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...
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
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...
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...
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Perceptions being what they are...
I know a person who has a tattoo. It's of a tiger and, word has it, is strategically located.
So what does this tell you about the person? He's a redneck? A pervert? Can't be trusted?
Perceptions being what they are, many people seem to think that it impressions are everything. For example, if you go to a meeting and there’s not much discussion – it’s a rubber stamp. Period. Conversely, if someone has a lot to say, they’re a reformer and we should be glad to hear an opposing point of view.
Take, for example, a municipal board – say Buffalo Grove. Face it, life among the bison is pretty routine, mundane and otherwise moves along from day-to-day.
There must be a problem. Has to be. Ah, it’s because the Board is old and its members probably all agree because things are done under the table. Has to be – Just ask folks at Monday’s village board meeting. Kudos to both for at least coming out because, despite the rancor that village residents are up in arms about everything and the village is going to Hell in a hand basket – life among the bison is, as stated, pretty routine.
Resident Frank Ladonne expressed concern that the board has “no idea what it looks like from down here (in the audience)” when the board fails to have debates, arguments and does not “fulfill the needs of the community.” He cited the meeting where 135 people voice opposition to the approval of OTB but yet, the Board approved it.
It’s possible that maybe, just maybe, the board might have discussed the issue a bit more. However, 135 residents out of a population of 45,043 is not a mandate. So using the argument that numbers dictate, that could mean that the other 44,908 residents don’t really mind OTB.
Silly argument? Yep. But it’s not as silly as saying that a quiet board “gives the perception of impropriety.” Not quite. Village boards, city councils and county board rely on commissions to review issues -- zoning, signs, youth programs, etc. Their recommendations are then presented to the village board for its review and discussion.
Ah, the dreaded D word. Why no discussion? Municipal officials prepare materials for the elected officials prior to meetings so they can review. If they have questions, they can ask. Some do, some don’t.
Ladonne, who in his 11 years as a residents, says he has attended plan commission meetings, should know the process. He claimed Monday that there may be some “truth” to the perceptions and then equated the board to infants saying “the only one who likes change is a wet baby.”
So President Obama is a baby because he got elected claiming his platform was change we can believe in.
The village board is not perfect. No municipal board is – this is not news – it’s reality, but Ladonne, who became a friend of Lisa Stone (surprise!), or anyone else for that matter, should not assume guilt by reason of a quiet meeting.
I understand Ladonne’s concern, but to try and Stone wall the board with unfounded accusations does not prove anything.
And then there’s Barnet Fagel who has lived in the village for nine nurturing years. Sorry folks. His typed three-page statement covered everything from eggs and bacon to the gunfight at OK corral with a little TV ratings thrown in -- seem to be another charge that the board was like watching old, boring TV and thank goodness for a new show (guess who, kids…).
Not all new TV shows are hits. Some just downright stink. True, a few catch on – but that’s because of experienced writing, producers and acting.
As the late Al McGuire would say, it’s not all seashells and balloons. A perception is exactly that – a perception. Without, as the late Fidel Ghini would say, “doing your homework” they’re useless.
Oh, speaking of perceptions, the guy who had the tattoo?
That was former Secretary of State George Shultz who had one from his Princeton days. So what’s your perception – a guy with a tattoo – long before they became trendy – so he must have been some kind of twisted freak.
Let’s see, he taught at MIT, U of C (where he was later dean), and served two presidents.
Perceptions were probably right – he never amounted to anything.
So what does this tell you about the person? He's a redneck? A pervert? Can't be trusted?
Perceptions being what they are, many people seem to think that it impressions are everything. For example, if you go to a meeting and there’s not much discussion – it’s a rubber stamp. Period. Conversely, if someone has a lot to say, they’re a reformer and we should be glad to hear an opposing point of view.
Take, for example, a municipal board – say Buffalo Grove. Face it, life among the bison is pretty routine, mundane and otherwise moves along from day-to-day.
There must be a problem. Has to be. Ah, it’s because the Board is old and its members probably all agree because things are done under the table. Has to be – Just ask folks at Monday’s village board meeting. Kudos to both for at least coming out because, despite the rancor that village residents are up in arms about everything and the village is going to Hell in a hand basket – life among the bison is, as stated, pretty routine.
Resident Frank Ladonne expressed concern that the board has “no idea what it looks like from down here (in the audience)” when the board fails to have debates, arguments and does not “fulfill the needs of the community.” He cited the meeting where 135 people voice opposition to the approval of OTB but yet, the Board approved it.
It’s possible that maybe, just maybe, the board might have discussed the issue a bit more. However, 135 residents out of a population of 45,043 is not a mandate. So using the argument that numbers dictate, that could mean that the other 44,908 residents don’t really mind OTB.
Silly argument? Yep. But it’s not as silly as saying that a quiet board “gives the perception of impropriety.” Not quite. Village boards, city councils and county board rely on commissions to review issues -- zoning, signs, youth programs, etc. Their recommendations are then presented to the village board for its review and discussion.
Ah, the dreaded D word. Why no discussion? Municipal officials prepare materials for the elected officials prior to meetings so they can review. If they have questions, they can ask. Some do, some don’t.
Ladonne, who in his 11 years as a residents, says he has attended plan commission meetings, should know the process. He claimed Monday that there may be some “truth” to the perceptions and then equated the board to infants saying “the only one who likes change is a wet baby.”
So President Obama is a baby because he got elected claiming his platform was change we can believe in.
The village board is not perfect. No municipal board is – this is not news – it’s reality, but Ladonne, who became a friend of Lisa Stone (surprise!), or anyone else for that matter, should not assume guilt by reason of a quiet meeting.
