PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:     Christine Hotchkin

Chairperson Downers Grove Township Democratic Organization

630-771-5546

DOWNERS DEMOCRATS VOTE TO STAY OUT OF NON-PARTISAN ELECTIONS

At its monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 10, members of the Downers Grove Township Democratic Organization held a heated discussion on the subject of non-partisan local elections. 

The subject was prompted because the DuPage County and Downers Grove Township Republicans have recently begun openly financing and supporting Republicans who run against Democrats in local non-partisan elections. 

A recent school board election in heavily Republican Hinsdale was cited as an example where a Republican candidate campaigned and was elected, saying that his opponent should not be elected to the Board because he was a Democrat.    As one irate member stated, “This is one-party domination in DuPage going too far.”

Concerns were also raised that such interference could negatively influence the upcoming April elections. According to Chris Hotchkin, chairperson of the organization, “Local elections have always been low cost and non-partisan.  Any capable candidate should have a chance to participate, regardless of party affiliation.  Our party has never interfered and we should not start now.”

Many members expressed concern that the same party which dominates the DuPage County Board and the township boards throughout the area want to ensure they have control over the local municipalities, as well as school, library, and park districts.

It was noted that the all-Republican County Board has just given itself a 10 percent pay raise while slashing county services and 174 jobs. Over the past eight years, this amounts to a 75 percent pay increase while the county’s budget deficit ballooned to $40 million.

The discussion resulted in the unanimous passage of the following resolution: 

Resolution on Non-Partisan Election Participation

It has come to the organization’s attention that the Downers Grove Township Republican Organization has recently included in its bylaws the provision that it will henceforth officially endorse Republican candidates and commit funds to help elect these candidates to non-partisan offices, such as local village councils, park district and school boards.  In addition, it will actively work against Democratic candidates in such races. 

The Downers Grove Township Democratic Organization believes that this position will dangerously undermine the solid, non-partisan cooperation which citizens of these villages, park and school districts now enjoy and promote.  Furthermore, this action will needlessly split communities on party lines, where no such division should exist, substantially raising the cost of these campaigns and preventing otherwise qualified candidates from running.  

Therefore, while not denying the right of any members to privately support any candidate of their choice, the Downers Grove Township Democratic Organization hereby resolves that it will not endorse nor raise or contribute funds to candidates in non-partisan elections.

The Downers Grove Township Democratic Organization meets regularly on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Community High School District 99 Administration Building at 6301 Springside in Downers Grove. The organization serves the communities of Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lemont, Westmont, Willowbrook, and Woodridge. Meetings are free of charge and open to the general public.  

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