Endorsement: Yes for home rule in Prospect Heights

The 1970 Illinois Constitution created home-rule powers for municipalities of 25,000 or more with the provision that smaller communities could appeal to voters through referendum to achieve such powers.

Prospect Heights has roughly 16,000 residents. They'll be asked on Nov. 6 to endorse the city adopting home-rule powers, which would enable the city council to tax and regulate beyond what the state outlines for communities of fewer than 25,000.

Home rule allows municipalities to address housing issues, to establish local sales taxes, gas taxes and so on.

It allows communities to innovate.

Elsewhere, there is an effort in Batavia to cede the city's home-rule powers. Those behind the effort complain that their taxes are too high and the mayor and aldermen are using tax money unwisely. To that, we say run candidates against the incumbents and eliminate the taxes you don't like. Don't eliminate the ability to innovate your way out of problems.

Home rule can be beneficial to address funding and regulatory issues in a way that fits your community. If you trust your leaders to do the right job with it, it can be a boon for a community. We recommend a yes vote for home rule in Prospect Heights.