I understand Ladonne’s concern, but to try and Stone wall the board with unfounded accusations does not prove anything.
And then there’s Barnet Fagel who has lived in the village for nine nurturing years. Sorry folks. His typed three-page statement covered everything from eggs and bacon to the gunfight at OK corral with a little TV ratings thrown in -- seem to be another charge that the board was like watching old, boring TV and thank goodness for a new show (guess who, kids…).
Not all new TV shows are hits. Some just downright stink. True, a few catch on – but that’s because of experienced writing, producers and acting.
As the late Al McGuire would say, it’s not all seashells and balloons. A perception is exactly that – a perception. Without, as the late Fidel Ghini would say, “doing your homework” they’re useless.
Oh, speaking of perceptions, the guy who had the tattoo?
That was former Secretary of State George Shultz who had one from his Princeton days. So what’s your perception – a guy with a tattoo – long before they became trendy – so he must have been some kind of twisted freak.
Let’s see, he taught at MIT, U of C (where he was later dean), and served two presidents.
Perceptions were probably right – he never amounted to anything.
A Midsummer Night's thoughts...
Random Thoughts...
** Is it just me, or does anyone else wonder why villages, counties, states etc. insist on putting signs in the road that say "bump"?
Why not just fix it?
** Is it just me or is a visit to Wal*Mart becoming a surreal experience?
** Speaking of Wal*Mart, is it just me or does anyone else think its strange that the anti-acids are next to -- and I am not making this up -- the "family planning" section. I guess if family planning fails, you need the anti-acids.
** I'm not saying the wait to check out at Wal*Mart take a while, but during a recent wait I think I could have:
-- Negotiated a peace agreement between Hamas and Israel
-- Brought peace and harmony to Lisa Stone and the BG village board
-- Developed a national Health Care program
-- Understood Rush Limbaugh
-- Found Helen Brach
-- Found Jimmy Hoffa
-- Seen the Cubs win the World Series. Oh wait, this was only one visit.
From this week's "Countryside" ...
Cover -- "Sgt. Scott York with the Buffalo Grove Police, jokes with a driver after giving him a candy prize..." First of all, it should be "York, a member of the BG police department..." Secondly, aren't the cops the ones telling people not to take candy from strangers? It says the BG police were posing at solicitors. Soliciting what? Never mind.
Speaking of solicitors, I'd like to know what ordinances are on the books about solicitors in the streets. Some look like misguided Good Humor sales rep and others claim they're collecting for the (fill in the blank) program that helps (fill in the blank). Got a 501-c on you?
Page 3 -- "Stone trades jabs..." Yawn, stretch, grab. These stories are becoming as captivating as stories about Michael Jackson, Michael Vick and anyone with American Idol.
Page 9 -- Long Grove may add Facebook page. LOL, no, make that ROFLMAO. I can see FB groups for Long Grove -- BMW Mechanics, What to do when a pedicure smears, White or Red wine -- what's better with brie.
Page 14 -- News and Schmooze. I don't get it. Pioneer likes to showcase local columnists. One week Ms. Goodhair rambles for 25 inches about noise at Ravinia and the next Aileen Simons does a nice job about a BG resident Bill Hunter and his military service. Which one is worth reading? Nice job, Aileen. A tad long, but a nice profile about a BG resident. We should see how strong his military experience is and have him attend a BG village board meeting. Talk about earning a Purple Heart.
Page B4 -- "Teacher knows which way the wind blows at CLC" Huh? I can do the same thing...I just light my grill and watch the smoke. Must have been a slow news week.
Reminders..
Monday, Aug. 17 is the unveiling of the Skokie Valley Bike Path extension. It's scheduled for 10 a.m. Participants should meet at the tunnel. The where? The tunnel...in Highland Park. I think. The map from the county is not clear. At any rate, the info says: Please contact Communications by phone or email if you have any questions. 847-377-2550 or communications@lakecountyil.gov So there.
The Buffalo Grove Village Board meets Monday night. Need I say more?
And finally...
The best comment of the week does not, for once, come from the Village of BG Board. No, instead it comes from an on-air personality at ESPN1000 who, when describing Cubs relief pitcher Carlo Marmol's inability to find the strike zone, which results in an incredible amount of walks said, "he lets more men on than Paris Hilton." Ouch.
More later.
** Is it just me, or does anyone else wonder why villages, counties, states etc. insist on putting signs in the road that say "bump"?
Why not just fix it?
** Is it just me or is a visit to Wal*Mart becoming a surreal experience?
** Speaking of Wal*Mart, is it just me or does anyone else think its strange that the anti-acids are next to -- and I am not making this up -- the "family planning" section. I guess if family planning fails, you need the anti-acids.
** I'm not saying the wait to check out at Wal*Mart take a while, but during a recent wait I think I could have:
-- Negotiated a peace agreement between Hamas and Israel
-- Brought peace and harmony to Lisa Stone and the BG village board
-- Developed a national Health Care program
-- Understood Rush Limbaugh
-- Found Helen Brach
-- Found Jimmy Hoffa
-- Seen the Cubs win the World Series. Oh wait, this was only one visit.
From this week's "Countryside" ...
Cover -- "Sgt. Scott York with the Buffalo Grove Police, jokes with a driver after giving him a candy prize..." First of all, it should be "York, a member of the BG police department..." Secondly, aren't the cops the ones telling people not to take candy from strangers? It says the BG police were posing at solicitors. Soliciting what? Never mind.
