A candidate announces....

In light of current situations surrounding corruption and lack of action on key issues, it seems likely that the 10^th district may have another candidate for its congressional representative.

Chicken Little

The announcement caught me off guard, but it seemed to be a logical step for long-time political pundit and observer, Chicken Little.

As of now, the race is a two-person race between incumbent Bob Dold and Democrat Brad Schneider.  The entry of another candidate is likely to stir the pot.

But why now?

“I’ve been giving it some thought for a long time,” said C.L. “and I just think there many issues that need my attention.”

Such as?

“Well, you know the cost of feed continues to rise and there are many chickens who think they’re getting clucked over.”

I told him that while these appear to be valid issues in some form, they seem to be centralized based on his own issues.  “You don’t seem to understand,” the fine feathered fowl said, “there is a ground swell of support for these concerns – sort of an Alliance.”

But if this alliance does not represent the needs of the constituency, just how effective do you think you can be as a congressional representative?

“These are things people need to know.”  Granted, I pointed out; there may be some concern about them, but what about the real issues facing the people.

“You mean like the economy, education, job creation, the debt crisis and the Cubs?”  Well, four out of five isn’t bad because there’s not much anyone can do about the Cubs.

“Hhmmm,” clucked C.L., “you may have a point here.  But what about my own agenda?”

Candidates at all levels have their special interests, but they can’t put the cart before the horse.  They need to be both aware and sensitive to everyone they serve.

“So,” noted the fine fowl, “I’d have to listen to Col. Sanders and Frank Perdue?” 

Theoretically, yes.  Some people may not agree with you, or do what you want them to do, but you never know, they may have an idea.

“I suppose,” C.L. noted.  “But what can I do for a campaign slogan?”

How about – A chicken in every pot.

“Don’t count on it.  Maybe I’ll take a sensible approach.”

Now there’s a concept.

Maybe we should listen to Juliet....

As Shakespeare once wrote, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

If wild Bill lived in Buffalo Grove, he may have written, "What's in an address? That which we call Buffalo Grove By any other name would smell as sweet."

Don’t believe me? Ask Matt Rapaport.

Buffalo Grove Chief Terry Vavra and resident Matt Rapaport
present accommodations to members of the
 Buffalo Grove and Long Grove
fire departments.

Rapaport is a Buffalo Grove resident whose wife found him passed out on the bathroom floor and then called paramedics – which arrived from Long Grove and Buffalo Grove.  Rapaport, who lives in the single family homes in The Crossings subdivision, is closer to the Long Grove Fire Deportment then the nearest Buffalo Grove fire station.

Doesn’t matter.

Units from both departments responded and, quite simply, revived Rapaport.

Rapaport told his story at the June 4 Village Board meeting where Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Terry Vavra cited the efforts of the Buffalo Grove and Long Grove crews that responded.

So what?

As the village people like to cite the services offered to residents, Vavra presented accommodations to crews that did more than offered – the delivered.

Yes, I know I’m “late” with citing these efforts, but this is a stunning example of better late than never.

Buffalo Grove entities – school districts, park districts and the beloved United State Postal Service – are served by several addresses.  That does not matter, however.

In fire and police circles, it’s called mutual aid.  What it really is, is mutual support.

All you had to do is listen Vavra and, with all due respect to Vavra, more importantly Rapaport.  His story is amazing and represents how working together can make a difference.

The village provides outstanding services – but like everything  -- a little support can make a difference.  The efforts of the Long Grove and Buffalo Grove fire departments represent the forms of collaboration.

A puff piece? Yeah, maybe.

But then again, maybe not.  All you have to do is ask Vavra.

Cooperation can go a long way and make a big difference.

All you have to do is ask Rapaport.

CSI*: Buffalo Grove

* Crime Scene Insanity

Wonder if she left the light on…

Resident reported that her estranged husband, who has moved out of state, gave permission to an acquaintance to stay in the apartment that is leased by the resident. The resident does not want the acquaintance to stay there and he was asked to leave. The acquaintance requested several hours to clear out and the time was granted. 

