Crestwood Voters Say 'Yes' to Term Limits for Village Elected Offices: 2016 Election Results

CRESTWOOD, IL -- Crestwood voters said “yes” to term limits for elected officials effective in the 2017 consolidated election.

No person may hold the offices of mayor, village clerk or village trustee for more than than three consecutive four-year terms. The clock starts ticking in April 4, 2017 consolidated election.

With 9 out of 9 precincts reporting, unofficial vote tallies available on the Cook County Clerk’s website show the measure winning by 4,009 votes to 516 no votes.

This story was originally posted Oct. 12, 2016.

In addition to casting votes for president, federal, state and county offices on Nov. 8, Crestwood voters will be deciding whether to impose term limits for village offices.

Crestwood residents will be asked to vote yes or no on the following question:

“Shall the Village of Crestwood, Cook County, Illinois adopt the following term limits to be effective for and applicable to all persons who are candidates for those offices being elected at the Presidential General Election held on November 8, 2016 and subsequent elections, so that no person may hold the office of Village Mayor, Village Clerk, or Village Trustee for more than three consecutive four-year terms?”

If passed, starting with the April 4, 2017 municipal election, Crestwood’s elected officials would be limited to three consecutive, four-year terms in village offices. Lou Presta is up for re-election for a second term in office. Also up are trustees Anthony Benigno, Dan Jurka and Bill Pieroth, as well as Village Clerk Jeannette O'Donnell.

Earlier this year, the Crestwood village board voted unanimously to place the binding referendum on the November ballot. The village is following the lead of other nearby communities who voted on a similar measure,, including Oak Lawn and Alsip.

“We wanted term limits. We thought it was the way to go to give other people a chance to run.” Presta said. “We don’t believe you should make a career out of it.”

Those elected to a particular village office would be limited to serving three consecutive, four-terms terms. Office holders would also be able to run for another village office in the village. For example, a trustee who serves three consecutive terms, he or she would be able to run for clerk or mayor.

“I think residents don’t want to see a career politician,” Presta said. “There are no stalemates. Twelve years in one office is enough. Change is good so there are fresh ideas.”