Speaking of solicitors, I'd like to know what ordinances are on the books about solicitors in the streets. Some look like misguided Good Humor sales rep and others claim they're collecting for the (fill in the blank) program that helps (fill in the blank). Got a 501-c on you?
Page 3 -- "Stone trades jabs..." Yawn, stretch, grab. These stories are becoming as captivating as stories about Michael Jackson, Michael Vick and anyone with American Idol.
Page 9 -- Long Grove may add Facebook page. LOL, no, make that ROFLMAO. I can see FB groups for Long Grove -- BMW Mechanics, What to do when a pedicure smears, White or Red wine -- what's better with brie.
Page 14 -- News and Schmooze. I don't get it. Pioneer likes to showcase local columnists. One week Ms. Goodhair rambles for 25 inches about noise at Ravinia and the next Aileen Simons does a nice job about a BG resident Bill Hunter and his military service. Which one is worth reading? Nice job, Aileen. A tad long, but a nice profile about a BG resident. We should see how strong his military experience is and have him attend a BG village board meeting. Talk about earning a Purple Heart.
Page B4 -- "Teacher knows which way the wind blows at CLC" Huh? I can do the same thing...I just light my grill and watch the smoke. Must have been a slow news week.
Reminders..
Monday, Aug. 17 is the unveiling of the Skokie Valley Bike Path extension. It's scheduled for 10 a.m. Participants should meet at the tunnel. The where? The tunnel...in Highland Park. I think. The map from the county is not clear. At any rate, the info says: Please contact Communications by phone or email if you have any questions. 847-377-2550 or communications@lakecountyil.gov So there.
The Buffalo Grove Village Board meets Monday night. Need I say more?
And finally...
The best comment of the week does not, for once, come from the Village of BG Board. No, instead it comes from an on-air personality at ESPN1000 who, when describing Cubs relief pitcher Carlo Marmol's inability to find the strike zone, which results in an incredible amount of walks said, "he lets more men on than Paris Hilton." Ouch.
More later.
Perceptions being what they....
I know a person who allegedly has a tattoo. It's of a tiger and, word has it, is strategically located.
So what does this tell you about the person? He's a redneck? A pervert? Can't be trusted?
Perceptions being what they are, many people seem to think that it impressions are everything. For example, if you go to a meeting and there’s not much discussion – it’s a rubber stamp. Period. Conversely, if someone has a lot to say, they’re a reformer and we should be glad to hear an opposing point of view.
Take, for example, a municipal board – say Buffalo Grove. Face it, life among the bison is pretty routine, mundane and otherwise moves along from day-to-day.
There must be a problem. Has to be. Ah, it’s because the Board is old and its members probably all agree because things are done under the table. Has to be – Just ask folks at Monday’s village board meeting. Kudos to both for at least coming out because, despite the rancor that village residents are up in arms about everything and the village is going to Hell in a hand basket – life among the bison is, as stated, pretty routine.
Resident Frank Ladonne expressed concern that the board has “no idea what it looks like from down here (in the audience)” when the board fails to have debates, arguments and does not “fulfill the needs of the community.” He cited the meeting where 135 people voice opposition to the approval of OTB but yet, the Board approved it.
It’s possible that maybe, just maybe, the board might have discussed the issue a bit more. However, 135 residents out of a population of 45,043 is not a mandate. So using the argument that numbers dictate, that could mean that the other 44,908 residents don’t really mind OTB.
Silly argument? Yep. But it’s not as silly as saying that a quiet board “gives the perception of impropriety.” Not quite. Village boards, city councils and county board rely on commissions to review issues -- zoning, signs, youth programs, etc. Their recommendations are then presented to the village board for its review and discussion.
Ah, the dreaded D word. Why no discussion? Municipal officials prepare materials for the elected officials prior to meetings so they can review. If they have questions, they can ask. Some do, some don’t.
Ladonne, who in his 11 years as a residents, says he has attended plan commission meetings, should know the process. He claimed Monday that there may be some “truth” to the perceptions and then equated the board to infants saying “the only one who likes change is a wet baby.”
So President Obama is a baby because he got elected claiming his platform was change we can believe in.
The village board is not perfect. No municipal board is – this is not news – it’s reality, but Ladonne, who became a friend of Lisa Stone (surprise!), or anyone else for that matter, should not assume guilt by reason of a quiet meeting.
I understand Ladonne’s concern, but to try and Stone wall the board with unfounded accusations does not prove anything.
And then there’s Barnet Fagel who has lived in the village for nine nurturing years. Sorry folks. His typed three-page statement covered everything from eggs and bacon to the gunfight at OK corral with a little TV ratings thrown in -- seem to be another charge that the board was like watching old, boring TV and thank goodness for a new show (guess who, kids…).
Not all new TV shows are hits. Some just downright stink. True, a few catch on – but that’s because of experienced writing, producers and acting.
As the late Al McGuire would say, it’s not all seashells and balloons. A perception is exactly that – a perception. Without, as the late Fidel Ghini would say, “doing your homework” they’re useless.
Oh, speaking of perceptions, the guy who had the tattoo?
That was former Secretary of State George Shultz who had one from his Princeton days. So what’s your perception – a guy with a tattoo – long before they became trendy – so he must have been some kind of twisted freak.
Let’s see, he taught at MIT, U of C (where he was later dean), and served two presidents.
Perceptions were probably right – he never amounted to anything.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Public service's forgotten children...
OK, quick -- name your county board representative.
Better yet, name your County. Cook County residents in Buffalo Grove are blessed with Todd Stroger and his band of renowned.
