DuPage mayors meet with Lewis and Sanalitro to discuss local control concerns

State Senator Seth Lewis and State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro met with members of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference on Apr. 2 to discuss legislation that could affect suburban communities.

The meeting focused on concerns about Governor Pritzker’s Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD) Plan, which some local officials say would reduce municipal authority over zoning decisions, as well as ongoing reductions in the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF).

Lewis said he supports local governments and opposes efforts to limit their authority. “LGDF funds are used by municipalities to fund essential services, yet these vital funds are constantly under attack,” he said. “Similarly, the BUILD Act would take local control away from our leaders. It would extend failed policies from Chicago statewide, and I don’t think anyone wants Brandon Johnson to have control over our cities and villages. We need to allow our local officials to have local control to decide what the residents need and want in their communities.”

Sanalitro also addressed concerns about funding for essential services. “This is about keeping our promise to taxpayers and making sure communities have the resources they need for public safety, road repairs, and other essential services. When Springfield shortchanges local governments, families feel it first through higher property taxes and fewer services, and that is simply unacceptable,” she said.

Winfield Mayor Carl Sorgatz spoke against the BUILD Act during the hearing: “Today, residents have the opportunity on the local level to share exactly what their feelings are about legislation or ordinances that are put in place,” he said. “The BUILD Act would take that out of their hands and basically take away people’s ability to have a say in their own communities.” Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig added his concern regarding possible tax increases if current legislative proposals move forward.

Lewis was elected as a Republican state senator representing Illinois’ 24th Senate District in 2023 after replacing Suzy Glowiak according to official records.

In addition to zoning issues, participants discussed pending bills related to pension obligations and public transit challenges facing suburban municipalities.