Where's Paul Finamore When We Need Him?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Period.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still, it's a nice tool to have.

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

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

An election.