What is a Newsmaker?

I'm not sure I look forward to New Year celebrations.

Amid the revelry, resolutions and optimism for a coming year, we're bombarded by what happened in the previous year -- the end of 2009 was worse because we had to look at the entire decade, one which was called the "Decade From Hell."

In looking back at 2009 we not only took a look at those notables who died (Ted Kennedy, Michael Jackson, Mary Travers, Walter Cronkite to mention a few), but publications and media outlets take great pride in identifying people of the year and people who are labeled as newsmakers -- for better or worse.

The Daily Herald did such a list and noted scholarship winners, long-serving public officials, dog-saving employees, and fifth graders who were honored for the cinematic creativity.

The list also include Lisa Stone. Surprised? Don't be. Stone has made herself a newsmaker not because of her accomplishments, but through her sometimes eccentric behavior and ability to sidetrack village business with incessant "me first" conversation.

I think it's safe to say that it's not an honor to have a newspaper describe a newsmaker as someone who "chafes" well-established Board members. As I've written here before, there's no questioning Stone's passion and interest in public service, but it seems apparent that it's turning into a circus -- or early campaign for the next village election. It's likely that Stoney will turn the newsmaker tag into a campaign flyer when the time comes.

So she has called attention to herself. Bravo. She's called attention to the village in a somewhat less than positive light. Stone, along with some administrators at Stevenson High School did little in 2009 to enhance the image of Buffalo Grove.

But rather than wail on those newsmakers who made news by speaking rather than doing, here's my list for newsmakers who made a difference (well, most of them did) in 2009.

1. The student journalists at Stevenson High School. The staff of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 Statesman have endured censorship and prior review. The administration put these kids under a lot of scruitny and pressure by their actions and subsequent comments. The students, however, handled the situation with dignity and class -- the kind you expect to see associated with Stevenson High School.

2. Stevenson teacher Barb Thill -- who was the Statesman adviser until the end of last year. Why is she on the list? For all the same reasons in No. 1. Also, I've known Barb for a long time and admire and respect what she did with the Statesman. The fact that she is a Packer fan helps.

3. The Buffalo Grove Police Department. Why, what does the department do? Just read the police reports and you'll know why. It's a job I would not want and admire the professionalism and class with which the Department operates. BTW, I still don't think I was going 53 down Arlington Heights Road, but that's another story.

4. The Buffalo Grove Fire Department. Why? For all the reasons above. BTW, special tip of the helmet to the guys who stand at the intersections in September to collect money for MDA.

5. The Village Manager's office. Why? Just attend a Village Board Meeting and you'll know why.

6. The Public Works Department. Why? Most people don't even shovel their own driveway, let alone miles of village streets.

7. Elliott Hartstein. Why? Whether you agree with him or not, he's put a lot of time into public service in the village. I covered Hartstein when he was a Dist. 125 Board Member and he was responsible for my earning a lot of overtime.

8. Synagogue Presidents. I'll never know what motivates them.

9. Condo Assn. Presidents -- Been there, done that. Hat's off to them.

10. Buffalo Grove Days Committee -- Amazing what it does.

11. Lake County Board -- Not sure why, but I don't want David Stolman to feel left out. Besides, what other government body can fix Arlington Heights Road piece by piece.

12. The guys from Comcast who record the Village Board meetings. Talk about patience. Of course, given the overtime they probably get, they probably own homes on 2-acre sites in Kildeer.

And finally...

12. Pioneer Press "Mega Bites" Writer Ira Leavitt. Why? He single handily keeps cardiologists and Dr. Gautam Gupta in business.

Same issue, different venue

For the most part, much of what appears here focuses directly on the Buffalo Grove Village Board or other issues in the land of jumbo Bison.

For the most part.

Allegations, or rather campaign rhetoric by who the Chicago Tribune calls perennial candidate Andy Martin, about Mark Kirk's (R-10) sexuality represents just about everything that is wrong with political campaign.

Martin has about as much credibility as an ice salesman in the Arctic, apparently sees fit to throw allegations around to make a name for himself.

Martin, by the way, is running for the U.S. Senate seat as is Kirk. Media reports don't paint a pretty picture of Martin saying he has included "anti-Semitic rhetoric" in various appearances does not appear to be the poster boy for political excellence.

If nothing else, he's the poster boy for what's wrong with excessive campaigning.

For the record, I have probably disagreed more with Mark Kirk that I have with other politicians and have sent numerous emails to him.

Like him or not, he has done an excellent job representing the 10th Congressional District and has gone above and beyond when it comes to communicating with his constituency. Kirk has a great educational background and military experience. So what's the wrap?

Martin claims that Kirk is gay. I guess that's worse than being anti-Semitic. After hate is not as bad as someone's alleged sexual orientation.

It's perceived that Martin's allegations come as the result of Kirk's divorce earlier this year.

Geez, we can't elect divorced politicians, can we? Don't tell Nancy Reagan that.

So the tacky mud-slinging now known as elections continues. Kudos, by the way, to Kirk and his staff for staying calm in the face of the allegations.

Hopefully, and it would not surprise me, if Kirk let this slide and went on with campaigning on his record of service to the 10th District.

Which is the way campaign allegations need to be handled by politicians at all levels -- whether it is the U.S. Congress, the state legislature, the county board -- or the village board.

Sesame Street Comes to Buffalo Grove

Welcome to the blog.

Today's post is brought to you by the letter "I" -- Yes, "I" is the letter we use for the first-person singular.

You would not, boys and girls, find the letter I in the word "team" -- a word that gives the connotation of a group working together.

Well, boys and girls, do know where you find the letter I? On the Buffalo Grove Village Board. Even though it's suppose to be a team, some people think team is spell with an I and that the best team revolves around them -- and only them.

It seems, as Yogi Berra would say, to be deja vu all over again. Refried beans.

While area municipalities (Naperville and Schaumburg to name a few) are dealing with huge budget crunches, Buffalo Grove has approved a tight, but workable budget for the 2010 Fiscal Year.

The conversation among trustees was what you would thought it would be -- questions for staff regarding procedures and methodology behind why aspects of the budget were made.

It seems, however, that certain trustees continue to use village board meetings as a platform for their own issues or vindictive comments.

As I said, it's Deju Vu all over again.

Enter Ms. Quixote, a.k.a., Lisa Stone. I was mystified as to why she keeps voting no on the minutes and why at subsequent meetings does she want already approved minutes amended.

It doesn't take much to figure this out. Read the minutes. Miz Stone wants her name bantered around as much as possible.

This is the same Lisa Stone who during discussions about the Ethics Commission wants to know if it has impact on election campaigns. No doubt there was some bad campaigning, but Lisa -- get a life -- the elections are over. You won a spot on the board -- stop saying "I" was the target of nasty campaigning and that "I" want to get even with those who were nasty.

News flash -- campaigns are nasty and no doubt you are saying "I" ran a perfect campaign, there are those who would take exception with you -- welcome to campaigns and welcome to life in the public eye. I'm not saying tacky, nasty campaigning is acceptable, because it's not, but as the great philosopher, Mike Ditka, has said -- there are only two kinds of people who live in the past -- losers and cowards.

Miz Quixote continue to wave the "I" flag, however. Lately it has been another "I" crusade -- this one regarding an idea for a stop sign on Bernard at White Pine. Stoney has done her job in responding to a request from a homeowner. But when village staff -- not her colleagues on the Board -- said they did not think it was warranted, Liza said they were wrong and "I" am right.

So let's see, the village's Traffic Management Committee, engineers and police officials are all wrong and "I" am right. For the record, there has been such an outpouring of pleas for a stop sign that there has been, lemme count, one request since 1999.

Miz Stone, of course is concerned about the blind spot because of curves. Maybe she should check other streets in the village -- like, say Fremont Drive, which is a one-mile circle -- tons of blinds spots, but no stop signs. plenty of yield signs and caution signs -- just like the caution signs in place on Bernard -- but Lisa doesn't mention that because "I" didn't place them there.

It's nearly three years to the next election. Most campaigning begins within a reasonable time frame to the election dates. More than 36 months before is not reasonable. Neither is the personal flag waving and campaigning being done by Ms. Quixote.

There are, and will be, a lot of issues the Board -- as a whole -- will need to address.

This includes Ms. Stone who not only needs to take the welfare of the entire village to heart -- but who also needs to learn the other 25 letters of the alphabet.

Here's An Offer They Can't Refuse....

The District 125 School Board, the group we've elected to oversee the Mecca on 22, met Thursday to discuss a myriad of things -- but perhaps what drew the most interest the Stevenson Statesman, the once-proud newspaper reduced to an administration-controlled publication.

In case you've just returned from Mars, the Statesman has come under, oops, continues to be under prior review. Only the folks in the front office have gone to censoring articles if they are harm the emotional well being of the students.

Like, we're talking adolescents here, who are we kidding?

The meeting included a number of comments by people interested in the plight of the Statesman -- parents, educators, alum and, most importantly some of the student journalists who are trying to keep the Statesman nameplate in the upper echelon of high school journalists.