So much for an after-school treat…

School bus driver requested assistance for an out of control juvenile on the bus. Officers found the boy hiding under a seat and had difficulty dealing with him. The boy was transported to the police station, and his mother came to pick him up. 

Open wide and say ah….

Center official reported that an intoxicated male white subject came into the center looking for a dentist office. The subject then began speaking with customers and making a nuisance of himself. Officers located the subject and gave him a ride to his dentist’s office. 

Was May pick-on-a-dentist month?

Dentist reported that when he arrived at work, he found that someone had knocked the security camera from its mounting on the rear of the business. The dentist has also found graffiti on his storage shed and numerous empty beer bottles around the building. The dentist has requested a check of the property on the weekends. 

Empire today, sidewalk tomorrow?

Resident reported that someone unknown dumped a rolled up carpet between the walking path and the Chevy Chase Golf Course. Officer inspected the carpet and found nothing rolled up inside and no indicators of ownership. A work order to remove the carpet was issued. 

Unexcused tardy?

Dad reported that his son was refusing to go to school. The boy stated that he was tired and wanted to go back to bed. Officer spoke with the boy telling him the importance of school and the consequences for not attending. The boy took a quick shower and dad drove him to his classes. 

A good reason for a car wash…

Resident reported that someone wrote vulgar and derogatory words in the dust on her van. The resident does not know who did this but has had on-going neighbor problems.

Huh?

Resident stated that a neighbor walked her dog in front of his house, and the dog sat on his parkway. The resident then stated that the neighbor yelled at him but he could not hear what was said because he was cutting the lawn. The neighbor told the officer, yes to walking the dog by the house, and yes the dog sat on the parkway. She stated that she said nothing to the resident because she was on the phone. The neighbor is upset because the resident files complaints over nothing and she feels this is harassment. 

Unexcused tardy – Part 2

Father reported that his 16-year-old son was refusing to go to school. After some conversation dad drove the boy to his classes. 

There’s comedy in this…

While on patrol, officer located a black Craftsman three ton capacity floor jack, sitting in the middle of the street. The jack was placed into property at the police station. 

Love was a many splendid thing…

Employee stated that she has an order of protection against her ex boyfriend and he has sent an instant message profession (ed note – do you think he meant professing?) his love for her. Now the employee is receiving sexually explicit web sites on her work computer, and she believes the ex is sending them. Officer found nothing specifically that indicates the ex is sending the emails. 

Huh?  Part 2

Complainant reported a group of youths that were carrying sticks and one stated that he would put a knife into another. Officers located a number of youths who stated that one flipped out because he though another took his IPod. The youth that had his IPod taken had a sharpened stick in his hand and refused to put it down when the officers told him to do so. The youth resisted and argued with the officers refusing to do as he was told. The youth was arrested and charged. 

Not the dreaded loose poodle...

Citizen saw a small white poodle running loose. When the citizen opened his car door, the dog jumped in. The dog had a collar and tags and was reunited with its owner. 

Well, at least they cleaned up...

Resident reported that teens were drinking in the park and left beer and wine bottles all over the place. The resident also stated that the teens draped toilet paper all over the swing set. When the officer arrived at the park, the park was clear of bottles and toilet paper. 

At least it didn’t come postage due…

Resident stated that she received a letter from an inmate of the Hill Correctional Center, in Galesburg. The letter requests the resident be the inmate’s friend and to correspond with him. The resident has no idea how the inmate got her address. The resident was instructed to contact the correctional center and request officials to have the inmate stop writing to her. 

Ex marks the spot

Complainant stated that her ex boyfriend took her keys and drove off with her car. It was determined that the ex boyfriend drives the car all of the time, and it is actually owned by the complainant’s ex husband. 

Huh?  Part 3

Resident reported a woman screaming and asking someone to call the police. The resident stated that he heard this from his balcony but did not see anyone. Officer located a male subject who stated that he and his friend had been drinking and argued over one using too many briquettes in the grill. Both apologized and were fine. 

And there’s a good deal on swamp land in Jersey….

