The reality of it all...

The May 17 Village Board meeting was, in contrast to previous board meetings, fairly routine. Keyword being fairly.

Politics and personalities aside (well, for the most part), perhaps one of the more interesting dialogues came during Village Board President Elliott Hartstein's report. Hartstein, as Board President, serves as the village's No. 1 cheerleader. His passion for the village is steeped in more than 20 years of public service on school boards, village commissions and, of course, the Village Board.

So it was no surprise when he praised Stevenson High School for hosting the May 11th symposium, "Partying? My Kid?" that was a joint effort between school districts 125 (Stevenson) and 128 (Libertyville and Vernon Hills). Hartstein expressed dismay that it attendance was low. Reliable sources tell me that only about half of the registered 250 people attended.

Hartstein is right -- it is disappointing to see such a low turnout.

But why? Trustee Lisa Stone expressed concern that it was not promoted enough by Stevenson High School. That wasn't the case. According to Stevenson officials, the efforts to promote the symposium included contacting all major media outlets, posting on the school's websites, posting on Facebook and Twitter, on the school's electric marquee from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. for several weeks, and repeated mentions in school's weekly email newsletter to parents, the e-Minuteman, for at least four consecutive weeks. It was also promoted in the e-Minuteman is mailed each Friday to about 7,500 email addresses that include parents and students, plus others who other subscribers to the free newsletter.

In addition to the school's efforts, other organizations, including the villages of Lincolnshire and Buffalo Grove, had information available. So if you're expecting this to be another case of Stone speaking for the sake of speaking -- it won't be. Yes, it would be easy to chide her for complaining about Stevenson and yes, she did not indicate whether she attended the symposium (she didn't attend), but the reality is that, for once, this is not a Lisa Stone issue. Stone has long been concerned about teen substance abuse for reasons that are for her to discuss.

The reality is that out of 250 responses, which given the breadth of the potential audience, was weak and, as noted, the actual turnout even weaker.

Trustee Beverly Sussman, who attended the symposium, is a retired middle school teacher and suggested that information about programs of this nature be sent to middle school parents as well. Great suggestion. Substance abuse can affect anyone, anywhere. I grew up exposed to it and can tell you first-hand the damage it can do. As a teacher I see kids 14 or 15 years old who are dealing with drug and alcohol problems.

So ask yourself -- when schools like Stevenson, Libertyville and Vernon Hills pool resources to educate parents, why was the turnout so low?

The bottom line may best be summed up by Mork -- remember him? -- played by Robin Williams on the old Mork and Mindy show. He had a great line -- Reality, what a concept.

The reality may be, however, summed up in one word -- denial.

We have it good in the Grove. Nice houses, nice cars, nice schools. But ask yourself -- is it too good. Is it so good that we don't see, or want to see, the forest through the trees.

Are we so oblivious to the reality of things that we ignore them. It seems like we take success per granted. We want the best for our kids so we give them just about everything (or in some cases, not even about everything -- just plain everything) and feel content. In some ways we're doing what our parents (gasp) did -- "we want you to have it better than I did..."

But what is better? Material items or quality of life? Sure, folks have high definition TVs, all of the latest technology, nice cars, etc.

But what about traditional values? Are soccer and baseball game more important than religious school? You bet they are. Is a "hey son, I'll text you later" more important than "hey son, tell me what's new." Afraid so.

We've lost touch with reality. Drugs? Not here --only "bad" kids do drugs. You know, those who are not like us.

Reality -- what a concept. Our kids are doing some of the same things we (those of us who grew up in the 60s) may have. But we had a voice -- a genuine voice. Remember Project 18? That's why 18-year-olds can vote.

Remember taking a genuine stand against war? We had a voice and exercised it. Fortunately, or unfortunately, we didn't have Facebook, Twitter or texting. Our voices were backed up by actions.

We have become the generation we never trusted. The difference, however, may have been the values parents had. If the school called -- it was panic time. Now if a teacher or dean calls it's the dreaded D word -- My kids would not do that -- it must be a problem with the school.

So when school districts utilize their resources in an attempt to reach out to the community about a very real problem, we don't show up because, after all, that's not a problem in our community.

That's what they said around New Trier until some kid struck a fellow classmate. And then what happened? Sympathy. Not for the victim, but for the driver who allegedly used marijuana the night before. Denial. The poor little darling was bailed out by an anonymous donor to the tune of 50 grand. Maybe I missed it, but did the same person offer to pay some of the victim's medical bills?

It reminds me of Elie Wiesel's novel "Night" in which Moshe the Beadle warns the people of impending disaster. They ignore him. Their own comforts and unwillingness to listen lead to their own denial. You know the rest.