That was the highlight of the meeting. Hello, sweetheart, get me rewrite -- make sure these kids are focused.

I have a soft spot for high school journalists -- I was once one myself, back in the days of manual typewriters, editing pencils -- back in the days when Chicago had four -- count 'em four -- daily newspapers, each of which featured shoe-leather reporting and smoke-filled newsrooms.

Ah, the good old days.

Oops, back to reality. Besides my experience as a journalists, I teach high school journalism and am fortunate to have some outstanding students. In fact, the Chicago area is fortunate to have an abundance of outstanding high school journalists -- including (Lucille, take this down) Stevenson High School.

Statesman editor Pam Selman distinguished herself in a passionate statement to the board about the diminishing right of student expression and freedom of the press at Stevenson. She wasn't alone, Managing Editor Evan Ribot was equally up to the task.

Quality kids from a quality high school that's now stuck with subquality policies governing its newspaper.

The Board's statement did not have any surprise. Board President Bruce Lubin cited the Supreme Court ruling (Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier) that gives school administrations the right to control content of school publications if it is, as Lubin said "reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns."

The challenge here is defining "legitimate pedagogical concerns." What are they? Is it a comma out place or a story that may raise a few eyebrows?

Secondly, what Lubin did not say is that Hazelwood is not limited to student publications. It gives the administration the right to put the clamps on any form of student expression -- drama, choir, poetry, and even on-air offerings such as the radio station or video announcements.

It seems possible that the Administration will have its hands full if they are to follow the intent of Hazelwood to the full intent.

The statement released by the Board also noted that " Within the next month, our administration, journalism teachers, and students will be working collaboratively to draft clear procedures and guidelines to improve communication and provide our students with clear expectations for their work in the journalism program."

Sounds like an intriguing concept -- communication. So as I made my way home from the meeting a light clicked on in my cranial cavity -- maybe, just maybe, they would be interested in input from a journalism teacher, former reporter, a parent who had kids go through the Journalism program at Stevenson and lives in the district.

Lubin said he appreciated the email and since Supt. Eric Twadell was copied, he would ask Dr. Twadell to respond.

I'll let you know what I hear.

It's Thursday...and news day

Lots of interesting stuff in the Countryside this week...

The ongoing struggle with the The Statesman, made the front page -- and the editorial page. The story on the opening news page featured comments from students obtained via Facebook. I am still an advocate of shoe-leather reporting rather than doing everything by social networking.

The paper also did a lengthy editorial about the situation in which it agrees with Randy Swikle, executive director of the Illinois Journalism Education Association, in a call for a "dialogue" between the school board and administration and the public to discuss First Amendment issues. This goes beyond First Amendment issues and those additional issues should be included in the forum.

Seven states are "anti Hazelwood states" that prevent school administrations from enforcing the Supreme Court's Hazelwood decision. It would be ideal if Swikle's dialogue concept could alleviate problems, such as the ones seen at Stevenson. For the record, these problems are not unique to Stevenson -- but when a high profile high school that, for the past eight years has had a high profile journalism program -- takes the program down -- way down -- a lot of people take notice.

The editorial also mentions this blog -- for the record, I blog on happenings in Buffalo Grove as a resident, not someone from outside who seeks to chime in. I am a resident of District 125 and both of my sons had excellent experiences at Stevenson, something which I have told Supt. Eric Twadell and Board President Bruce Lubin. That does not, however, mean I have to agree with everything the Board or School Administration does. I also sign everything and avoid lambasting people anonymously. And yes, there was a picture with the post about Stevenson, but I pulled it so as not to overstate the tactics of Nazi with their inclusion of death camps.

Pioneer also included an editorial cartoon (at left) on the subject. It was simply stated and well done.

The paper also included information about the village's budget crunch, which will more than likely be addressed at Monday's meeting. It's amazing to me how people who sabre rattle about life in the village have so little to say publically about village business.

The agenda is massive -- it is available at vbg.org. In addition to the budget, a proposed resolution that would establish a code of ethics is up for consideration. I must be an idealist as I think any one who serves in the public interest should act ethically and respectfully -- but as we have seen statewide and in the City That Works, ethical behavior is sometimes an after thought. I am not sure (despite what some folks may say) who is the driving force behind the ordinance. But let's see if personalities can be put aside and work for the good of the village.

Sources have indicated to me that because of the length of the agenda it is possible the Board will also meet on Dec. 14 in addition to its regularly scheduled meeting on Dec. 21. Wow -- three consecutive weeks of Village Board meetings.

Speaking of meetings. The folks over on 22 who run Stevenson High School are holding their meeting on Thursday, Dec. 17 and not on the third Monday of the month, which would have been Dec. 21 -- during Winter break.

A campaign may be needed for Pioneer -- It could be "Let's give Dino a Break.." Sportswriter Dino Marco once again is burning the candle at both ends providing local coverage. Always gratifying to see someone burn the shoe leather.

And finally, the folks at Pioneer moved Mega Bites to page 36 -- of course they had a front page tease. Maybe they needed the up-front space for news. A good thing.

Stuff you may not have read...

So besides recall, OTB, dance clubs etc., just what is the Village Board doing. As the late Paul Harvey would say... "Stand by...for NEWS"

At its Nov. 16 board meeting..the Board was presented with a budget -- the village budget -- if you have questions about how the village is being run, all you have to do is watch presentations by the staff. I have always been impressed by the village staff, even the cop who gave me a speeding ticket on Arlington Heights Road.

Village Manager Bill Brimm spelled out the details of the budget to the Board and the smattering of residents who attended. I won't go into details because they're beyond my statistically challenged head -- but the bottom line is the village needs to find ways to balance the books. I'm sure the budget is available for review at Village Hall. If it's not, we have problems.

Aside from the exhaustive details, the highlight of the budget is that the number of rounds played at the golf course is down, but the Arboretum Course had its second best year in 10 years. Not sure why, not sure I care. But it's stuff like that has played havoc on the budget.

But seriously, folks -- we can all expect a tax on gas usage and electric usage. Brimm note the village needs to find new sources of income lost because of the poor economy. A dwindling sales tax is the result and the outlook for the village isn't encouraging -- especially if you take into consideration revenues from car dealers. With the demise of the Chrysler dealership, the village lost between $250,000 - $300,000 in sales tax revenue. With Arlington Toyota moving to Palatine, the projected loss to village coffers is $400,000 - $500,000. And that does not include new accelerator pedals.

If sales tax revenues recover to their previous levels, Brimm has indicated the tax would be re-evaluated. From the looks of the economic forecast, don't get your hopes up too soon.

+ + +

Say what? November is Native American Month in Buffalo Grove. Not sure where it came from, but if the village is going to recognize one heritage, it needs to recognize every month for every culture.

+ + +

On a roll... Village President Elliott Hartstein made a passionate plea for the extension of Rt. 53. He said 75 percent of the votes cast in the referendum on the topic favored it.

Nice being in the minority. I'd like to see the transportation benefits of extending a north/south road when it's the east/west routes that stink. So we have a nice new north/south road -- but we clog the east/west arteries to get to it. Seems to me there's more traffic heading east and west during rush-hour periods than north and south.

+ + +

And finally...

Among the tidbits that were revealed during Bill Brimm's budget presentation was the fact that the average age of municipal employees is 43 years with 15 years of service. But not in Buffalo Grove. The age is 50 years old with 24 years of service.

AARP discounts ahead?

Another week, another Countryside....

Well now that the turkey (we're talking Thanksgiving here, folks, not Board Members..) has been cooked, served, devoured and the leftovers put away, it's time to get caught up on some stuff in Big Animal Grove...

Ah,the paper landed in my mailbox today. Oh, look -- an article about the village board meeting -- from 10 days ago. What's the root of news? New. Kathy Routliffe does a nice job covering a hot bed -- so why does Pioneer hold her stuff forever? Pioneer is trying to save money and conserve paper, which is why they put Mega Bites on page 11 -- yep, another weekly gluttony report about 42 scoops of ice ream for suburbanites. Bet the homeless and the hungry really enjoyed it.

+ + +

Routliffe included Lisa Stone's comments from blogs (most probably those in the Daily Herald). I checked them out -- typical blogging. What's annoying are those people who have the courage to rip someone without attending board meetings or contacting the source -- and then not having the courage to sign their name. Welcome to the age of online bashing.

+ + +

Oh look, Pioneer "covered" Stevenson's dictators and their decision to run the Statesman -- as in run it into the ground. But talk about balanced reporting.. my, oh, my.. Mr. Wachter must have spent at least an hour doing the story. After all -- it must be tough digging up sources on line and, oh the agony of waiting for emails from the Flack at the Mecca on 22.

Geez, Ronnie, wouldn't it have been a nice touch to talk to an expert on scholastic press rights? Or how about the chair of the scholastic press right commission for the Journalism Education Association? What's that Ronnie? You didn't have that information? Sure you did Ronnie.

