Highland Park.
The second referendum in Highland Park is a citizen-initiated effort to amend an outdated law that prohibits elected officials and police officers from holding liquor licenses. This issue gained attention after former Councilmember Jeff Hoobler, co-owner of Ravinia Brewing Company, was forced to resign due to the law, despite receiving more votes than any other candidate in the 2023 municipal election. The referendum would allow liquor license holders to run for office, giving voters more choice in their candidates. More than 2,500 Highland Park residents signed petitions in support of the change, arguing that the current law is an arbitrary limitation on voters’ ability to select qualified officials. Proponents, including the grassroots group HP Forward, contend the law is outdated and restricts the pool of potential candidates, particularly given Hoobler’s business experience, which many voters valued.
Both referendums reflect local efforts to address critical issues—mental health care access and an outdated election law—aiming to better meet community needs and give residents more control over their local governance.