Thornton Township’s proposal to establish a mental health board funded by a 0.15% property tax to mental health services was soundly defeated in the primary election Tuesday, March 19, according to preliminary results posted by the Cook County Clerk’s office.
The mental health board, which would have distributed proceeds from the property tax to mental health services in the township, received 10,124 “no” votes, or 61.84%, to 6,248 “yes” votes, or 38.16%.
The margin was larger than in the April 2023 election, when virtually the same question was voted down 51% to 49%.
Homewood voters who live east of Western Avenue and north of 183rd Street were able to have a say in the matter.
Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld was among a group of 14 area elected officials who opposed the referendum.
The group posted a letter asserting that the township’s proposal would duplicate services already offered by the state and county, and they objected to a tax increase on property owners in an already tax-burdened region.
Another Thornton Township referendum question, “Should the Township charge a fee of two dollars ($2.00) per person, which shall increase annually by the cost of living, for access to the Township’s soup and salad bar?” was defeated by a larger margin than the mental health question, with more than 80% voting “no” and a little less than 20% voting “yes.”
A third township referendum fared better. Voters approved the establishment of a second township food pantry 73% to 27%.
Turnout for the township referenda was 15.88% of all registered voters in the township.
Nearby Hazel Crest also had three referenda on the ballot.
Residents strongly supported a measure to eliminate the village’s vehicle sticker tax by a margin of 80% to 20%.
Voters also affirmed the village’s efforts to create an arts district in the village, with nearly 72% voting in favor.
A third measure failed to win a majority. Voters defeated by 54% to 46% replealing existing term limits on elected officials and replacing it with a new policy limiting officials to no more than five consecutive four-year terms.
Currently, the mayor and trustees are limited to two consecutive four-year terms.
Other election results:
For the Illinois Supreme Court seat, Joy Virginia Cunningham handily defeated Jesse G. Reyes 76%to 24%.
In the race to replace State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, who did not run for re-election, Eileen O’Neill Burke received 54% of the vote to 46% for Clayton Harris III. She will face Republican Robert W. Fioretti in the November general election.
To fill a vacancy in the Cook County Court 15th Subcircuit, Luciano “Lou” Panici Jr. prevailed with 40% of the vote, followed by Allen Price Walker with 30% and Paul A. O’Grady with 30%.
John A. Fairman ran unopposed for a second vacant seat in the 15th Subcircuit.
For two vacancies in the 17th Subcircuit, Rivanda Doss Beal and Lloyd James Brooks both ran unopposed.
Incumbent Will Davis ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination in the Illinois House 30th District. In November, Davis will face Republican Patricia Bonk, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary.
State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination in the 38th District, and she will be unopposed in November.
In the 40th Senate District, incumbent Patrick Joyce defeated challenger Kimberly Earling 77% to 23% to win the Democratic nomination. He will face Republican Philip Nage, who ran unopposed.
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly ran unopposed for the Congressional 2nd District nomination. In November she will face Republican Ashley Ramos, who also ran unopposed.
In the presidential primary, Donald Trump won the Republican race with 81% of the vote. His closest challenger, Nikki Haley, received 14%. The rest of the vote was split between Ron DeSantis, Chris Christie and Ryan L Binkley.
President Joseph Biden received nearly 92% of the Democratic vote. The rest of the vote was split among Dean Phillips, Marianne Williamson and Frank “Frankie” Lozada.
Related stories:
Election 2023: Thornton Township mental health board referendum falls short (April 5, 2023)
Elected officials pen letter opposing Thornton Township mental health referendum (March 16, 2023)