Good reporting comes as the result of good efforts. Pioneer displayed neither.

+ + +

Oh look, Gabbin' in the Grove. Does anyone care that Susan Dubin is paranoid about her neighbors watching her eat? Hey Susan, it could be worse. No further comment.

+ + +

Kudos to Dino Marco -- this guy needs a raise, a vacation or a life -- This guy cranks out more copy than anyone else at Pioneer.

+ + +

Speaking of media...check out the Chicago Tribune's Thanksgiving Day Editorial "Muzzlin Students" about the czars at Stevenson. A tip of the hat to the Editorial Board at the Tower.

Where's Paul Finamore When We Need Him?

The more I attend village board meetings, the more I scratch my head.

That may result in one of two things -- splinters or a visit to Hairline Creations.

The Nov. 16 board meeting offered, fortunately or unfortunately, more of the rhetoric -- or attempted rhetoric.

The topic was the recall ordinance. The focus ( a novel idea for some folks) was the question as if an advisory referendum should be placed on the February primary ballot. Period. But as this case, it becomes a major source of debate.

Many trustees made passionate statements about the need for a recall ordinance, probably as a the result of the election of you-know-who.

In reality, it's a simple yes-or-no question -- should the voters decide if a recall ordinance is needed or not.

Period.

While on one hand, it could be nice to have the voters decide, but on the other hand, so few voters come out, why bother?

Face it folks, life in the Grove is pretty passive. Muni government, park district etc. -- if it doesn't effect me, why should I care?

Miz Stone challenged her colleagues to go door-to-door to, I believe, inform the residents of the issue. Why, I'm not sure..but we're talking Liza here.

Stone told the board that she felt there was a plot -- that before the election the opposition was already planning to oust her. Hey look folks, don't shoot me, I'm only the piano player.

There seemed to be a favorable consent for recall, but not placing it on the ballot (the motion ultimately died) leaving the decision of the development of a recall ordinance solely up to the board, like most other issues.

It should have been a done deal -- yes or no. However, ensuing comments by Stoney prolonged the debate because she wanted to amend the question that would have added stipulations as to how many voters or what percentage would be needed.

Helllooo - the question was simple enough -- yes or no putting it on the February ballot.

Stone's motion died because of a lack of a second. Oh, an for the record, Off Track Betting was mentioned. Beats me why, but I just sit there and take things in. Besides, the Monday night football game was Cleveland-Baltimore, so the Board meeting was a good alternative.

What lies ahead for recall is unsure. Odds are it will be brought up again prompting more (surprise) discussion.

Yes, we'll hear about Wheeling, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect -- all of which have recall ordinances.

I don't want to hear about them. They may have some good points, but not to be brought to the Board meeting over and over again.

Because, as Rhett would say, frankly my dear I don't give a damn.

What I do give a damn about is the Board being about to police itself and if need be, remove someone who is in gross violation of their role as a village official.

Does it open the flood gates for abuse? Probably not. I have not heard of a run on recalls in the aforementioned communities.

Still, it's a nice tool to have.

In the meantime, officials who are worried about recall should look no farther than the Council Chambers. If they are doing their job appropriately, then there's no need to worry.

If not, it's time to start sweating. A recall ordinance that details a procedure for recall gives the public a venue by which an official can be removed before the end of his or her term. If there is no ordinance, the public has the option behind door No. 2 -- tell them what it is Monty...

An election.

An Academic Kristillnacht

Earlier this month, many people, mostly Jews, observed a remembrance of Kristillnacht, the black evening when Nazis in Hitler's German broke windows, destroyed synagogues and burned books belonging to Jews.

The intent of the fascist regime was to destroy the faith, morale and access to intellectual stimulation by German Jews.

Jews around the world remember and pray that such atrocities never occur again.

They have, however. Only this time in an academic sense. Not in Germany, not in Bosnia, not in Iraq, not in Iran.

In Lincolnshire.

Once again that alleged administration at Stevenson High School has flexed its mighty muscle and has sought to impart its fascist tactics on those who simply crave the opportunity to freedom of expression, freedom of the press and freedom of education. The students.

The administration withheld not just an article, but an entire issue of the once-proud Statesman, the once award-winning newspaper.

Why? Because of articles about teen pregnancy, shoplifting, and drinking. The kids found out the truth and the administration cannot -- and will not - deal with reality.

So rather that praise students for their efforts, they break glass, figuratively burn their books and practice fascist tactics.

An Academic Kristillnacht.

Shame on the administration. Shame on the teachers who idly sit by and watch. Shame on the right-wing organizations that have penetrated the administration and school by preaching Christian values.

There's nothing wrong with Christian values -- or Muslim values -- or Jewish values -- or Hindu values.

There is something wrong when you expect the world, or in this case, a school's administration to bow down and accept them.

While the school board sits in their warm, cozy homes -- the administration has adapted the role of the Nazis and taken its venom out on incident victims -- in this case the students -- and seeks to destroy their sense of freedoms by squelching their right to an education.

Do it our way they say -- our way or no way.

It's sad, to think that the administration and the outsiders who are naive enough to think the adolescents don't drink, use drugs or :::gasp::: have sex, lie, deny and refuse to comment on their position.

Instead they look for scapegoats -- last year it was nationally recognized and acclaimed journalism teacher and publications adviser Barb Thill.

This year it's children. Welcome to Auschwitz or is it Theresienstadt? No, it's Stevenson High School.

Oh yes, the school's PR flak whose views parallel those of the conservative right, is quick to blame the kids, and hide behind the school's role of principle of in loco parentis -- which it says means acting in the place of the parent.

Crap. That's all it is. This is the same administration that turned a deaf ear to a member of the community who wanted a drug awareness program. At Stevenson? Nah, our kids don't do that.

In loco parentis? A good parent would embrace drug education. A good parent would embrace freedom of speech. A good parent would embrace the First Amendment.

A bad parent is arrogant enough to think only of itself and its "perfect image."

Stevenson High School's administration has shown the community -- if not the nation -- that it's a bad parent.

The PR flak flexed his mighty muscles saying the " school does not encourage the use of anonymous sources in its student newspaper."

Really? And why is that? Well, because our destroyers of the First Amendment say "What occurred with the Statesman was no different than what occurs in professional newsrooms around the country every day. Stories are withheld from public view until editors are satisfied that proper levels of reporting have been done. The journalism teachers are simply following long-standing practices of the journalism profession."

Oh, I see -- let's praise the journalism teachers. Were they doing their job? Probably not. Because had they worked with the kids -- a practice seemingly disappearing from the Meccaa on 22 -- they would have directed them and advised them on proper journalism techniques. But the czars on 22 would not think of saying anything bad about the advisers -- because they hand-picked them.

So what do they want at Stevenson? Who knows. I can't give them a word of advice. I can give them 45.

They go like this: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

It's the cornerstone of a free society for all people -- of all ages -- including student journalists.

But they would not know about that at Stevenson High School.

They are too busy polishing the gate.

Here's a challenge...

The late Harry Chapin and Walter Payton, although worlds apart, had something in common.

Not only did they both die way to young, the dedicated a good part of their lives to helping feed the hungry.

Chapin did it through his Foundation, which still exists, and donated nearly half of his earnings from concerts to the organizations that help feed the hungry. Payton used his own foundation to do likewise.

You can't help but admire people like Chapin and Payton for putting their money where their mouths are.

Some companies do as well, Kraft Foods is a supporter of the Chicago Food Depository and no doubt other companies do as well.

But what about Pioneer Press? Yes, I know, newspapers are experiencing tough times and the once proud chain has become an a regionalized publication put out by understaffed and overworked journalists who are still dedicated to their craft (it's a close-knit fraternity).

They even use faux journalists to try and be neighborhood columnists, some of whom violate more journalistic ethics than can fit into a blog.

That said and done, Pioneer continues to be cute with it's "Mega Bite" feature. It does little more than preach gluttony and, in my humble opinion, puts residents in many of Chicago suburbs in a bad light. Especially during a time when so many families are struggling to make ends meet.

So here's a challenge -- let's see if we can convince Pioneer to have more than high cholesterol. In a perfect world, Pioneer should see both side of the coins. How about starting some sort of community service program where Pioneer could have a Mega Heart and support those area organizations that help feed needy?

Let's say for every inch of gluttony, Pioneer donates $100 to a food pantry? Let's see, there are approximately 162 inches on a page, so that would be $16,200 a week. That would feed a lot of people. Hell, I'd even go for $10 an inch -- that would be $1,620 a week.

What do you think? Let me know by email via this blog.

That would be a way for Pioneer not to be greedy, but as the Bears said in the Super Bowl Shuffle.. "We're not doing this because we're greedy, the Bears are doing this to feed the needy.."

Hey look, if a Packer fan can take a cue from the Bears, so can Pioneer Press.

Did someone say agenda?

I miss Fred Rogers.

I mean, can you imagine if Buffalo Grove was "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood"?

Can you see the opening of the show -- "I've always wanted to have a neighbor, just like you?"

