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.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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?
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?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
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...
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...
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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....
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.
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.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
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.
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.
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