The Lake County side of the village has the Lake County Board, neatly tucked away in downtown Waukegan.
Know your rep? The Lake County portion of the village is represented by David Stolman (at left). In a previous post I jabbed Stolman a bit in response to the pending construction on both Buffalo Grove Road and Arlington Heights Road. My suggestion was to blame the county and make Stolman earn his money.
He earns his money. He has to. I'm not sure if Stolman is dedicated or a glutton for punishment. Before he was a County Board member he was president of a synagogue. That's like going to the dentist and saying, "hey doc, skip the novacaine." No wonder he's an avid Mel Brooks fan -- he needs a sense of humor.
Keep in mind that in addition to their roles as County Board commissioners, the reps. are also the County Liquor Commission and the Lake County Forest preserve -- so they keep busy -- well hopefully they do.
Stolman and I exchanged emails about the road projects and the county funds many of the projects. BG Road is being widened and Arlington Heights Road has been beaten by an increase in traffic. Stolman cited other projects in the village that the County has funded -- the revamping of BG Road by Stevenson High School, Deerfield Parkway, and improvements at Pauline and Weiland. Stolman was also instrumental in getting a stoplight by Aptakisic Junior High School.
So he's proud of his accomplishments. But he's a bit (and this could be news) too shy at times. Stolman provides an email newsletter that does not just ballyhoo is accomplishments (like Mark Kirk), but provides a lot of information about happenings in the County. Email him at dstolman@co.lake.il.us if you want to sign up.
Random thoughts...
I noticed a sign about a blood drive and thought it was announcing a Village Board meeting -- it wasn't -- it's for real. There's a blood drive at the Alcott Center from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5 as part of Buffalo Grove Days.
* * * * *
The Fire Department is warning residents about a pending heat wave. Tips on dealing with the heat can be found at http://www.vbg.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=77. Yes, it's lengthy, but there's some good information there.
*******
And finally -- as a public service to area businesses -- some of you are abusing the laws of grammar, especially the poor apostrophe. For example, it's not a variety of Pasta's -- it's pastas. Make sure your signs are correct.
Otherwise the Stevenson school board will publicly ridicule you and try to run your business.
Better yet, name your County. Cook County residents in Buffalo Grove are blessed with Todd Stroger and his band of renowned.
The Lake County side of the village has the Lake County Board, neatly tucked away in downtown Waukegan.
He earns his money. He has to. I'm not sure if Stolman is dedicated or a glutton for punishment. Before he was a County Board member he was president of a synagogue. That's like going to the dentist and saying, "hey doc, skip the novacaine." No wonder he's an avid Mel Brooks fan -- he needs a sense of humor.
Keep in mind that in addition to their roles as County Board commissioners, the reps. are also the County Liquor Commission and the Lake County Forest preserve -- so they keep busy -- well hopefully they do.
Stolman and I exchanged emails about the road projects and the county funds many of the projects. BG Road is being widened and Arlington Heights Road has been beaten by an increase in traffic. Stolman cited other projects in the village that the County has funded -- the revamping of BG Road by Stevenson High School, Deerfield Parkway, and improvements at Pauline and Weiland. Stolman was also instrumental in getting a stoplight by Aptakisic Junior High School.
So he's proud of his accomplishments. But he's a bit (and this could be news) too shy at times. Stolman provides an email newsletter that does not just ballyhoo is accomplishments (like Mark Kirk), but provides a lot of information about happenings in the County. Email him at dstolman@co.lake.il.us if you want to sign up.
Random thoughts...
I noticed a sign about a blood drive and thought it was announcing a Village Board meeting -- it wasn't -- it's for real. There's a blood drive at the Alcott Center from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5 as part of Buffalo Grove Days.
* * * * *
The Fire Department is warning residents about a pending heat wave. Tips on dealing with the heat can be found at http://www.vbg.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=77. Yes, it's lengthy, but there's some good information there.
*******
And finally -- as a public service to area businesses -- some of you are abusing the laws of grammar, especially the poor apostrophe. For example, it's not a variety of Pasta's -- it's pastas. Make sure your signs are correct.
Otherwise the Stevenson school board will publicly ridicule you and try to run your business.
OMG, the Cookie Jar Strikes Back
Well, it's Thursday...which means the papers arrive in the driveway and mailbox.
First up is the Triblocal -- an advertising supplement disguised as a newspaper..that featured not one, but two, count 'em -- two front page stories about the Buffalo Grove Village Board. One focused on an alleged 213 missing emails that were to be part of a FOIA request -- that's FOIA, not FOIL. FOIA is Freedom of Information Act.
Triblocal screamed "exclusive" but much of this had been published in the big paper (The Tribune) July 23. At issue is weather emails among board members constitute a violation of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Trustee Lisa Stone contends it does -- but aside from an advocacy attorney who said she thinks it does, there has not be a clear cut decision. Information about the Illinois Open Meetings Act can be found at the Attorney General's website (http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/. The original intent of the Act is to keep municipal officials from meeting in secret in groups that constitute more than a quorum.
The original act goes back to the days of Neil Hartigan and has gone through revisions. The use of email is just the latest point that needs to be addressed. I'm sure lawmakers will look at chat rooms, blogs and other technology bits as well.
The Illinois Open Meetings Act also keeps everything in the open. The only topics that can be discussed in "executive" or closed session are personnel matters, land acquisition and litigation. School board discuss student issues in executive session.
The second item that graces the front page was that BG resident Adam Moodhe is challenging Stone's filing of her campaign financial information. According to reports, Moodhe is questioning when financial support was made and any pro-bono work that may have been done.