Sure, he could hope the Neighborhood Trolley, and hop on over the the Village Board meetings.

And today's blog is brought to by the letter A (oops, wrong show...but we're working a theme here, folks). A, as in the word Agenda.

Can you say agenda, boys and girls?

I thought you could.

That's big word, boys and girls. At village board members it might mean two things -- a personal platform that we hear about incessantly over and over again. Sometimes it gets to be old hat and the message associated with an agenda interferes with the message of the agenda, which ultimately interferes with the meeting's agenda.

Now, isn't that special (OK, I know it's not Mr. Rogers, but who were you expecting -- Satan? Or maybe the Spanish Inquisition -- oh wait, nobody expects them)

A lot of agendas. It's no secret that Lisa Stone appears to have her agendas. Surprise. But let's leave Liza on the sidelines for a while.

Her agendas seem to bother some people. No big deal -- because not everyone is going to agree with everyone else.

But when everyone's agenda interfere's with the agenda -- the schedule for a meeting (isn't English fun???) and begins to whine about it, it can get annoying. Miz Stone sometimes ::ahem:: goes on a bit and elongates the agenda, but at least she follows, albeit sometimes lengthy, the agenda.

One of the joys of municipal government, is that to hear public opinion, village boards, city councils and I'm sure County Boards, can interject public hearings into their meeting. Joy of joy -- something to upset the apple cart.

Public hearings are designed to focus on a specific topic. Can you say Special Use boys and girls? I thought you could.

So at its Oct. 19 meeting, the village had ::gasp:: not one, but two public hearings. Public hearings are akin to visit to dentist -- a sometimes painful necessity.

The topic of the scheduled public was the proposed dance club of eSkape. The first was to address Amendment of Special Use; the second Consideration of of Amendments. No big deal.

President Elliott Hartstein presides over public hearings in the same manner as he does over Village Board meetings.

No problem.

A public hearing, let's focus on hearing, gives village czars the chance to hear discussions about the pros or cons of a specific issue. In the case of eSkape, the first public hearing last two hours. Come on folks, I missed Monday Night Football for that.

There were a lot of good points raised. Include some by Mike Terson. Terson's a nice guy who ran for a spot on the Village Board last spring. He didn't win.

Now I'm sure he's not happy because there are folks up there he disagrees with. No problem.

During the Oct. 19 Board Meeting he presented some comments during the Public Hearing. No problem. It's unfortunate, however, that he saw fit to use the opportunity to take exception to what he saw as a change in Stone's position.

This ain't news, folks. Where Terson dropped the ball is he wanted to use the public hearing to vent his displeasure with Stone's position.

Time out -- public hearing -- not the item on the Board Meeting agenda for questions / comments from the audience.

Kudos to Hartstein for putting a stop to it and telling Terson he was out of order. Hammerin' Hartstein even use the gavel to emphasize his displeasure.

And that should have been the end of it. Wait until to the Board Meeting and then comment on a trustee's performance.

But no. Terson submitted a 24 1/2 inch "guest essay" in which he claims that he's not being heard enough at the Board meetings. Terson wrote that he's heard things that have made him say "huh" more than a few times. He's one up on me, I've said more than huh.

Terson, whose essay is almost as long as a Mega Bite, claims he should have been heard and Hartstein was wrong for keeping him from speaking.

Item 1: Terson's comments were not germane to the subject of the public hearing, so Hartstein was right. Terson would have done better to address a trustee's performance during the meeting's general agenda.

Terson writes that Hartstein told him the best venue for his comments would be a letter to the editor.

Item 2: Split decision. Hartstein is trying to keep the meetings focused and the Board's policy is to limit resident's comments to 10 minutes -- which is more than liberal. Where, if Terson is accurate, Hartein may have slipped, is telling Terson to write a letter to the editor. I would be more surprised this because Hartstein has been in public service in the village since Buffalo did roam the village and he knows the value of public input. His suggestion is valid, but it should not be seen as a replacement for public input at a Village Board meeting.

As noted, the 10-minute limit is liberal and the Board is more than willing to let residents respond to residents during non-resident input time.

The advantage of a letter to the editor, or guest essay, is it gives contributors a chance to put there comments together in a thoughtful, skillful manner -- which Terson has done - -whether you agree with him or not.

Terson might have been more effective if he took advantage of the resident input time and submitted his thoughts to the village board.

Working outside the agenda to promote your agenda is not the best use of the agenda.

I Read The News today, oh boy....

Well, the fine folks at the USPS or Pioneer Press saw fit to deliver my copy of the Pioneer Press Countryside this week so I could find out what was going on in Big Animal Grove.

Am I glad they did.

Local schools stay open as swine flu threat grows. Huh? So we would close schools because of a threat? And it took three reporters to cover this? How about how the school are coping with the swine flu? How about preventive measures they are taking. Saying the schools are staying open because of a threat is like saying Dog Bites Man.

******

Stevenson celebrates scores -- that's what it's all about, right? How much better we are than someone else. How about telling us how they're working with at risk students, providing services for students who may be falling through the cracks because of problems such as domestic violence, drug abuse etc. Oh wait, that doesn't make us look good. Silly me.

******

Holy headline, batman -- Lisa Stone is at it again. OMG, what have I missed. Liza (for whatever reason I call women named Lisa, Liza -- it's a tribute I guess to Liza Minelli's album, "Liza with a Z.." Wait, did I say album...hello, Ted Mack) must be on the warpath again. Circle the wagons, call Rob Sherman (who, in his blog, takes credit for bringing peace and harmony to the board) -- there's trouble in River City.

But wait. This is not only old news, it's no news. Seriously. The "exchange" took place at the Oct. 19 Board meeting -- this ran in the Oct. 29 newspaper. Why not the Oct. 22 newspaper guys?

But wait. There was no heated exchange. The alleged argument was stemmed by Village President Elliott Hartstein who, during a public hearing, told Mike Terson that he could not challenge Stone on her position regarding eSkape wanting to have a dance club. Terson persisted by Hartstein reminded Terson that a public hearing was not the time to take on a trustee -- any trustee -- he was not singling Stone out.

To no surprise, Stone wanted to reply -- let's face it -- if looks could kill the Board would have adjourned for a Shiva Minyan. However, Stone took the cue and held her remarks to the end of the meeting. This alone is breaking news.

For Pioneer to claim there was a heated exchange is not only inaccurate journalism -- specifically headline writing (reporter Kathy Routliffe's article is accurate) but a cheap way of taking advantage of the Stone presence on the board.

Yes, while I have ripped Liza for her delivery system (among other things) this time I'll go on record to say she followed Hartein's request, thus eliminating a heated exchange. She did respond at the end of the meeting, which is mentioned in the article, but clearly it was not heated.

It seems to me that Pioneer wants to yell fire in a crowded movie theater by dropping the S bomb. "Hey guys, it's a slow news day -- what do we do -- Put Stone in a headline?"

****

The next page contains an article about Stone's campaign fund being cleared. My question is why was the hearing (at least according to the Daily Herald) held in closed session? Things like campaign funds are public records as should resolutions about complaints filed.

******

Mega Bites -- Another free full page ad for restaurants that try to attract suburbanites with massive amounts of food. And they augment it with pictures of people shoving food in their mouth. Gross.

I wonder if Pioneer goes to schools in its distribution area and flaunts "Mega Bites" to students who are on free lunch programs because parents are on food stamps? I wonder if Pioneer sells subscriptions at area food pantries?

No, Pioneer panders to the perception that its readers are affluent and insensitive to the needs of the less fortunate. I didn't see any coverage about the CROP Hunger Walk held Oct. 18 in Libertyville. Walkers raised nearly $25,000 to feed the hungry. By the way, that was just from one team..the group from the First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville. Kudos (and yes a donation) to that group (that yes, includes friends) for doing that. It's rewarding when members of house of worship take time out to help others -- rather than just plan a party.

Why didn't Pioneer cover it? Nope. Ms. Goodhair didn't even mention it in attempt-to-be-a -journalist column. Why? No ad potential.

Pioneer should demonstrate good corporate citizenship with a Mega Heart.

The village missed a golden opportunity

Random thoughts....


So let me get this right -- the village is concerned about a dance club for kids. Six months ago there was some concern about an Off-Track Betting facility.

Darn, timing is everything.

Had the folks at eSkape and Adam's Rib approached the Board at the same time, the village could have possibly worked out a deal to have one facility for both.

It would have been -- and now, ladies and gentlemen -- let me apologize for the next statement -- it is not -- repeated not -- directed toward any trustee. But a combined facility would have killed two birds with one stone. Sorry, that's the saying. please note the last word is lower case. So there.

But can you imagine the possibilities?

Say little Susie has her eye on little Frankie on the dance floor. Rather than have people gawk, they could duck over to the OTB and get the odds on Susie and Frankie hooking up. It's a win-win situation -- Why? Both are at the dance club spending money. Cha-ching. And with the OTB right there, people can place their bets. Cha-ching.

