Mental health board question in Elk Grove Township on the ballot in November

The Elk Grove Township Board voted at the 11th hour on Monday to place a referendum question about establishing a township mental health board on the November ballot.

If voters approve, Elk Grove Township would join other townships, including Wheeling and Palatine, in establishing a board serving the needs of residents with mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders.

Township Supervisor John Scaletta explained the board had to meet the Aug. 17 deadline to put the binding question on the ballot.

The board’s decision means the question is on the ballot regardless of whether a township electoral board upholds a challenge to a citizen-initiated petition by former township trustee Dale Niewiardowski.

Niewiardowski claims citizens who filed a petition to put the question on the ballot did not collect enough signatures.

The number of signatures submitted in July was 895. Niewiardowski said the number should have been 3,294. The electoral board met before Monday’s township board meeting. That hearing was continued to Aug. 27.

If the township’s ballot measure is approved, the township would levy an annual tax not to exceed 0.05% for the mental health board. The tax is expected to generate up to $2.5 million, although proponents say the amount needed would be less.

Trustee Jason Wynkoop said he was moved by the number of signatures and the organizing of the petition’s backers. He said anyone opposed to the question should be encouraged to campaign against it, saying that is what democracy looks like.

“It’s really important that the voters in Elk Grove Township get to make a decision on this directly and that they should be presented with that question,” he said.

Trustee Monika Stajniak referred to her experience in social services.

“When I got elected, I felt obligated to bring the help that is needed, especially in this area for mental health services,” she said.

Advocates for the mental health board packed the meeting, including people involved with similar boards in other communities.

“I really appreciate you considering putting this on the ballot, so that everyone does have that choice,” Wheeling Township Trustee Lorri Grainawi said.

szalusky@dailyherald.com