Highland Park City Councilman Jeff Hoobler submitted his letter of resignation from the council Monday, just over a month after city staff and elected officials learned of a city law that bars elected officials from holding liquor licenses, an oversight that compromised his position on the council.
Hoobler promised to bring fresh ideas and an independent voice to city government, according to a news release he issued. His resignation will take effect on April 30.
“It has been an honor to serve the voters of Highland Park, and I will continue to fight to make our city the gem of the North Shore as it once was,” he wrote on his councilman Facebook page. “Unfortunately, at this time, my lawyers have advised me to take this next step.”
Since February 29, Hoobler has not participated in any city meetings at the recommendation of Illinois Liquor Control Commission Special Agent Kevin Croke, and as of Monday he will take a leave of absence from all his council duties until the resignation date, his letter stated.
Elected in April 2023, Hoobler was the top vote-getter, despite being the only candidate not publicly endorsed by Mayor Nancy Rotering. Hoobler is also co-owner of Ravinia Brewing Company, a restaurant in the Ravinia neighborhood, for which he maintains a liquor license.
Hoobler’s decision to resign follows the discovery of a “dormant” liquor license code
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that prohibits the issuance of liquor licenses or renewals to elected or law enforcement officials.An opportunity to amend the Prohibition-era law was before the council in February, but Rotering and council members Anthony Blumberg and Kim Stone rejected the proposal. Three other council members supported the amendment, and wanted to swiftly correct the city error. Hoobler recused himself from the discussion and vote.
The tie vote resulted in a rejection of the motion to amend the ordinance.
Prior to the discovery of the law, Hoobler’s liquor license was renewed in December, and signed by Rotering, who serves as the city’s liquor control commissioner.
The City Council will hold at least two meetings prior to the effective date of Hoobler’s resignation, allowing members to reconsider the amendment before his resignation takes effect, the news release said.
“It is my understanding that following the scheduled City Council meeting on April 24th, there could be an opportunity for the City Council to vote to amend Highland Park’s local ordinance Section 119.320 to permit Liquor License Holders to hold elected office and to sit on the council,” Hoobler wrote in his resignation letter.
“My resignation is effective subsequent to that meeting allowing the City Council time to consider these items, follow normal processes and to see if the legislation changes, which would affect my position as an elected official who also holds a liquor license in Highland Park,” the letter continued.
Many have publicly voiced support for Hoobler, both at the council meeting to consider amending the liquor code and since then. City officials said they have also heard from residents who support the code as it is written.
During public comment before the vote on amending the liquor code, dozens of residents shared their admiration and support for Hoobler, noting they elected him for his business experience and didn’t find concern in his liquor license status.
A group of restaurant and business owners wrote an open letter to Rotering and the City Council, urging the governing body to amend the code, and arguing the code as written infringes on a restaurant owner’s right to run for and hold elected office.
“We deserve the ability to represent the voices of the people we hear in our establishments daily. We deserve a seat at your table with a vote to match,” the letter stated. “Restaurant owners and others who hold liquor licenses deserve the same rights afforded to real estate developers and owners of marijuana dispensaries or tobacco and prescription drug products (or any other type of business).”
Current Highland Park laws allow council members to sell cannabis or cigarettes, develop local real estate and own other types of businesses and property.
If Hoobler’s seat on the council becomes vacant, the city will outline the next steps and communicate that information with the public, officials said.