On the other side of the coin, let's say mad Marvin is getting stressed out because he last bet at Belmont is stopped at the toll booth. Rather than drink himself into oblivion, he could duck over to the dance club and work out some of his frustrations.

And just imagine -- an OTB and teen dance club under one roof -- that would give new meaning to promoting the Breeder's Cup. Shameless, I know.

* * * * * *

The report on the finances for Buffalo Grove Days presented at the Oct. 19 meeting confused me, but when you're fighting the cold, flu and allergies, it doesn't take much to confuse me. However, it's clear that the BG Days Committee worked magic and came out ahead, once again.

BG Days is a great event. It is truly a community event. Lake Forest used to, and may still have, Lake Forest Day. Pleasant event, but it doesn't embody the sense of community that BG Days does.

Kudos.

* * * * * *

I'm lost. Can someone tell me why Lisa Stone abstained from approving the minutes? If there were problems with them, it's best to get them corrected as soon as possible.

* * * * *

Shade of Stevenson? I didn't get my Countryside this week. My first thought was they didn't want me to see it because I like to take editorial target practice on them. I was all set to buy one, but the darn things was missing pages. But wait, another Mega Bite in the Burbs. Feed the Needy, Pioneer, don't promote gluttony.

******

Gold Medal Finalist honors go to the Buffalo Grove Park District for its community video. The entry was just about 12 minutes in accordance with the contest guidelines. Park District PR flack Mike Terson put together a 32-minute version that is available from Park District.

********

Next Board Meeting is Monday, Nov. 2. There's a hefty agenda. Wear comfortable clothing and a carryout menu for breakfast -- just in case.

More later.

eSkape to Wisconsin?

In a stunning announcement today, the U.S. Border patrol announced it is taking up positions along Lake-Cook, Buffalo Grove and Dundee roads to maintain sanctity in the Village of Buffalo Grove.

Of course they didn't. But if you follow the discussion at Monday's public meeting about a proposed "dance club" at eSkape in Town Center, you'd think the arrival of the border folks was imminent.

It's an interesting argument, one that has me, admittedly, on the proverbial fencepost.

I've never been in eSkape (I do see the signs, so I try to keep it in proper style) and couldn't tell you where the arena was, is, or will be. The last time I was in the building it was a grocery store.

The issue is whether the village will allow a dance club at eSkape. Opponents make it seem that such a facility will, to quote the late George Carlin, curve your spine, infect your mind and let the allies lose the war.

There are valid concerns on both sides of the argument.

The most prominent is that dance clubs, oops, let's make it teen dance clubs, attract gang members, drug dealers and other unsavory types. They might.

The unfortunate reality, however, is that any facility that caters to teens or young adults may do the same. As Robin Williams (quoting comedians must be a theme) once said in an episode of "Mork and Mindy" -- reality, what a concept.

Newsflash, young people, including those at Buffalo Grove and Stevenson high schools, are engaged in activities that would make 'yo mama cringe. And for the record, it's not unique to those schools -- the same could be true for Naperville Central, Deerfield, Lake Forest, New Trier, Glenbrook North etc. and so on.

Those towns don't have gangs? Yeah, right. Check with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG) and you'll find out differently.

Discussions at Monday's public hearing, which was part of the village board meeting (remember them?) was a lengthy (2-plus hours) dialogue from a wide segment of the community, including 20-plus students for BG and Stevenson High Schools who were in attendance as preparation for a civics program on Oct. 26.

Through it all, there did not to be a clear-cut persuasive argument. The pros include a place for kids to go (although the definition of kids was muddled), increased revenue for the village and a chance for a business eSkape (note the logo please), which has been around for seven years, to try an added venue to its facility.

The cons included the need for an increased, and ongoing, police presence, potential attraction of the aforementioned druggies, gang members and underage kiddies who crave an illegal drink.

Clearly, there are no answers here. The potential for drug dealing is valid -- but it's validity is not because of a dance club. Reality check, anywhere young people congregate is a spot where drugs may be available. The unfortunate reality is that there may be just as many opportunities for controlled substances to be purchased at any area high school as there could be at a dance club.

Looking at the socioeconomic make-up of the area, many of the folks are in denial -- the old not in my neighborhood and my child doesn't do that sort of thing. It's the old "the other side of the tracks" argument.

Yeah, right. It's always those types of people.

Buffalo Grove has a long history of guarding its image. Back in the 1980s I remember them drilling a corporate rep over the installation of a new sign for the now-defunct "Poppin' Fresh" restaurant.

Adding a dance club to eSkape is risky only because of the association of potential problems with young people who go clubbing. Yes, other clubs have experienced problems. I am willing to bet (oops, sorry, another sore subject in BG) that statistically, there may not be any additional problems at eSkape than there are other venues where alcohol is served.

There was some discussion about the report presented by the police department. The statistics are far from impressive. There was a shooting at a now-closed club in Schaumburg. if my memory serves me correct, there was a murder at the office complex at Lake-Cook Road and Milwaukee Ave. Does that mean the village should restrict office development? Of course not.

Other clubs have thrived. In fact, Zero Gravity has launched a marketing effort to attract students in nearby high schools by running half-page ads in school newspapers.

No doubt, there are inherent risks that are associated with any new venture. Discussion surrounding the longevity of eSkape's operation for the past seven years indicate that things have gone well.

I do, however, surround myself with young people -- high school teachers generally do. As was obvious by the 20-plus students at the Oct. 19 board meeting, some kids have their act together. Others, breaking news here folks, don't. That's life.

Would a village board turn down a license for a day care facility out of fear it would attract pedophiles? Probably not.

With a new venture looking at them square in the face, perhaps the Village Board needs to develop, and this was alluded to at the meeting, a checks-and-balances system to see, if the give the OK to the dance club, how things work out.

Drug convictions, traffic problems and other problems can be quantifiable. It's a gamble for both the village and eSkape.

But what isn't these days? Managing partner Bill Feldgreber vowed that if he does get the OK and there are problems, he would close the dance club before the village could order him to take that action.

Yes, some unsavory characters may show up at the club. They may also show up at the Jewel, or Shell station.

Then what?

Strolling through the Countryside...

To paraphrase Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet...

Two diners, both alike in dignity..
In fair suburbia where we lay our scene
A feeding frenzy makes its mark inbetween..

OK, I know, if Shakespeare wasn't dead, the previous three lines would kill him.

But take, for a moment, a look at this week's Countryside.

Page 5 (which used to be called page 1 or 3 -- but the folks at PP have a strange way of counting) features an intense gesture by Andrew Stein who, upon turning 50, not only sent in his $12 to AARP, but decided that rather than bask in the glory of his birthday with gifts and tacky parties, opted to turn the tables and donate food to the area food pantries.

Let's make a note here -- Stein discussed his program at the Sept. 22 Village Board meeting, but for whatever reason, the editorial czars at Pioneer decided to hold the story for nearly a month. Even with the delay, it's an impressive gesture by Stein who, along with Cub Scout troop 36, is making it a collective efforts with, reports the Countryside, area businesses and schools.

Self promotion? Not really. At least he appears to be keeping things in perspective. As noted in a previous blog, the village's unemployment rate is 8.3 percent. Some people are putting their money, or time, where their mouths are.

Kudos to Stein on turning 50 and making his celebration a meaningful one. Oh, a note to Andrew -- now that you're 50, a routine physical is often predicated with the phrase "well, now that you're 50..." Fifty is when the warranty expires.

So we have Stein surrounded by food to help the needy. Turn the pages and we see our ira Leavitt continue Pioneer's shameless series "Mega Bites" -- Eatin' Big in the 'Burbs. So why Stein is working to feed the needy, Pioneer and, I guess Leavitt, are getting ready for Halloween by continuing to dress up as Marie Antoinette by basically telling the less fortunate, "let them eat cake."

Eating big in the burbs, another way to placate advertisers or potential advertisers, in my mind sends a message that life in the burbs is good and we can stuff ourselves and be oblivious to those who may not be as fortunate us.

What if Pioneer, or even Mr. Leavitt, were to spearhead a drive with these restaurants that brag about excessive food to provide some Mega charity for the food pantries? Perhaps, instead of sending the less fortunate to soup kitchens, they opened their doors say, once a week -- or even once a month -- and let them eat big for once?

And don't tell me that Buco is a small local place -- they have money to be a national chain (yes, they're all over) they have money to be a good citizen.

To paraphrase an old Operation Push slogan, "the rich get fatter and the poor get nothing."

* * * * *

Speaking of shameless...Nice to see Susan Dubin profile local singer Amy Yassinger -- but that should be in the entertainment section. If she's that good, why limit her to a local column that's shrouded in self-promotion. Really, 27-inches of quotes and laudatory comments doesn't hold my interest.

* * * * *

On the flip side, kudos to Pioneer Sports scribe Dino Marco for his pregame coverage of the BG-Rolling Meadows game. While Pioneer fails to see that the MSL does exist south of Lake-Cook Road, Marco's look at the Bison-Mustang game was right on. Zev Katz, John Angotti (any relation to Lou?), Mike Garrity, and Mike Cornely are an impressive bunch.

