Schittino v. Village of Niles

Plaintiff, a registered voter, filed a lawsuit challenging changes made to a village ethics board through the referendum process, which called for the election of ethics board members rather than their appointment by the village board of trustees. Plaintiff argued that the referendum was not authorized by the Illinois Constitution. The appellate court agreed and affirmed the judgment of the circuit court, explaining that the state constitution did not authorize the changes made by the referendum because the ethics board members did not meet the definition of an “officer” for the purpose of elected office. (McBRIDE and COBBS, concurring)