Springfield, Ill. (ECWd) –
In May 2024, we published an article highlighting former Village of Poplar Grove President Owen Costanza’s continued use of the title of Village President – including his sporting of Mayoral license plates on his private vehicle in violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
A complaint was filed with the Secretary of State Police, and within roughly 35 days corrective action was taken.
Here is a synopsis of the complaint investigation and the Sec of State’s corrective action (emphasis ours):
“IL SOS Police Investigator called today with the disposition of the investigation on Owen. He was disappointed. He told me that Owen has been renewing his mayor plates locally, in person, and that DMV was not following policy because they did not require him to submit a statement that he is still the mayor/president. Owen has ordered new plates and should be meeting with the SOS Police tomorrow to turn in his mayor plates.
As a result of the incident with Owen, the SOS has implemented a new policy requiring mayor plates to be applied for in person and only at the Springfield office.“
Thanks to former village president Owen Costanza, who cannot come to grips with the fact he was voted out of office, any future mayor or village president must travel to Springfield if they wish to obtain a Mayoral license plate and must travel to Springfield to renew those plates. They must also present documentation proving they hold such a position.