Resident received a phone call advising her that her husband won $200,000.00 and that she needed to wire $2,850.00 to cover the taxes before the prize could be processed. The caller provided an account number and a routing number to a bank, and the resident sent the money. A second call requested an additional amount of $3,563.00 to cover fees, which was sent. A third call requested and additional amount of $3,587.00 to cover additional taxes which was sent, but then cancelled when the resident became suspicious. The phone number the caller used is an unlisted number from Washington DC. 

A Mexican jail in Canada, eh?

Resident received a phone call from a person saying he is her grandson, that he is in a Mexican prison, and needs $2,500.00 to get out. A second person spoke with her stating that he is a prison official and instructed her where to send the money. When she went to purchase the money order, another person in line picked up on the story and told the resident it was a scam. The resident then called her daughter who verified that her son was not in Mexico. The phone number of the caller comes back to Ottawa, Canada. 

Imagine what they would have been doing if they were watching the Cubs?

Little League official reported some adults drinking alcohol while watching a little league game. When the officer arrived the game was over and people were leaving. Officer reminded the remaining adults of the prohibition of drinking alcohol in the parks. All stated that they understood. The officer did not witness anyone drinking. 

A big message from a little plot...

It’s difficult, at times, to non politicize public servants – especially in a village like Buffalo Grove.

It’s easy to associate them with a particular issue, position, or length of service.

They become the good guys or the bad guys, more likely the bad guys, because the only time someone really seems to care about a village board, school board, park board, plan commission or library board member is when there’s “an issue”

It’s easy to lose sight that they are residents, neighbors, or just plain folks who want to help the community.

Village Clerk Jan Sirabian is one such public official.  Village clerk is a thankless job between recording minutes, handling elections and, in the “old days” – vehicle stickers.

Sirabian does have her favorite causes.  Without fail, twice a year she reminds residents of ceremonies to remember the nation’s veterans.  Once is Veterans Day in November, and the other is Memorial Day.

During recent Village Board meetings, Sirabian has reminded residents about the upcoming ceremony at Knopf Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Monday.

 

Knopf Cemetery?  Where’s that.  It’s a tiny little plot just north of Checker Drive on Arlington Heights Road.  More than a plot, it’s part of Buffalo Grove’s history.  Founded in 1853, before the Civil War, the cemetery has graves going back not just years or decades – but for more than a century.

It’s sign is as subtle at the grounds itself.  Cracked and faded, the sign gently tells residents that its owned and operated by Kingswood United Methodist Church.  That’s it.  No requests for funds, no harsh warnings – just a simple wood sign.

But yet twice a year, the cemetery is host to ceremonies to honor the men and women of our armed services who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  And that’s all Sirabian wants to community to know.  It’s a simple, respectful ceremony.  Period. 

So before people rip into Sirabian for promoting an community activity, or criticizing her for the work she does for the village, they should take heed into what she wants to the community to do.

Remember those in the military whose efforts enable residents to have the freedom to criticize.

My guess is Sirabian is not looking for public acknowledgement, thanks, or gratitude for promoting the event.  My guess is the message she wants residents to remember on Monday is for the nation’s war dead.

It’s an easy one.

Thank you.

This is the city....

Highlights taken from the Buffalo Grove Police Reports during April..

What the truck?

As the resident was driving on Vernon Lane, the driver of a pick up truck yelled at him. The resident stopped to find out what the problem was and the driver of the truck slapped the resident on the side of the head. The driver of the truck stated that the resident slammed the door of the truck closed, catching the driver’s arm between the door and the frame. No complaints to be signed.

This was not a Martha Stewart tip…

Resident reported the smell of smoke. The unit was checked and no source could be located. The adjoining unit was checked and nothing was detected there. It was later determined that the resident had placed a sponge into the microwave in order to sterilize it. The sponge was left for too long and it burned. 

Next time, get him decaf…

Complainant stated that she went to the store with her boyfriend. The boyfriend went in another direction and the complainant used her re useable bag to gather groceries for purchase. When finished, the complainant looked for her boyfriend and found him at the Starbucks. At that time a security person took her by the shoulder and he handcuffed her. The complainant cooperated and told the security person that she was going to pay for the items which she then did. The security person then told the complainant not to return and threatened the complainant with bodily harm.

