The Evanston City Council voted 7-0 at a meeting Jan. 24 to approve a resolution that calls for the mayor to announce mayoral vetoes.
The resolution came from the Rules Committee in an effort to clear up any confusion when a veto is used. Ald. Devon Reid, 8th Ward, said this rule will provide clarity.
Reid said the resolution eliminates discrepancy that could come when it appears an item was passed by the City Council – and seemingly adopted as a city rule – but then, it turns out, is not actually adopted because the mayor decides to veto it.
More Top Picks Best Star Charts And Planispheres For Beginners
“A veto … should be made clear to both the council and the public,” he said.
According to city documents, city code states that any mayoral veto must be filed with the city clerk and communicated to the council within five days of the item’s passage. The mayor’s written objections would then appear on the agenda for the next regular council meeting for discussion.
The resolution will require the mayor to announce when a veto is used at the next regular city council meeting following the action. The mayor will also explain the reasoning as to why the item was rejected or disapproved. This will provide clarity for the council and the public on government operations, according to proponents of the resolution.
The rules committee approved the resolution on January 19, 2022.
The new rule was effect immediately after the Jan. 24 vote.
Emily Little is a freelancer.