Marco predicted a 21-20 BG win, which, while not accurate (Meadows won 26-19) reflected a the insight that it would be a close game. Although I've never met him, BG coach Jim Farrell seems to be a good interview. He presents an honest assessment of his team and speaks will of opposing players as he did about Mustang quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. If you follow college football, keep that name in your memory bank.

Next up -- Elk Grove. The Grens are 5-3, and fundamentally sound, but I think BG's offense and special teams, not to mention the defensive line, should give them the edge. I'd make the Bison a 4 1/2 point favorite.

More later...

Random thoughts...

There have been several mentions at Village Board meetings about the need for support of area food pantries.

What? Here in Buffalo Grove? Why what kind of people do we have living here?

As Robin Williams once said as Mork on "Mork and Mindy" -- Reality, what a concept.

The reality is that the village is sporting an 8.3 percent unemployment rate. Granted, it's below the state's rate, but stop and take a step back. That's a lot of people who may need some help. Some may need help more than others, and that's what both Vernon and Wheeling townships have been begging for donations for their food pantries.

As parents send their kids around in costumes begging for candy -- a quaint bit of pagan suburban living -- maybe, just maybe some parents will encourage the kids to collect food for those who really need it.

Reality, what a concept.

* * * *

Speaking of gluttony, maybe the fine folks at Pioneer could, instead of advocating "Mega Bites" -- take the portion of the salary they pay super eater -- and donate it to the food pantries.

* * * *

Some people may blame it on global warming, but where have all the skunks come from? I'm not talking village hall -- I mean real, genuine skunks.

* * * *

Is it just me, or is the second phase of the Arlington Heights Road project going faster than the first?

* * * *

So we're getting $1 million worth of new fire trucks and engines. Rides available?

* * * *

And, as if you need a reminder -- the Village Board meets this Monday. Same time, same place -- maybe different atmosphere.

More later....

Sorry, you're too good..leave

I teach high school journalism and advise the student newspaper.

I am fortunate to have a great staff with really wonderful student journalists.

Recently, however, I had to pull my Editor-in-Chief aside and told him that despite his outstanding abilities, leadership, dedication and more than three years of service, that now, in his senior year, he has to leave the staff.

Why? Because he's been on the paper too long and has been doing a tremendous job.

Makes sense, doesn't it?

Of course not.

It would, in essence, be a term limit.

Limiting the time someone serves a village, such as Buffalo Grove, does not make not sense given that participation in municipal affairs is fairly minimal.

That's not the fault of the Village Board. True, several members have been on since the 90s, but that does not mean they are doing a bad job.

Politicians -- at any level -- who do a good job keep getting re-elected. Look around the immediate area. John Porter served the 10th Congressional district for years before yielding to Mark Kirk who has done the same. Kirk, in fact, maintained his seat despite his alignment with the recent Bush administration.

The late Robert McClory served more terms than I can recall as a congressman in (I believe) the old 10th congressional district. And who can forget some of our senators -- Paul Simon, Chuck Percy, Everett McKinley Dirksen who all earned (whether you agreed with them or not) the people of Illinois for years.

Do a good job and you'll keep the job.

It's becoming apparent that hidden agendas are the focal point of some village board members. Yes, the proposed recall ordinance is a reaction to the rusty dagger throwing by Lisa Stone.

What is her motive? Aside from the Trustee Reports, Ms. Stone is mum on nearly every single piece of village business. Except when it comes to read her pre-written statements. Does her silence indicate that everything in the village is, in fact going well? Or is she just clueless.

So when one trustee mentions recall, Ms. Stone says, wants to fight back and limit terms.

Kudos to Village President in his call for "civility" -- it's a nice touch. Hopefully all of the Board Members will take heed.

Term limits serve no functional purpose in a municipality the size of Buffalo Grove. To waste the Village Board's and village's money when there are more pressing issues is annoying.

Besides, the village already has a term-limit policy in place.

It's called an election.

Monday night showdown

It has been building for weeks.

The long-awaited showdown between good and evil. The gunslinger vs. tradition.

No doubt people will be persuaded to attend. The joint will be jumping.

Monday night football? Hardly.

It's Village Board night in Big Animal Grove.

So why the Green and Gold face their newly found arch-rival, Brett Favre, the Village Board will be bracing for yet another chapter of "As the Stone Turns".




Now generally I don't pontificate on what may happen, but with the recall ordinance on the table, you can be sure it won't be an evening of Village President Elliot Hartstein leading choruses of "Kumbia" or "We Are the World."

Nope. The debate will continue into not necessarily the need for a recall ordinance, but, my guess is, another dagger throwing (as opposed to Favre throwing...), derogatory comments about the ordinance.




Let's set the way back machine, Sherman (If you're under 50, you may need to do a Google search on Mr. Peabody).

At the Sept. 21 meeting, Village Trustee Jeff Berman introduced a recall ordinance. Whether it was in response to the acrimonious arrival of Stone, or a perceived need for such an ordinance is not important.

But hang on there, kemosabe (if you're under 50, do a Google search on the Lone Ranger and Tonto) -- someone beat Ms. Quixote to the punch.

So rather than launch a constructive dialogue into the need for a recall ordinance and how it should be written, Stone opted to rip everyone involved.

Surprised? It's like Favre saying he was ready to retire, but no, I want to play, but on my terms.

There's a difference (fortunately) between Brett Favre and Lisa Stone. Favre is a proven and respected entity.

A brief review -- Stone wanted input into the ordinance and hinted that Berman should have contacted her so she could help. He didn't, which is his prerogative. Then the issue was the ordinance was delivered too late and just before the Jewish Holidays (see related blog). Then it was the issue the it was not just like recall ordinances in Wheeling, Mt. Prospect or Arlington Heights.

OK, a quick reality check. First, Buffalo Grove does not need to be like other municipalities. Granted, there are some good points in the other ordinances, but discussion may yield that not everything is perfect.

Trustees were told that the ordinance would be discussed at the next Board Meeting -- this Monday -- much like the Packers knew they were going to face the Favre-lead Vikings on Monday night.

Besides the hype, what both coaching staffs knew that a key will be preparation.

OK, let's look at that again -- keyword? Preparation.

So it's incumbent on the entire board -- Miz Stone included -- to be prepared with a team plan for the ordinance.

This means no whining about factors that keep you for preparing. The reality is that every board member needs to be ready to discuss the ordinance and approve on that is in the best interest of the village.

Board meetings are not the time to bring a personal soapbox -- it's a time to address all of the village's business.

Granted, there are some questions that need to be answered -- percentage needed for recall, votes cast, or voters registered. Stone needs to listen to and respect the work down by the village staff -- whether elected (like the village clerk) or appointed (like the village attorney).

It's not rocket science, folks -- It's common sense -- It's common respect -- And it's what is good for the village in the long term.

If an elected official can't look beyond their own personal rants, if they can't respect the process and the dedication of their colleagues -- then they are not representing their constituency or doing the job they vowed to do.

Which, like him or not, is what Favre has been able to do.

Recalling more than the recall

Notes, tidbits, and other great thoughts from the Sept. 21 Village Board meeting - sans recall.

Kudos to three members of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department for patiently waiting until after midnight to present information about replacing a fire truck and fire engine. Chief Terrence M. Vavra told the board that the cost of replacing a fire tuck (which us mere mortals call a hook and ladder) is $1 million. Yes, million. Must be why the have the signs on the back urging you to stay back 500 feet.

*******

On a night when religion became part of a discussion, Village Board President Elliot Hartstein proclaimed Trick or Treat hours to be from 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. He then said it was a holiday "we all celebrate." I'm not sure if he really celebrates it -- the visual of Hartstein going door to door begging for candy is not a pretty one. Maybe he thinks we all celebrate it because Village Board meetings have taken on a Pagan atmosphere lately.

******
L'Shana Tova greetings. From Rob Sherman? Yep. That's what he said during the board meeting. Wonder if he's celebrating Halloween?

*****
Area food pantries are desperately short of food. A food drive in the village is upcoming. Hartstein and Village Clerk Jan Sirabian are urging residents to help out whenever they can. Both Wheeling and Vernon Township need help -- you can wait for the food drive or stop by either township's office to make a donation.

******
$1 million?

******
As comedian Larry Reeb would say, it's a sick world and I'm a happy guy. He'd probably be very happy if he saw the picture of the board on the village's web site. There tucked in between truestees Jeff Braiman and Jeff Berman is trustee Lisa Stone.

******
The annual Boy Scout popcorn sale is coming up. Easy and tasty way to help the Scouts.

******
Kudos to the Board for adopting an ordinance banning video gambling in the village. There is too much baggage associated with it that make an unattractive way to raise money. Off Track Betting, while not a panacea, is at least controlled and, in the case of Adam's Roadhouse, is at least housed in an attractive, well-maintained facility, much like the facility in Arlington Heights.