So what's the big story? For who knows how many times, it's Ms. Stone. Since taking her seat on the Board May 4 she has been vocal, let's say rather vocal, in pointing out the short comings of both the village staff and her colleagues on the Board. Many times she has said that she wanted an extension for the now infamous vote on OTB (Off Track Betting) because she needed time to find out how the community felt.
Translation -- she was new and was not prepared. Running for public office is not an easy thing to -- but you need to be prepared. Stone has been meddling in the cookie jar of municipal government before she knew what kind of cookies were there.
So what happens? Someone "catches" her in the act. Ouch.
According to the Triblocal, Stone said the reason someone did this is "they are just trying to aggravate me."
When you are a public official you live be the sword and can die by the sword. This probably won't make Stone die by the sword, but it should be a wake-up call.
You keep your hands in the cookie jar, you're going to get caught.
The Countryside picked up on the fray with blockbuster headlines "Trustees trade heated words" and "Village president defense manager" -- like, so what else is new?
Kudos to Pioneer reporter Kathy Routliffe for trying to keep everything straight. Those meetings can get a big tedious keeping track of who says what to whom, when, why etc. Remember, you can watch the meetings on Ch. 6. Tough choice -- the village board or the Cubs.
And finally, there's Gabbin' in the Grove. No doubt Susan Durbin was annoyed because people were talking during a kids conference at Ravinia. Yes, it's annoying, but hey, Susan, it's a kids concert in the suburbs.
She's right it is annoying, but not as annoying as cell-phone yakking drivers who ignore red lights, almost hit pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
Besides is it really worth 25 inches??? Nah. Pioneer has laid off some many staff members they need something to fill space. Wonder what the Newspaper Guild has to say?
I can almost deal with Durbin's gabbing..keyword almost..what I don't get is amidst discussion about obesity in America -- Pioneer is running a full page on -- Mega Bites -- Eating Big in the Burbs. Yep, a full page complete with pictures of a raw and cooked 72-ounce porterhouse. Think I'll call PETA.
Ad sales talk, folks.
First up is the Triblocal -- an advertising supplement disguised as a newspaper..that featured not one, but two, count 'em -- two front page stories about the Buffalo Grove Village Board. One focused on an alleged 213 missing emails that were to be part of a FOIA request -- that's FOIA, not FOIL. FOIA is Freedom of Information Act.
Triblocal screamed "exclusive" but much of this had been published in the big paper (The Tribune) July 23. At issue is weather emails among board members constitute a violation of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Trustee Lisa Stone contends it does -- but aside from an advocacy attorney who said she thinks it does, there has not be a clear cut decision. Information about the Illinois Open Meetings Act can be found at the Attorney General's website (http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/. The original intent of the Act is to keep municipal officials from meeting in secret in groups that constitute more than a quorum.
The original act goes back to the days of Neil Hartigan and has gone through revisions. The use of email is just the latest point that needs to be addressed. I'm sure lawmakers will look at chat rooms, blogs and other technology bits as well.
The Illinois Open Meetings Act also keeps everything in the open. The only topics that can be discussed in "executive" or closed session are personnel matters, land acquisition and litigation. School board discuss student issues in executive session.
The second item that graces the front page was that BG resident Adam Moodhe is challenging Stone's filing of her campaign financial information. According to reports, Moodhe is questioning when financial support was made and any pro-bono work that may have been done.
So what's the big story? For who knows how many times, it's Ms. Stone. Since taking her seat on the Board May 4 she has been vocal, let's say rather vocal, in pointing out the short comings of both the village staff and her colleagues on the Board. Many times she has said that she wanted an extension for the now infamous vote on OTB (Off Track Betting) because she needed time to find out how the community felt.
Translation -- she was new and was not prepared. Running for public office is not an easy thing to -- but you need to be prepared. Stone has been meddling in the cookie jar of municipal government before she knew what kind of cookies were there.
So what happens? Someone "catches" her in the act. Ouch.
According to the Triblocal, Stone said the reason someone did this is "they are just trying to aggravate me."
When you are a public official you live be the sword and can die by the sword. This probably won't make Stone die by the sword, but it should be a wake-up call.
You keep your hands in the cookie jar, you're going to get caught.
The Countryside picked up on the fray with blockbuster headlines "Trustees trade heated words" and "Village president defense manager" -- like, so what else is new?
Kudos to Pioneer reporter Kathy Routliffe for trying to keep everything straight. Those meetings can get a big tedious keeping track of who says what to whom, when, why etc. Remember, you can watch the meetings on Ch. 6. Tough choice -- the village board or the Cubs.
And finally, there's Gabbin' in the Grove. No doubt Susan Durbin was annoyed because people were talking during a kids conference at Ravinia. Yes, it's annoying, but hey, Susan, it's a kids concert in the suburbs.
She's right it is annoying, but not as annoying as cell-phone yakking drivers who ignore red lights, almost hit pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
Besides is it really worth 25 inches??? Nah. Pioneer has laid off some many staff members they need something to fill space. Wonder what the Newspaper Guild has to say?
I can almost deal with Durbin's gabbing..keyword almost..what I don't get is amidst discussion about obesity in America -- Pioneer is running a full page on -- Mega Bites -- Eating Big in the Burbs. Yep, a full page complete with pictures of a raw and cooked 72-ounce porterhouse. Think I'll call PETA.
Ad sales talk, folks.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
It's 10:15 -- Do You Know Where Your Village Manager Is?
Quotes, comments and other bits from the Aug. 3 Board Meeting....
