Springfield, Ill. – The Sangamon County Board took two notable steps Tuesday, approving a revised recall‑petition proposal for the April 6 ballot and moving a plastic‑utensil ordinance to the board’s Election Committee.
Recall proposal cleared for ballot consideration
Board member Sam Cahnman (D‑Dist. 18) secured approval to send a new version of his recall‑petition measure to the Election Committee. The proposal would allow voters to recall county‑wide elected officials in the upcoming April election, a goal Cahnman has pursued since the 2024 death of Sonya Massey, who was killed by a Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy.
“We have legal authority under the state Constitution to enact a recall, and the board’s earlier objection was solely about that authority,” Cahnman said. He cited recent rulings in Aurora and Kane County that upheld similar recall measures as consistent with the Illinois Constitution. The Kane County decision is currently under appeal to the Second District Appellate Court.
“The appellate brief has been filed, and while we await the court’s ruling, I hope the decision affirms the trial court’s view,” Cahnman added. “If it does, the board should reconsider placing the recall question on the April 6 ballot, since the only objection was about legal authority.” No timeline has been provided for the appellate court’s decision.
Proposed ban on single‑use plastic utensils
In the same meeting, Cahnman introduced an ordinance that would effectively ban restaurants from automatically providing plastic utensils with takeout orders unless a customer specifically requests them. “Many customers take these items home or to the office and then discard them,” Cahnman explained. He noted that 139 million tons of single‑use plastic waste were generated nationwide in 2021, emphasizing the environmental impact of disposable cutlery.
The measure mirrors similar ordinances adopted by other Illinois municipalities, which have reported reduced plastic waste and cost savings for local businesses. Cahnman argues that most patrons prefer to use their own utensils, and the ordinance would give them that choice while protecting the environment.
Political backdrop
Cahnman, an attorney who previously served on the Springfield City Council, lost his re‑election bid for the county board in the March primary. He has since announced a bid to return to the Springfield City Council, a seat he held in the past. His continued involvement in county governance underscores his commitment to both accountability measures and community‑focused environmental policies.
The board’s actions on Tuesday illustrate a willingness to address constituent concerns—whether they involve holding elected officials accountable or reducing the county’s plastic footprint. Both proposals now await further review and public input as they move through the county’s procedural channels.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
