Clarendon Hills clerk referendum fails again, opening 2027 race

Clarendon Hills residents will elect a new village clerk in April 2027 after voters rejected a referendum to eliminate the position for the second time in four years.

The measure failed by a wide margin on Tuesday, Nov. 3. In unofficial results from DuPage County, 63% of voters (2,094) opposed the change, while 37% (1,237) supported it, according to the Chicago Tribune. The referendum would have allowed the village president to appoint someone to handle clerk duties instead of putting the job on the ballot.

The gap was far wider than in 2022, when roughly 51% voted against the same proposal and 49% supported it.

Village President Eric Tech said he believes a lack of understanding played into the results. Tech said voters don't fully grasp the clerk's limited role or how the duties could be folded into a staff position at no cost. He also pointed to a general mistrust of government, saying voters perceive that keeping the position elected provides better oversight.

Assistant Village Manager Mera Johnson offered a different explanation. Johnson said she was not surprised, adding that many referendums fail because voters assume they will cost money, when this change would have saved the village money.

After the 2022 defeat, then-Village President Len Austin said it was difficult to explain a small issue like that to residents.

What happens next

Village Clerk Lynn Dragisic does not intend to seek re-election in April 2027, according to Village Manager Paul Dalen. Dragisic handles minutes for Village Board meetings and serves as secretary for the Fire Pension Board. The position pays $5,000 a year.

Petitions to run for the clerk seat are available at Village Hall, Johnson said. If no one files and the position remains vacant, the village president can appoint a clerk, either a staff member or a resident, until a special election can be held in two years, Johnson said.

Village staff had determined that clerk duties could be absorbed by existing employees. Johnson said she would have taken on those responsibilities had the referendum passed, since she already attends the meetings.

Dawn Tandle held the clerk position from 2002 to 2023. When Tandle decided not to seek re-election, Dragisic was elected to the role. Most of Tandle's duties had already been passed to deputy clerk Vicki Pries.

Four residents have announced a slate for the April election: Keith Chval for village president and Kathleen Hirsman, Erika Jones and Derek White for three trustee seats, Patch reported. As of that report, it was unclear whether Tech plans to run for a second term.