Legislation introduced by State representative Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, to give taxpayers the opportunity to elect the Aurora Public Library (APL) Board was signed by governor J.B Pritzker Friday, July 26 and is now law.
“For the first time in Aurora, local voters will have the opportunity to choose who is representing them on the Library Board,” said Kifowit. “This would bring transparency to the Library’s budget and tax levy as well as hold trustees accountable.”
Kifowit’s legislation gives voters the opportunity to choose an elected Library Board rather than an appointed one, if approved by referendum in the 2020 general election. The elected board would consist of 11 trustees who would serve staggered terms.
Kifowit introduced House Bill 910 after the appointed Board pushed policies that resulted in public outcry, especially surrounding a proposal to downsize the West Branch Library which would decrease access to services for families and residents.
Earlier this year the Illinois attorney general’s office concluded that the Aurora Public Library Board violated the open meetings act for the third time in less than three years, including violations from four meetings during 2018 while discussing their options regarding the West Branch Library.
“I’m excited that local taxpayers will have the opportunity to elect a local library board that better reflects the needs of our community,” said Kifowit.
—Office of State representative Stephanie Kifowit