Skokie board adopts ordinance implementing three-term limits for mayor, clerk and trustees

The Village of Skokie Board of Trustees adopted an ordinance Monday that implements three-term limits for the village mayor, village clerk and village trustees, the board said during its meeting.

The ordinance, described by Corporation Counsel Michael Lord as amending chapter 2 of the Skokie village code, follows language approved by voters in a November 2024 referendum. Lord told the board the measure "will amend chapter 2 of the Skokie village code by establishing term limits for the mayor village clerk and village trustees both at large and district trustees pursuant to village resolution number 24-7-R-1573." The ordinance specifies that beginning with the 2025 consolidated election one person "may not hold the offices of village mayor village clerk and at large village trustees for more than 3 terms total" and that beginning with the 2027 consolidated election one person "may not hold the office of a district trustee for more than 3 terms total."

Mayor Van Dusen and several trustees emphasized the board was implementing the referendum as written. Trustee Pierce Slobin noted he began discussions about term limits four years ago and said he supported the three-term approach for mayor and trustees. Trustee Christie Cook and Trustee Stockton said they preferred to keep the language consistent with what voters approved.

After Trustee Pure Slogan moved the measure and Trustee Suttgart seconded, the board called the roll. The motion passed on a unanimous recorded vote. The board will apply the limits as outlined in the ordinance to the specified upcoming election cycles.

The ordinance reflects the village's effort to codify the referendum result; officials said any change to term-limit provisions would require approval by Skokie voters via a future referendum.