I noticed in her Board bio that Board Member Lisa Stone is retired. Her life must be awfully dull. Why else would she call Village Manager Bill Brimm at 10:15 on a Saturday night? Must be in middle of a candle lit dinner --- "Oh, excuse me, I need to ask the village manager a question..." Or maybe it's an excuse, "Not tonight, I have to call the village manager."
Or maybe it's harassment. Nah, do you think? It's one of the revelations that came out during Monday's Board meeting. Whenever Ms. Stone has a question, she calls Mr. Brimm. It was reported by Village Board member Jeff Braiman during his statement about Ms. Stone's personal crusade that she thinks nothing of calling Brimm at 5 p.m. on Friday and keeping him at the office long past usual and customary hours.
Why so late? It seems as though so she can set him up. Ms. Stone is retired -- which means she should have plenty of time to call Brimm during usual and customary business hours. Brimm, being the class act that he is, probably answered Stone's questions.
It's becoming more and more apparent that Stone wants Brimm out. She knows his job well because she's been on the Board three months. And who would she recommend for the job? No idea -- she just wants to make a scene for herself and rip people for what she perceives to be a problem. Let's see, according to her experience in village government includes working on a couple of movements to regulate vicious dogs (there's comedy in that...but let's not go there) and call attention to lethal drugs in our community. I guess DARE fell short.
Aside from that he main community involvement has been with PTOs and other notable and worthwhile causes (Niles West reunion committees withstanding).
But village government is a different animal. The homework needs to be done before class starts. Village officials are professionals -- like them or not -- and are not public punching bags for personal crusades. Respect is a two-way street -- some people however, only see detours.
* * * * *
Little things add up -- Trustee Steven Trilling suggested that BG residents buy their gas in the village so it can reap the benefits of the Motor Fuel Tax. Not a bad idea. Hey, Mr. Trilling, how about buying more stuff in the village. Skip the big box hardware stores in favor of local hardware stores. Take a look at some the strip malls -- some nifty merchants around here.
* * * * *
Making it. The fiscal report for the first half of FY09 isn't too bad. The village bean counters report the village has a AA1 rating and if the economy hadn't gone way south the village would be at AAA. There's a reason for that -- BG has traditionally been a well run village -- not perfect -- but light years ahead of many others.
* * * * *
Is it just me or do people who make big bucks not read maps. According to the village web site (www.vbg.org) both Arlington Heights Road and Buffalo Grove Road are having work done on them at the same time. Wait, that's two major north/south routes that will be torn up -- probably overflowing Rt. 83. Let's blame Lake County and make Dave Stolman earn his salary.
* * * * *
Board Member Lisa Stone thought it would be a nice gesture to remind people of the BG Arts Commission Little Limelight program. Call (847) 459-2518. Stone also reminded residents of the Domestic Violence counselor available through the BG Police. Call (847) 459-2560. Maybe they need a hotline for village board abuse.
* * * * *
BG Days are coming. Yeah, Labor Day Weekend. Entertainment includes Rare Earth. Really? That's a blast from the past.
Fireworks are scheduled for Sunday night -- oh wait, real fireworks -- not a Board meeting.
* * * * *
Village Board President Elliott Hartstein is elated that the village will add video to the village website soon. That means you'll be able to see a Village Board Meeting any time you want. Like, say on a Saturday night if you have nothing else to do and the Village Manager isn't available.
I just wonder if anti virus software will be activated when you click on the link.
* * * * *
And finally, I couldn't help but notice the moon after the Aug. 3 Board Meeting. Yep, it was in a full moon cycle.
Figures.
I noticed in her Board bio that Board Member Lisa Stone is retired. Her life must be awfully dull. Why else would she call Village Manager Bill Brimm at 10:15 on a Saturday night? Must be in middle of a candle lit dinner --- "Oh, excuse me, I need to ask the village manager a question..." Or maybe it's an excuse, "Not tonight, I have to call the village manager."
Or maybe it's harassment. Nah, do you think? It's one of the revelations that came out during Monday's Board meeting. Whenever Ms. Stone has a question, she calls Mr. Brimm. It was reported by Village Board member Jeff Braiman during his statement about Ms. Stone's personal crusade that she thinks nothing of calling Brimm at 5 p.m. on Friday and keeping him at the office long past usual and customary hours.
Why so late? It seems as though so she can set him up. Ms. Stone is retired -- which means she should have plenty of time to call Brimm during usual and customary business hours. Brimm, being the class act that he is, probably answered Stone's questions.
It's becoming more and more apparent that Stone wants Brimm out. She knows his job well because she's been on the Board three months. And who would she recommend for the job? No idea -- she just wants to make a scene for herself and rip people for what she perceives to be a problem. Let's see, according to her experience in village government includes working on a couple of movements to regulate vicious dogs (there's comedy in that...but let's not go there) and call attention to lethal drugs in our community. I guess DARE fell short.
Aside from that he main community involvement has been with PTOs and other notable and worthwhile causes (Niles West reunion committees withstanding).
But village government is a different animal. The homework needs to be done before class starts. Village officials are professionals -- like them or not -- and are not public punching bags for personal crusades. Respect is a two-way street -- some people however, only see detours.
* * * * *
Little things add up -- Trustee Steven Trilling suggested that BG residents buy their gas in the village so it can reap the benefits of the Motor Fuel Tax. Not a bad idea. Hey, Mr. Trilling, how about buying more stuff in the village. Skip the big box hardware stores in favor of local hardware stores. Take a look at some the strip malls -- some nifty merchants around here.