******
And finally... on a night filled with irony I couldn't help by laugh a I walked to my car after the Sept. 21 board meeting. There walking away from the village hall, presumably toward its home -- was a skunk. Maybe it was wondering what the foul odor was. Hint -- it may not have been the skunk.

Separating church and state -- let alone Board packets

Oh the irony of it all.

On a night with BG's most notable atheist, Rob Sherman in the audience, religion becomes a focus during the Sept. 21 board meeting

And, as it is to believe, Sherman wasn't even there for a religious reason. He was there to observe the discussion about a proposed ordinance establishing guidelines to recall elected village officials who may, to be polite, fall short of the expectations of the voters.

In other words, it's a way to rid the village of those officials who think they're G-d or walk on water.

The interjection of religion into public debate is little more than whining. Sorry to be so blunt, but that's what it is. Generally, most discussions deal with issues on a secular level to maintain a business-like and professional decorum.

There are those, however, who like to hide behind the Star of David or the Torah to whine, make up for their own inadequacies, or to try and use it for their own political advantage.

Political? Like, say being a trustee on the Buffalo Grove Village Board.

Afraid so.

At the onset of the debate regarding the proposed recall ordinance, trustee Lisa Stone said among other things (see related blog about the ordinance) that she did not have enough time to read it because of the Jewish holiday (Rosh Hashanah). Point well taken. It did start Friday night and, depending on the level of your observance, run until sundown Saturday or Sunday for more observant Jews.

Stone made the point and that should have been the end of the discussion about Rosh Hashanah. Say the secret word and win $100. Should.

But we're talking the Buffalo Grove Village Board and we're talking Lisa Stone here. A point of emphasis is needed here -- Stone is not the only Jew on the Board. As near as I can tell at least four other board members are Jewish. No one seemed to have a problem. Except Stone.

Unless she has been appointed Rebbetzin of the Board (if we're going that route, my vote for Board Bubby goes to Beverly Sussman), there's no need to make a big thing about getting a board packet the Thursday before a Board meeting.

How about this concept? Instead of belittling the staff and colleagues about not having time to read the ordinance, would it not have made sense, sense being the key word here, if someone, in this case I'll toss the ball to Stoney, to have been appropriately proactive and contacted the village manager's office and requested the packets be delivered early because of the holiday.

News flash -- these are not unexpected holidays. For the past 5770 years Rosh Hashanah falls on the first of Tishre in the Hebrew calendar. A quick hop to Hebcal.com and you can find what Hebrew date corresponds to an English date for a myriad of years.

Simple. A piece of cake (let's make it honey cake to stay in the holiday theme).

But we're talking the Buffalo Grove Village Board and we're talking Lisa Stone here.

I take offense to Stone flaunting her Judaic background.

Why? Because I am a Jew.

I am proud of the traditions in Judaism, as well as the state of Israel. However it's a personal thing. The time I spend in synagogue is between me and G-d. While I support and am active in several Jewish organizations and organizations that support Israel, it's not something I flaunt, or even use to prove a point.

And neither should Stone. As a friend told me, she had all day Friday and Monday to review the proposed ordinance and to contact either village staff or her colleagues on the Board to get their view.

She chose note to because, after all, it was Rosh Hashanah. Yes, we know. Stone was upset that she was not notified of the proposal and hinted that she would have liked to have coauthored it with fellow trustee Jeff Berman.

In the midst of her persistence that the world should come to her, religion entered the topic again. Citing the Jewish holidays, Stone revealed to everyone that she was not reform and not orthodox and that she was somewhere in-between.

Huh? I still have no idea what the heck that was supposed to mean. Sources tell me that she and her family are members at Temple Beth Am, a reform temple in the village. Reform. Not in between.

I thought, and hoped, that Stone's faux minyan was over.

The keyword here is hoped.

As the discussion droned on, it was clear that the ordinance would be on the agenda at the next meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 5. A full week after Yom Kippur.

This, however, was too soon for the Rebbetzin who said she did not think it was enough time because of Yom Kippur.

Amidst the eye rolling of many people there, a voice called out "Don't bring religion into it."

It wasn't a board member, or a village official. It was resident Leon Gopon who merely said what was probably on the minds of most of people at the meeting.

Whether Ms. Stone heard the comment or not remains to be seen. It was hard not to.

Mr. Gopon's point was more than just well taken -- it was right on.

Stone is looking for any reason to blame anyone for being professional and proactive.

To invoke religion for personal gain and notoriety is wrong and, from a Judaic standpoint, is not what devote practicing Jews would do. They worship and follow the 613 mitzvot in the Torah.

They don't abuse them.

He Didn't Say Much, But He Said It Loud...

There's a line in the Broadway Musical "Evita" where the narrator claims that "she didn't say much, but she said it loud..."

I am not equating Peronism to the Buffalo Grove Village Board. However, after attending most of the village board meetings the past three months, I have had the opportunity to watch how the Board Members handle a meeting. You know the cast. Not quite like Tinker-to-Everts-to-Chance, but the combination of Braiman-to-Berman-to-Stone is an interesting combination. Sort of like an Arab at a Kibbutz.

And then, as Tevye says in "Fiddler on the Roof," there are the others. Beverly Sussman, Deann Glover and Steven Trilling. For,the most part, and this is not a criticism, they are more reserved (which doesn't take much lately) and far more calculating in their thought process. It's just the way some people work.

Until Monday night's Board Meeting.


Trilling, who is amazingly calm given the he's caught in the crossfire between Lisa Stone and Village Manager Bill Brimm, saw fit to let his concerns be known, with special emphasis on Stone.

A brief side note here. A friend commented recently that I focus a lot on Lisa Stone in this blog.

I don't focus on her, she focuses on herself. When a public official is uninformed, self-serving, and throws daggers for the sake of throwing daggers at a public meeting, how can that be ignored?

It can't -- and Mr. Trilling raised that point. Trilling, appointed to the Board in 2002, has served on several village commissions - -so he has considerable experience with the village and its operations. He has voiced his views quietly (as have nearly all of the Board members) and in a respectful manner.

There is, however, only so much that anyone will stand for, and Trilling made his point Monday night.

Mr. Trilling's well-crafted statement came in support of a proposed ordinance establishing procedures for the recall of elected officials in the village.

It's obvious that the tactics displayed by Miz Stone prompted the ordinance. It should not come as a surprise. The surprise came from Mr. Trilling.

In summarizing his tenure on the Board, Trilling noted that "I learned from my colleagues and predecessors ways to conduct business in a productive and respectful manner despite the differences of opinion we may have had. I am afraid this is no longer the case and many residents are now asking me what has happened to the Village Board and how do we return to a board that displays respect and civility once again."

He's not alone in his opinion. The once professional atmosphere of the Village Board meetings has been tainted with an acrid display of arrogance and ignorance.

Trilling equated it to a Reality TV show where, as he said, "relationships have changed from an
intelligent, respectful and thoughtful exchange of ideas to a Reality TV show where media sensationalism and self promotion has been the only suspected gain."

I'm not a big TV watcher -- with the exception of sports, Law and Order and news, TV has become a vast wasteland -- reality TV shows help bolster my views.

Trilling's comments were augmented by citing the national recognition the village has received -- including the 100 places to live and the top 50 places to raise a family. Trilling's point is well taken -- recognition like that does not just happen. It's a collaborative effort.

As Trilling noted, "I cannot believe these national recognition achievements were not received without the hard work and dedication of many people, led by the Village Board, in cooperation with volunteer commissions, village employees and most importantly, the residents of Buffalo Grove. My greatest fear today is the only award which we now qualify for is a Nielsen award for most viewers of a Reality TV show in government. Viewers of Reality TV tend to seek entertainment involving sensationalism, backstabbing, competition, survival techniques, revenge and joys of vindication."

And while he's right, I'll disagree with one thing Trilling said. I don't think the village will receive a Nielsen Award for most viewers of a Reality TV show, but for the most performance of a Disney Show.

Thanks to the boorish behavior of newly elected board member (guess who?) -- the village might be up for the reproduction of "The Mickey Mouse Club."

But that's not all bad -- because when it comes to casting, we have our own Goofy.

Downstate?

There is one thing to be said for public servants -- they give up their time to serve -- a school board, plan commission, park board, village board and county board -- just to name a few.

The question is why? Is it a sincere desire to serve their community, or is it a way to build a platform from which to launch greater aspirations?

Buffalo Grove has produced its share of leaders who have moved on -- most notably Verna Clayton and Sid Mathias. Both were Village Presidents who took their act downstate.

Current Village President Elliott Hartstein has served the communities for years. He served for years on the Steven High School Board of Ed before moving into the municipal spotlight. He was a trustee for six years before becoming village president (if I read his bio correctly..) in 1999.

So it was no surprise when I read that he wants to replace outgoing state rep. Kathy Ryg.(R-59). It's a logical step -- unless he wants to move into county politics. So Hartstein wants to toss his hat into the primary ring. But he's paid his dues and, as noted, it's a logical step.

There's another politico type interested in the seat as well. Lisa Stone.

