Endorsement: Yes in Prospect Heights to end election of clerk, treasurer
Prospect Heights voters are being asked to decide whether the city should make do without elected clerk and treasurer positions. We support a yes vote on a move that would simplify government and save $6,000 a year in monthly salaries.
Mayor Nick Helmer said he proposed a referendum on the question because the offices serve little function, with financial and clerk duties almost entirely carried out by regular staff members such as the assistant city clerk and the finance director. The city council voted unanimously to put the issue on the ballot.
Helmer said there has been no organized effort either to pass or defeat the referendum. A number of other suburbs have taken similar steps to eliminate the elected offices, he said.
While the questions as worded give Helmer the power to appoint people to the jobs with the advice and consent of the city council, he said he plans to use staff and leave the posts vacant if the measures pass.