* * * * *
Making it. The fiscal report for the first half of FY09 isn't too bad. The village bean counters report the village has a AA1 rating and if the economy hadn't gone way south the village would be at AAA. There's a reason for that -- BG has traditionally been a well run village -- not perfect -- but light years ahead of many others.
* * * * *
Is it just me or do people who make big bucks not read maps. According to the village web site (www.vbg.org) both Arlington Heights Road and Buffalo Grove Road are having work done on them at the same time. Wait, that's two major north/south routes that will be torn up -- probably overflowing Rt. 83. Let's blame Lake County and make Dave Stolman earn his salary.
* * * * *
Board Member Lisa Stone thought it would be a nice gesture to remind people of the BG Arts Commission Little Limelight program. Call (847) 459-2518. Stone also reminded residents of the Domestic Violence counselor available through the BG Police. Call (847) 459-2560. Maybe they need a hotline for village board abuse.
* * * * *
BG Days are coming. Yeah, Labor Day Weekend. Entertainment includes Rare Earth. Really? That's a blast from the past.
Fireworks are scheduled for Sunday night -- oh wait, real fireworks -- not a Board meeting.
* * * * *
Village Board President Elliott Hartstein is elated that the village will add video to the village website soon. That means you'll be able to see a Village Board Meeting any time you want. Like, say on a Saturday night if you have nothing else to do and the Village Manager isn't available.
I just wonder if anti virus software will be activated when you click on the link.
* * * * *
And finally, I couldn't help but notice the moon after the Aug. 3 Board Meeting. Yep, it was in a full moon cycle.
Figures.
Like Nothing Else....
I have worked in the media, media relations and have taught journalism over the span of 30-plus years.
As a reporter I covered local, county, state and national issues.
I've covered the famous (Richard J. Daley, Walter Mondale, Phil Crane) and the not so famous.
As a teacher, I instruct my young journalists to go with the item that will grab the reader's attention, something that as reporter I never had trouble doing.
Not until Monday night at the Aug. 3 Buffalo Grove Village Board meeting.
It was, for the most part, as Yogi Berra would say, Deja Vu all over again.
Almost.
By now the scenario is predictable, trustee reports become soap box derby for some trustees who insist on making it show and tell time. It's getting old, it's getting annoying, it's getting distracting, it's taking away from village business.
None the less, Village Board member Lisa Stone continues to throw vociferous comments to plead her case that she is a reformer and that her point of view is right and everyone else is incompetent.
This time, however, I think Ms. Quixote fell of her horse and was dragged through the very excrement that she herself spewed along the bridal path.
It seems as though Ms. Quixote can charge her windmills, but if the windmills moves, she can't take it.
Enter Board Member Jeffrey Braiman.
Mr. Braiman saw fit to present a carefully throughout, detailed statement in response to Ms. Stone's constant allegations of wrong doing by just about everyone on the Board and village staff.
At issue is Ms. Stone's contention that the approval of the Offtrack Betting came as the result of a violation of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Ms. Stone, who by her own admission, wanted the original vote delayed so she can learn more about how the community felt. To bolster her cause, she kept trying to drag fellow newcomer Beverly Sussman into the fray. Sussman remained quiet despite Stone's attempt to lure her in.
At issue here is the fact that Ms. Stone has admitted she was not prepared to become a village trustee, was not informed of how the community felt and once elected, expected things to stop and wait for her.
Public service does not work that way. Do your homework, be prepared and join the Board. Don't whine because the Board wanted to move ahead.
At issue is her contention that a series of emails between board members that she claims violated the Open Meetings Act. Ms. Stone has, directly or indirectly, contacted the Chicago Tribune in an effort to prove her point. She claims that a legal advocacy group out of Elmhurst agrees with her. What she has not said is what information was provided.
There has not been a clear-cut decision as to what impact emails have on the Open Meeting Act. Other opinions read by Village Attorney William Raysa indicated it could be violation, but the key word is could.
Ms. Stone prided herself on "coaxing" Mr. Raysa into reviewing the comment from the Elmhurst group.
Oh look, she's beaming. She likes to embarrass and publicly ridicule people. Hmm, guess she's right because Bill Raysa lacks experience. I mean he's only one of the more respected municipal attorneys in the Chicago area and besides, he's been the village attorney for nearly 30 years. But what does he know?
Ms. Stone, of course, is well versed, have dusted off her trusty little vocal dagger in the three months she's been on the board. Knowledge before hand? Remember, she didn't know how the community felt until she took office.
Ms. Quixote then proceeded to challenge Village Manager Bill Brimm and his skills. I've met Bill Brimm only a few times. I did, however, know his predecessor, Bill Balling and know the kind of operation he established, one which Mr. Brimm has done an excellent job in maintaining the integrity of the village of Buffalo Grove.
But obviously, Ms. Quixote knows better -- she's been tossing excrement around for three months.
I've covered a variety of municipalities and worked with a number of village managers, many of whom reflect Brimm's professionalism and expertise. So it caught me, and many others, by surprise when she decided to try and tear into Brimm's professionalism.
I said try. Village Board President Elliot Hartstein, who was more than generous with his time for Stone's rebuttal made it clear that no one was going to use a village board meeting to challenge the integrity of the village staff.
This came shortly after Stone made a comment, one which elicited audible gasps from some residents, that sums up her arrogance lack of respect for the village staff and Board.
The comment?
"This Board has been together so long it doesn't know when it's done something wrong."
Ah, I see, so in three months. Ms. Quixote, who said she "won't stop going for truth and honesty -- I really won't" has emerged as an expert. Mind you, this is the same woman who said she took a spot on the Board not knowing how the community felt.