Sounds like a Kodak moment..

Complainant stated that he threw some trash into a container and a subject came out of the store and took a photograph of the complainant and his car. When the complainant confronted the subject, the subject denied taking a photo. Officer located an address from the license plate furnished by the complainant and went there to speak with the subject. The subject stated that he has been followed for years and thought the complainant’s car may be the one doing the following. He stated that when he got home he realized it was not the car and erased the photo from his camera. The subject apologized for creating a problem. 

Duct, duct, goosed?

Resident received a call from a male subject who offered duct cleaning. The resident made an appointment and then tried finding the company on the internet but was unable to do so. The resident called the company who told the resident that no web site was needed for the company. The resident told the officer that he was uncomfortable to have the company come to his house. The officer advised the resident to cancel the appointment.

Good advice, officer…

Complainant stated that a vehicle pulled next to his and the driver began swearing at him. Officer spoke with that driver who stated that the complainant swore at him first, and he does not back down from anyone. Both were advised to avoid each other.

‘Aw come on, it was their wedding day…

Officer responded to a report of loud music and found that a resident was having a wedding reception. The resident was asked to turn the music down and she complied. 

With a name like that, there’s always next year..

Resident reported a tan and white dog walking on the sidewalk. When the officer arrived, the owner claimed his dog Wrigley, and stated that the dog left the yard while he was cutting the grass. 

Nice vacation…

Resident’s husband went to Florida to work and took the wife’s pick up truck. He was to return in one week, but instead called stating he wanted a divorce, would not be returning to Buffalo Grove and was keeping the truck. The ASA would not approve theft charges and stated that the truck was part of marital assets and should be dealt with during the divorce proceedings. 

Good job!

Paper delivery person reported a garage door that had been open for several days. Officer did not receive an answer at the door or on the phone. Officers found the service door unlocked, entered the house, and found everything in order. A crime opportunity notice was left and the house was secured. 

Can you hear him now?

Resident reported that someone took one of her cell phones, and she believes it to be her ex boyfriend. After a conversation, officer determined that the phone was purchased and service is being paid for by the ex boyfriend, thus having a right to it. 

Aw, come on grandma…

Resident stated that she received a phone call from a male subject claiming to be her grandson. The resident suspected that the call was a scam and she hung up. Caller ID indicated that the call came from Montreal, Canada. 

Going out on a limb

Resident reported that his neighbor trimmed three of the resident’s trees without the resident’s permission. The resident did acknowledge that the trees have grown partially over into the neighbor’s yard. Officer was unable to make contact with the neighbor.

Next time, try H &R Block

Citizen stated that he found a binder, containing miscellaneous tax paperwork, lying in the middle of the intersection. Officer contacted the owner who stated that he had given the binder to his accountant. Officer then contacted the accountant who came to the station to pick up the binder.

You mean it does not come with a GPS?

Resident reported a black Lamborghini driving through the neighborhood at a high rated of speed. Officer located the vehicle traveling east bound on Dundee Road. The driver stated that he was lost and drove through that neighborhood to turn around but did not speed. The driver was given directions and he departed.

Yeah, right

Resident reported that someone requested to add her to Yahoo Messenger about a week ago which she accepted. Today, that person sent a message stating the he/she was feeling naughty and asked the resident if she wanted to have some fun. Officer discussed possible ways to block the offender from sending her any further messages. 

Something  fishy here..

Resident reported that he placed a fish tank up for sale on Craigslist and received a text message from a subject stating that a check would be sent. The message also stated that the check would be in a larger amount, and for the resident to cash the check, take the amount for the tank and send the remainder along with the tank. Officer called the number which comes back from Vermont, and a message stated that the voicemail box was unavailable. 

Typical cat…

Resident reported that an orange and white striped cat was sitting on her front porch. When the resident opened the door, the cat came inside. There were no tags or chip and the cat was transported to Kings Kennel.

