Dupage Policy Journal

Dennis Reboletti, candidate for Illinois state House District 45, recently engaged in a conversation with Don Weiss on ACTV Newsmakers. The discussion revolved around the Addison Township's 708 mental health board, its creation and members. Reboletti is set to compete against Democrat Martha Deuter in the forthcoming general election.

"With May being Mental Health Awareness month I had the chance to talk about Addison Township's new 708 Mental Health Board," said M Reboletti, according to Facebook.

The Addison Township Mental Health Board, as per its about page, is a volunteer organization that champions mental health initiatives and provides services to individuals grappling with mental illnesses, substance abuse issues, and disabilities. Each member of this board is appointed by Township Supervisor Dennis Reboletti. The board comprises President Don Puchalski, Vice President Catherine Sevedge, Secretary Annie Jaworska, Trustee Liaison Gus Leventis, Chuck Donnelly, Jo Ann Pelikan, Michelle Reboletti and Addison Township Supervisor Dennis Reboletti.

Screenshot of Dennis Reboletti's April 29 Facebook post | Dennis Reboletti for State Rep Facebook page

During his conversation with Weiss, Reboletti delved into the inception of the mental health board and other related topics. He stated: "Addison Township and others in DuPage and other collar counties really were pretty aggressive in trying to get these 708 mental health boards established. As we’ve seen, especially after COVID, with the amount of mental illness, suicides, drug addiction, overdoses, it becomes even more important in the daily lives of our residents." After citizens' initiative passed by a narrow margin of 150 votes he added: "by statute I appoint a board with the advice and consent of our Township Board. We’ve been following the statute; they have been meeting. They’ve set a levy that’s at $2 million and they are going through the process of taking in testimony from a number of not-for-profits."

A mental health board is also referred to as a 708 board (named after House Bill 708). These boards were authorized back in 1963. To establish such a board, a local referendum must be passed, followed by the local government units levying an annual tax. The Addison Township's board was approved in 2022, and the following year, Reboletti appointed seven residents to serve on the mental health board.

Reboletti is seeking to return to the House of Representatives, having previously represented District 45 from 2007-2015. His professional background includes serving as an Assistant Attorney General with the Illinois State Attorney General, working as an adjunct instructor in criminal justice at Triton Community College, and holding the position of Assistant State Attorney, according to his biography on Ballotpedia.