You'd think she would at least have some respect for those people who have served the community for a number of years. The keyword here is think, something that does not appear to be listed as a verb in the cranial cavity of some village board members.
Hopefully she heard Hartstein's comments when he told the board to move forward and not keep dwelling in the past, and to work together.
Novel idea. It just seems as though it has fallen on deaf ears -- ears that hear only selective comments.
If Ms. Quixote is going to be effective as a village board member, she better understand everything that is going on in the village. It's apparent she lacks a comprehensive understanding as to how the village operates. It shows, too. Because outside of her personal tirades, she says nothing.
As for not living in the past, Hartstein is right. So too is the great philosopher of the 20th and 21st century -- Mike Ditka -- who said there are only two kinds of people who live in the past -- losers and cowards.
And some village board members.
As a reporter I covered local, county, state and national issues.
I've covered the famous (Richard J. Daley, Walter Mondale, Phil Crane) and the not so famous.
As a teacher, I instruct my young journalists to go with the item that will grab the reader's attention, something that as reporter I never had trouble doing.
Not until Monday night at the Aug. 3 Buffalo Grove Village Board meeting.
It was, for the most part, as Yogi Berra would say, Deja Vu all over again.
Almost.
By now the scenario is predictable, trustee reports become soap box derby for some trustees who insist on making it show and tell time. It's getting old, it's getting annoying, it's getting distracting, it's taking away from village business.
None the less, Village Board member Lisa Stone continues to throw vociferous comments to plead her case that she is a reformer and that her point of view is right and everyone else is incompetent.
This time, however, I think Ms. Quixote fell of her horse and was dragged through the very excrement that she herself spewed along the bridal path.
It seems as though Ms. Quixote can charge her windmills, but if the windmills moves, she can't take it.
Enter Board Member Jeffrey Braiman.
Mr. Braiman saw fit to present a carefully throughout, detailed statement in response to Ms. Stone's constant allegations of wrong doing by just about everyone on the Board and village staff.
At issue is Ms. Stone's contention that the approval of the Offtrack Betting came as the result of a violation of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Ms. Stone, who by her own admission, wanted the original vote delayed so she can learn more about how the community felt. To bolster her cause, she kept trying to drag fellow newcomer Beverly Sussman into the fray. Sussman remained quiet despite Stone's attempt to lure her in.
At issue here is the fact that Ms. Stone has admitted she was not prepared to become a village trustee, was not informed of how the community felt and once elected, expected things to stop and wait for her.
Public service does not work that way. Do your homework, be prepared and join the Board. Don't whine because the Board wanted to move ahead.
At issue is her contention that a series of emails between board members that she claims violated the Open Meetings Act. Ms. Stone has, directly or indirectly, contacted the Chicago Tribune in an effort to prove her point. She claims that a legal advocacy group out of Elmhurst agrees with her. What she has not said is what information was provided.
There has not been a clear-cut decision as to what impact emails have on the Open Meeting Act. Other opinions read by Village Attorney William Raysa indicated it could be violation, but the key word is could.
Ms. Stone prided herself on "coaxing" Mr. Raysa into reviewing the comment from the Elmhurst group.
Oh look, she's beaming. She likes to embarrass and publicly ridicule people. Hmm, guess she's right because Bill Raysa lacks experience. I mean he's only one of the more respected municipal attorneys in the Chicago area and besides, he's been the village attorney for nearly 30 years. But what does he know?
Ms. Stone, of course, is well versed, have dusted off her trusty little vocal dagger in the three months she's been on the board. Knowledge before hand? Remember, she didn't know how the community felt until she took office.
Ms. Quixote then proceeded to challenge Village Manager Bill Brimm and his skills. I've met Bill Brimm only a few times. I did, however, know his predecessor, Bill Balling and know the kind of operation he established, one which Mr. Brimm has done an excellent job in maintaining the integrity of the village of Buffalo Grove.
But obviously, Ms. Quixote knows better -- she's been tossing excrement around for three months.
I've covered a variety of municipalities and worked with a number of village managers, many of whom reflect Brimm's professionalism and expertise. So it caught me, and many others, by surprise when she decided to try and tear into Brimm's professionalism.
I said try. Village Board President Elliot Hartstein, who was more than generous with his time for Stone's rebuttal made it clear that no one was going to use a village board meeting to challenge the integrity of the village staff.
This came shortly after Stone made a comment, one which elicited audible gasps from some residents, that sums up her arrogance lack of respect for the village staff and Board.
The comment?
"This Board has been together so long it doesn't know when it's done something wrong."
Ah, I see, so in three months. Ms. Quixote, who said she "won't stop going for truth and honesty -- I really won't" has emerged as an expert. Mind you, this is the same woman who said she took a spot on the Board not knowing how the community felt.
You'd think she would at least have some respect for those people who have served the community for a number of years. The keyword here is think, something that does not appear to be listed as a verb in the cranial cavity of some village board members.
Hopefully she heard Hartstein's comments when he told the board to move forward and not keep dwelling in the past, and to work together.
Novel idea. It just seems as though it has fallen on deaf ears -- ears that hear only selective comments.
If Ms. Quixote is going to be effective as a village board member, she better understand everything that is going on in the village. It's apparent she lacks a comprehensive understanding as to how the village operates. It shows, too. Because outside of her personal tirades, she says nothing.
As for not living in the past, Hartstein is right. So too is the great philosopher of the 20th and 21st century -- Mike Ditka -- who said there are only two kinds of people who live in the past -- losers and cowards.
And some village board members.
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