Politics & Government

Term Limits, Dog Park Permits: Plainfield Board Takes Questions to the Voters

Several advisory questions will go to voters in March.

Are two terms enough?

Plainfield Park District commissioners last week decided to take that question, and two others, to the voters at the March General Primary Election.

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  • The following advisory questions will be on the ballot:

    • Should the use of Plainfield Township Park District's dog parks be regulated by permit?
    • Should the Plainfield Township Park District impose term limits on the members of its park board so they may serve no more than two six-year terms?
    • Should the Plainfield Township Park District investigate the purchase or construction of an indoor recreational facility?

    But not all the commissioners were on board with placing the items on the ballot. Mary Kay Ludemann said when it comes to term limits, voters should decide.

    "It's up to voters to determine term limits of the commissioners on the board," she said, asking whether it might be unconstitutional for the board itself to impose limits.

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    Board president Peter Hurtado, on the other hand, said he's in favor of term limits "at every level of government."

    "It's always a good idea to get new, fresh blood," said Hurtado, who is currently serving his first six-year term. In fact, five of the six board members are currently serving their first term: Janet Silosky and Peter Steinys were elected in 2013; Ludemann was elected in 2009 and Hurtado was elected in 2011.

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    Commissioner Larry Newton, on the other hand, was elected in 2003 and re-elected in 2009, so if the limits come to pass, he would be ineligible to run again. His term expires in 2015.

    "If you can't accomplish things in two terms, how long's it going to take?" Hurtado said.

    Regarding the question about constructing an indoor recreation facility, Newton said it was a no-brainer.

    "I think everyone here wants an indoor facility," he said. "Do they want to pay for it? That's a whole other question." Newton said the wording should make it clear that a referendum or tax increase would be needed to fund such a project.


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