Elk Grove Township panel rejects challenge to 708 board referendum

An Elk Grove Township electoral panel has rejected an attempt to remove from the November ballot a referendum creating a township community mental health board.

The electoral board, consisting of Township Supervisor John Scaletta, township Trustee Jason Wynkoop and township Clerk Suellen Satern, voted Thursday against a challenge by former Trustee Dale Niewiardowski.

A week before, the township board voted to put the initiative on the ballot.

If approved, the township would impose a new tax to fund grants for organizations that assist people with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. A volunteer panel appointed by the township would distribute the funding.

Niewiardowski’s challenge argued the citizen-initiated petition needed about 3,200 signatures, based on 10% of the total votes for the four township trustee seats in the 2025 election, to get on the ballot.

But Bret Bender, attorney for the ballot petitioners, argued they needed 892 signatures. They obtained 895.

Dan Bolin, counsel for the electoral board, said he could not find case law supporting Niewiardowski’s position.

Mount Prospect resident Sharon Roberts, one of the citizens initiating the referendum for the 708 board, filed the motion to dismiss Niewiardowski’s complaint.

“A community mental health board is not a red or blue issue. It’s not a right or left issue. It’s not a Republican or a Democratic issue. It’s a human issue,” she said.

But Elk Grove Village resident Cat Morita questioned the need for a separate mental health board when the township already has been supporting mental health organizations and could do more without a new tax.

szalusky@dailyherald.com