The rain is tess, the fire’s joe and they call the wind annoying..

Complainant reported that a car door blew open due to high winds and damaged his Dodge Caravan. The complainant and the other car owner exchanged information. 

Not quite the friendly skies…

Resident reported that her ex friend used airline tickets that were not used to purchase other tickets. Since the resident had a falling out with the friend she cancelled her ticket but allowed the former friend’s ticket to stand since she paid half of the original tickets. The resident wanted this documented in case other issues arise. No contact with the ex was requested.

Aw, come on grandma…part 2

Resident received a call from a male subject claiming to be her grandson. The caller stated that he was in an accident in Panama City, Panama, and needed $3,000.00. The resident asked the caller specific questions which the subject could not answer. The resident hung up and the subject did not call back.

The wheels on the bus…

School bus driver reported a student that refused to sit in his seat and kept jumping over other seats. Officer spoke with the student who then agreed to behave and sit down. 

Just put him on the bus…

Mom reported that her son was refusing to go to school. The boy stated that he was not feeling well enough to go. After some conversation, the boy agreed and was driven to school. 

Doesn’t sound like Bill Gates…

Resident stated that he received a phone call from a subject claiming to be a Microsoft technician. The subject told the resident that his computer has been hacked and he needed to log on to a particular website for the technician to fix the problem. When the resident refused to do so, the caller started yelling profanities and the resident hung up. Officer attempted to call the phone number and either no one answered or there was a fast busy signal. 

A fowl finds things afoul....

Chicken Little (c) The Walt Disney Company

Not too long ago, I came across my old friend and former trustee candidate and village manager 
applicant, Chicken Little.

He seemed unusually flustered, a state I generally seem him around holiday times when a lot of folks are making chicken soup, which I guess, can be expected.

But he seemed rattled as if something had gone afoul, or in this case, afowl.

“I came as quick as I could,” he said, adding that “when I read about what was going on in the village, I had a sense the sky was falling.”

Not again, I asked.

“But wait, first it was landfills, then hail, locusts, murrain, boils and now, can it be, drinking water?”

Relax, I said, this is just another chapter in the village’s history, and besides, the issues with hail, locusts, murrain, boils have all been resolved.

“Are you sure?” he clucked.  “I understand there’s the Coalition of Repetitive and Annoying Persons that is trying to rewrite history about the village’s water,” he said.  “What’s up with that?

Nothing.  Same water we’ve had for nearly 30 years.

“Oh,” he said. “But what about the revised agenda, and permission forms?  No doubt the village is trying to keep residents from being heard?”

Not really, I explained.  The only difference is that resident’s questions about non-agenda items comes later in the meeting and you need to preregister.

The request to speak form

“Wow,” he clucked, “another first for the village of big bison.”  Again, not really.  Many governing agencies ask residents to pre-register so they know in advance who is speaking and on what topic.

"There must be a catch,” C.L. said.  “I bet the Board is taking away First Amendment rights by speaking time down to 30 seconds.”

Wrong again Perdue boy.

The village’s 10-minute limit, which is inordinately long, will remain in place.  Besides, the First Amendment gives residents the right to speak.  There is nothing in the First Amendment that tells governments how to run a meeting.

“So, as they say around the old coop, what the cluck?”

Good question. I told C.L. that it just seems that, as they may say around the coop, that some folks just don’t have a leg to stand on and it doesn’t take much to get their giblets rattled.

“Do you mind,” he said. “Leave the chicken humor to me.  But I need to know, what prompted some folks to be disruptive, rude and accusatory?”

Beats me, I said.  Maybe they’ve been cooped up too long.

“Well,” he said, “on that note, they can always do what we do when things get a bit crazy.”

And that is?

“Flee the coop.”

You say your mother loves you?

There's an old saying in Chicago journalism -- You say your mother loves you...check it out.

Quite simply -- make sure you have your i's dotted and your t's crossed.  In other words, check it out.

This is probably why Village Board President Jeff Braiman took the seemingly bold and unprecedented step at the April 16 Board meeting to set the record straight from comments made by you-know-who at the April 2nd Board meeting.

