The League of Women Voters of Evanston will host a forum to help voters consider viewpoints on two referenda that will appear on the November ballot. The forum will take place at 2 p.m. on Oct 14 in the Evanston Township High School auditorium, 1600 Dodge Ave. For each referendum, a panel of invited speakers will present their views and respond to questions. Audience members may submit written questions, which will be posed by a League moderator.
One referendum question on the Nov. 6 ballot asks whether Evanston should increase the real estate transfer tax for property sales transactions over $1.5 million. This is a binding question. If approved, it will authorize City Council to increase the real estate transfer tax from $5 “to $7 for every $1,000 of value, or fraction thereof, per transaction from $1,500,000.01 to $5,000,000” and “to $9 for every $1,000 of value, or fraction thereof, per transaction from $5,000,000.01 or more.”
The other referendum is an advisory, that is, nonbinding, question that asks, “Shall the City of Evanston protect from demolition and preserve the landmark Harley Clarke buildings and gardens next to lighthouse beach, for use and access as public property, consistent with the Evanston Lakefront Master Plan, at minimal or no cost to Evanston taxpayers?”
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidates.