IL HB5128

Establishes a 9-member board of commissioners for the Cook County Forest Preserve District, elected from 3 election districts beginning with the 2012 general election, replacing the previous system where the county board served as the forest preserve board.

Requires forest preserve district commissioners to be non-partisan candidates nominated by petition signed by at least 1,000 qualified voters from their election district, with each commissioner serving 6-year terms after initial staggered terms of 2, 4, and 6 years.

Designates the board president, with advice and consent of commissioners, to appoint a general superintendent as the chief administrative officer responsible for all administrative and operational matters of the district.

Prohibits commissioners from simultaneously serving on other countywide elected boards and prevents the general superintendent from serving as both superintendent and commissioner.

Amends the Election Code to include forest preserve district commissioners in the consolidated schedule of elections held in even-numbered years, effective immediately.