Yep, Ms. Quixote wants to take her act on the road.

Why?

Does she think her sabre rattling act at village hall will play in Springfield? Again, it's admirable when people want to serve the public interest. The keyword is serve.

Ms. Stone has accused the board of being an old boys network. She is upset because the board did not wait for her to learn how her constituency feels before they voted.

What would happen if she got to Springfield? Stop the state until I get on?

Preparation is a key to moving ahead. This is not breaking news -- it's reality.

Whining about minutes from meetings three months ago and remaining mum on key issues is not preparation -- it's annoying.

If she thinks the BG "old boys" are a tough act, what would happen if one the good old boys from some small district down state referred her as a "little lady?" Would she admonish the legislature for approving a budget before she was ready?

She might find that Springfield has a fair number of reformers -- many of whom are dedicated women -- who won't jump on the genderized bandwagon. They are in Springfield because they are qualified and dedicated.

If Ms. Stone wants to take her act on the road, she'll need to have rave reviews behind her before opening night on a bigger stage.

She has been active in various activities -- but work on PTOs and reunion committees, as admirable as it may be -- does provide a springboard into the pool of public service.

Results and teamwork do.

Perhaps it's a bit of irony, but Stoney reportedly talked to the Republicans.

The same people that gave us Sarah Palin.

Hail, hail the gang's all here?

Mark Twain once said that everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.

At least until it's too late.

Enter a heard of roofing contractors who arrived on the seen last week seeking to repair the damage from the July 26 hail storm.

Right, a month later and, if I dare ask what hail storm?

Both "contractors" challenged my contention that I had my roof checked (which I had, but nothing to do with hail) and that my family had been in the building industry. I guess I'm skeptical of guys going door to door with magnetic signs in the sides of their mini vans. But wait, all of their work is covered by insurance. Can you saw fraud boys and girls? I thought you could.

I'm also especially dubious of guys who prey on non-native English speakers by preaching fear.

I checked, their was no hail storm in Buffalo Grove -- unless they were referring to a Village Board meeting. The last hail storm to draw up any interest in folks on the 'net -- was in 2003.

* * * *

Speaking of dubious, sources report that the folks over at the Mecca on 22 have hacked into funding for the once proud Stevenson Statesman -- the once award-winning newspaper produced by an award-winning staff under the auspices of an award-winning adviser.

So the forced the adviser out, the numbers in the Journalism program dropped quicker that the Cubs chances to make the playoffs -- and now funding vanishes?

As Tonto would say, "no look good Kemosabe..."

* * * *

Once around the Countryside --

* * * *
Local source? Aside from some briefs, the amount of local news in the Sept. 10 issue was minuscule. But yet, another article about how you can stuff yourself at a local restaurant.

* * * *

If you got an opinion, have the fortitude to sign your name. Countryside ran some comments about Lisa Stone that went unsigned. Weather you agree or disagree with her -- stand by your viewpoint. Strange policy.

* * * *
Speaking Lisa Stone, a couple of her fans wrote the Countryside again ripping the "old boy" network over on Raupp Boulevard. Ah, is that by choice or chance? Both -- it's by chance that the voters have made their choice. So there.

All The News That Fits..

Well, the fine folks at Pioneer came through again with another issue of the Countryside....

A few notes...

1. "BG delays vote on OTB sign" -- close, but no cigar. The issue was the variance about a sign at Adam's Rib have changeable messages. The OTB issue :::surprise::: came up in discussion. Also, really, 20 1/2 inches on this? Check out Beverly Sussman's comments about any variance...if you start here, it's just going to continue and continue. The OTB is not an issue, what is, however, is the possibility that Adam and his riblets may use this to abuse OTB. BTW, if you want to see OTB handled well -- signage and all -- take a look at the corner of Euclid and Wilke in Arlington Heights roads. Nicely done by the folks in AH.

2. Score up at Stevenson. Hellllllllllo, someone needs to tell the folks at PP that there are two high schools in BG. The students at BG did well on the score too. In fact District 214 had an outstanding year.

BTW, is it just me, or is Pioneer only reporting "happy news" about the Mecca on 22. Look like the PR folks and IFI have Ronnie Wachter in their back pocket -- ever since the district decided an award-winning newspaper and adviser were inappropriate.

3. BG president wants to replace Ryg. No surprise here. He'd be the third one to make the move from. Verna Clayton and Sid Mathias also made the move to the statehouse. What's that noise? I think it's wheels turning.

4. Fellow officals treat Stone badly. Note to Mr. Ladonne -- to every action there's a reaction. Ms. Stone may have some valid points, but if she does, they are lost in her acrimonious tones, her accusations and lack of respect for village staff and her colleagues on the board.

5. Unexpected Thrill of camping...aka, Gabbin' in the Grove. Do we really need an 18-inch report on personal gluttony? I have a collection of two words for anyone who gains 12 pounds eating s'mores and popcorn. Take your choice:

a. Seattle Sutton
b. Weight Watchers
c. Gautam Gupta

More later...

Between a Stone and a hard place

You knew it was going to come to this....

The governing fathers and mothers of the village discussed a sign variance Adam's Roadhouse over on Milwaukee Avenue. Place used to be Mothercluckers, Cy's -- and now it's Adam's.

Big deal.

But let's set he wayback machine, Sherman --- Adam's place has ::gasp:: OTB -- and that doesn't mean desserts have the crust On The Bottom. It's the dreaded off track betting that will infest your mind, curve your spine and let the allies lose the war.

If you are not aware of the crisis surrounding OTB you either don't pay much attention to village business -- as it seems a lot of people do, or you just don't care -- as it seems a lot of people do.

Seems as though Adam and friends want to have a changeable letter sign -- one of those things that flash messages at you.

So here's the situation, at least one trustee (wanna guess who?) is concerned the place will promote "Breeder's Cup Specials" or "Triple Crown Specials" as a way to promote OTB.

That's one issue, but it's not the most important one. Enter Beverly Sussman -- she was emphatic that if a variance is allowed for one restaurant, what about others.

THIS JUST IN -- New Trustee has Voice of Reason.

Good point Bev (I'd like to use her initials, but there's so much BS with the board lately, I don't want to discredit her). For the record, 'da village has a long -- very long -- tradition of sign regulation. Nearly 30 years ago they drilled regional reps. from Baker's Square about a change in signs to reflect a name change.

Lisa Stone, whether she realizes it or not, raises a potentially interesting point -- duck tailing specials to events is, in essence, promoting another aspect of the establishment.

That's assuming the common folk know enough about the Breeder's Cub and Triple Crown to care. A word of caution, here -- Triple Crown could be used in relation to baseball -- but since that's an unknown quantity around here, it's not worth discussing.

So here's my solution -- if you allow the changeable letter signs (which are really tacky, by the way -- just look at the electronic edifice at Aptakisic and Milwaukee) on restaurants, just stipulate that content can now promote activities that are off limits to minors. That rules out any connection to alcohol, OTB and, if it comes to be, video poker. Simple solution, right?

But folks, this is Big Animal Grove, and nothing is simple, at least not lately. Ms. Quixote felt that had the OTB been discussed longer, this would have been discussed.

No really. Signs come from the Zoning Board of Appeals who make recommendations to the board.

Some people are giving Stoney credit for the debate, but signs and village boards bring out discussion. Items need to be discussed on merit and impact on the village -- not to appease any one village official.

Cheap Shot Of The Night...

It's one thing to revise minutes, it's another to make it a personal attack. Ms. Stone seemed out of sorts because an item under old business was under new business in the minutes from the Aug. 3 meeting.

News flash -- this is why the Board President asks for any corrections to the minutes. Ms. Stone, however, insists on belittling the point as if it was a malicious conspiracy. Wanna bet she did not read all 14,000 words of the minutes? To top it off, she saw fit to try and snip at Village Clerk Jan Sirabian. Ms. Sirabian is no novice, she's been handling the minutes for 30 years, which, using rough math, means she has been responsible for about 750 board meetings...give or take.

Ms. Stone needs to realize that the village, while not perfect, has an excellent staff and one miscue doesn't diminish the quality.

Other tidbits...

** The Police Department dominated recent traffic awards taking 1st place among departments with 51 - 100 officers and taking three of seven possible category events -- Teen Traffic Safety, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Railroad Grade Crossing. Top cop Steve S. Balinski noted that crashes are at a 20-year low and personal injuries are at a 15-year low.

** BG Days looms. A lot of work by a lot of people. Co-chairs JV Springman and Paulette Greenberg cited the efforts of the committee and community. The Board was quick to point out that a committee reflects the nature of the its chairs. The full schedule for BG Days can be found at the village web site, vbg.org.

** And finally...the Lake County Forest Preserve's unveiling of the extension of its Skokie Valley Bike Path was washed out on Monday -- it has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. on Aug. 28. Check the Forest Perserve's web site (www.lcfpd.org) for details.

Just one final thought -- wouldn't it be a better idea to have the dedication on a weekend when families could attend?

Just wondering...