Never mind the way in which this former -- recalled -- trustee made her remarks, It seems as though things had not been checked out and Braiman wanted to clear the air.  Some folks think Braiman should have ignored the misinformation that former trustee Lisa Stone presented at the April 2 meeting.

However, if she “wanted the community to know” her information, it only made sense that Braiman use the same forum to clarify the information, or misinformation, that Stone presented.

Specifically, Braiman clarified the following:

Item 1:  The village had lost passwords.  Braiman clarified that this was “simply not true” And that no passwords were involved.   He did explain that in 2011 the videographer posted all videos.  Unfortunately, he passed away and at first there was some difficulty getting some material.  But – and here’s the key – all of the DVDs are available.  In fact, they are available back to 2005.  Braiman noted that Stone knows this adding that it is his understanding that she has DVDs from all of the meetings she attended (and then some) while she was a trustee.

For the record, anyone can get a copy of a DVD from a Village Board meeting.  If you do not want a DVD, videos of the Board meetings are available at vbg.org.  No password required.

Item 2:  800 Krause Drive – Stone contends that this is in the village and it’s a bogus address.  Really now?  Braiman pointed out that it an address “owned, operated, controlled and maintained by Lake County – no time has village of BG every had any control of facility.  It has a Buffalo Grove  address for postal and emergency purposes.  Just like unincorporated Lake County.   I and others told her if she has issues – take it up with county.”

It’s interesting how Stone hides the fact that she and her family lived in unincorporated Vernon Township and had a Deerfield address, yet they did not live in Deerfield.  It’s the same situation.  We’re not talking rocket science here. But wait, we are talking Lisa Stone.

Item 3:  Water quality – “our water is safe. Meets EPA stands – in fact exceeds them.  We get Lake (Michigan) water, not ground water. We have wells – in case of failure of water transmission system.  Lake County also tests water.  It meets or exceeds EPA standards.

Stone said at the April 2 meeting that she spends 16 hours a day researching her information.  She may need to double check her sources.  Nearly 30 years ago the village of Buffalo Grove, and other nearby municipalities formed the Northwest Water Commission, which developed and implemented a plan for the transmission of Lake Michigan water.  Unincorporated Lake County was not part of this.  This is why the village (ZIP code 60089) has Lake Michigan water and the folks in the unincorporated areas of Lake County are on well water, which comes from deep water aquifers.

I want to say our water is superior, but that may confuse the mouth-that-roared into thinking we get Lake Superior water, with which she would no doubt find a problem.  In her case, I think the best water should come from Lake Erie.

Item 4: Stone said that the “EPA looking into ‘situation’ Braiman noted that a letter was sent to Stone and copied to the village, which indicated that her concerns were unfounded

So there. No doubt she’ll disagree, but what else is new?

  

Stone continues to take her hysteria to the community in the same fashion that say, Sen. Joseph McCarthy did in the 1950s.  Preach mass panic and the public will follow.

It ain't happening.

What is happening is that Stone has not apparently gotten the message that her constant attacks, innuendos, false information have worn thin.

So too has her challenge to Braiman and the Board to have the police take her out the next time she interrupts a Village Board meeting.  That is what she wants.  See, if the police escort her out, it will be on video, which she’ll post on YouTube claiming harassment and a gross violation of human rights.

A couple things come in to play here:  First of all, you have to act human to have a violation of human rights.  Secondly, sushi-eating folks who live in the suburbs and drive costly SUVs are not being subjected to human rights violations.  Is Stone that short sided that she doesn’t remember whining about costs associated with the Village Green when some students sought permission to hold a program there for the Invisible Children campaign? This is a program that deals with genuine human rights violations, not whining in front of cameras.

But no, she wants her way, with her ‘facts’, on her terms, and if she does not get her way, why she’ll just continue throwing nasty, misdirected barbs at those who disagree with her. 

And if she does not get her way?

Then maybe she’ll have to remember what a famous poet may have said to his wife -- T.S. Mrs. Eliot.