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.