Dupage Policy Journal

The Lisle Township Democratic Organization is requesting Lisle Township Supervisor Diane Hewitt resign following a vote of no confidence by the Lisle Township Board of Trustees. Hewitt is a Chair of the Lisle Township Democratic Organization and holds a leadership position with Indivisible DuPage. 

“As a collective organization with the exception of Winfield Township Chair, we as fellow Chairs are requesting that Diane Hewitt resign her position as Lisle Township Democratic Organization (LTDO”) Chair, effective immediately, and allow her successor, hereinafter referred to as LTDO Vice Chair, to become the LTDO Chair,” the Lisle Township Democratic Organization said in a statement. “LTDO is an integral part of the Democratic Party of DuPage County and as a unit, we have identified multiple areas of possible damage and reputational harm both to LTDO and to other Democratic Organizations in DuPage County under the leadership of LTDO Chair Diane Hewitt. 

“Based on numerous accounts, we have concluded that LTDO can only avoid reputational harm and preserve and provide the highest integrity of Democratic Party services for the benefit of its members and Lisle Township voters with leadership being assumed by the LTDO Vice Chair. As leaders of the Democratic Party of DuPage County and several Democratic Township Organizations within DuPage County, we believe it is essential for all of our leaders to d behaviors that meet the high level of integrity and values that we uphold."

"As a collective organization with the exception of Winfield Township Chair, we as fellow Chairs are requesting that Diane Hewitt resign her position as Lisle Township Democratic Organization (LTDO”) Chair, effective immediately, and allow her successor, hereinafter referred to as LTDO Vice Chair, to become the LTDO Chair."

The LTDO issued its request after Lisle trustees unanimously cast a vote of “no confidence” against Hewitt calling for her resignation due to concerns about her leadership style and actions calling attention to alleged financial misdeeds including overpayments to herself and a “significant other.” Hewitt, however, disputes the allegations, according to the Daily Herald.

Lisle Township trustees have passed a formal resolution expressing their concerns about Hewitt’s leadership and integrity, accusing her of actions that are not in the best interest of the Township and its residents. The resolution highlights various allegations, including Hewitt’s handling of finances, unapproved spending decisions, a disruptive work environment causing employee resignations, and verbal attacks on staff members and board members. In their resolution, the trustees state, “[T]he Lisle Township Trustees, Clerk, Assessor, and Highway Commissioner have observed Township Supervisor Diane Hewitt (“Supervisor*) take repeated actions that are not in the best interests of the Township and its residents.” 

The resolution also outlines several accusations against Hewitt, including her handling of appropriations ordinances, decorum at board meetings, issues with the Lisle Transit Program, preparation for a food drive, access to records, financial matters, and creating a disruptive work environment. The resolution further accuses her of a “lack of competence” in managing the township, including making spending decisions that exceed budgets, unapproved hires, and failure to comply with financial regulations. Hewitt is also alleged to have engaged in verbal attacks on staff members and board members.

Hewitt has a background as a paid political consultant for the leftist organization Progressive Action, where she managed campaigns for State Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and held leadership positions in the Lisle Township Democratic Organization and Indivisible DuPage. Hewitt’s career also includes 32 years as a petsitter, a stint as a FedEx manager, and she graduated from Benet Academy High School and Truman State University.