So rather than point the finger at an organization like local school districts, or colleagues on a school or village board, perhaps what we need to do is look in the mirror while pointing the finger.

And then we can see who is really responsible.

And now, for something completely different...

As I travel around the highways and byways of Big Animal Grove, I do have some random thoughts.

Random, in this case, means things that strike me as being odd and b.) may not be related (gasp!) to the village board.

For example:

1. Oh, no -- a cell phone tower in the village? Oh, wait, there are already more than a dozen in then village, the highest being 140 feet, higher than the 120-foot tower proposed by T-Mobile. Let's hope it works -- heaven forbid someone's texting would be interrupted.

2. Parents who let their pre-pubescent children play in the self-checkout lanes at stores should be beaten with pipe cleaners.

3. Can someone explain, in lay terms, what the heck they did do to Arlington Heights Road.

4. Has there ever been a buffalo in Buffalo Grove? (I know we've been buffaloed, but that's a different story)

5. How did Wheeling get the Target?

6. Does anyone really watch Ch. 6?

7. When Buffalo Grove High School turns 100, will it celebrate its Bisontennial?

8. How come the most successful operations in Town Center deal with alcohol or Torah?

9. It seems as though a certain Trustee is obsessed with air quality because of alleged pollution by a composting facility. Ironic, isn't it, that this comes from a trustee in a village where residents don't think twice about emissions from over-sized, gas-guzzling SUVs and Hummers. At least composting is recycling.

10. If air quality is such an issue, the village needs to relax its ban on what kind of animals can be domesticated. Sheep, for example, would be a great alternative to noisy, air-fouling lawn mowers -- but knowing some trustees, they'd accuse fellow Board Members of pulling the wool over their eyes. (Sorry, couldn't pass that one up)

11. Yaks. No there's a solution. Yaks graze, they're quiet and can be used to carry up to 150 pounds, and are more intriguing to look at than sheep or buffaloes. They would also be representative of some Board Members who tend to, sorry, yak a lot.

It's all about style....

I'm sure there will be a number of highly qualified candidates for the Village Manager's position.

Despite what you may have read, seen or heard -- Buffalo Grove is a well-run, highly respected community and its management and staff has received accolade after accolade.

So what kind of person does the village need?

As a public service, I am presenting a list of different managerial styles based on people who are well known for their unique styles.

Fred Rogers

What a welcome this style would be.

Somewhere in heaven he's looking down on the village thinking "Hello boys and girls, can you say "let's get along? I thought you could."

His calm demeanor, combined with his unique ability to problem solve provide a pleasant tone for the Village Board.

Ozzie Guillen



Since Lisa Stone is into Hispanic dictators, the fiery Sox manager may make a good choice. If nothing else, Village Board meetings would be interesting. The folks who videotape the meetings would be busy on "beep" button.





Knute Rockne

Consider the quotes -- "Let's Win for the Gipper" -- and one that may be applicable to the Board -- "No star playing, just football."





Mike Ditka

As long as we're looking at football coaching styles, how can we leave out Mike Ditka? Let's face it, 'Da coach is considered for what seems like every job opening from dog catcher to U.S. Senator -- so how can he be left off the list? His rhetoric and speaking style would surely liven up a Board Meeting. You would have to wonder who would be the target of the question "Who you crappin'?"

Bob Knight

The general. Looking for intensity -- go no further.
However, the village would have to bolt the chairs down.

Michael Savage

This controversial talk-show host would certainly bring a unique perspective to just about everything.

Vince Lombardi


How can you argue with a legend? A champion. A winner. Besides, Stevenson's colors are Green and Gold, so the legacy would at least have the right colors. Can you imagine how inspirational the manager reports would be?




Charlie Brown

Given the number of times people have said "good grief" in the past year, this kind of management style would be right at home.

Well Deserved Recognition

Despite what some people would want you to believe, outgoing Village Manager Bill Brimm is widely respected. This, by the way, comes from someone who is not a village resident, but from an organization that has a long history of excellence in municipal governments.

At its meeting on Wednesday, the Northwest Municipal Conference passed a resolution honoring Brimm for his "..knowledge, leadership, wisdom and sincere commitment to the Northwest Municipal Conference and the Village of Buffalo Grove." The resolution cites Brimm's 32 years of service to the village.

The membership of the NWMC is, according to its website, "..one of the premier regional councils of government, the Northwest Municipal Conference represents over 1.3 million citizens residing in our 47 municipalities and 1 township. Our membership area covers over 300 square miles in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties."

They're pros. They know municipal government and they know quality individuals -- which is more than one Buffalo Grove Village Board member does.

Just two words -- Congratulations Bill.

Search Begins -- According to the Countryside, there's a nice pool of candidates to replace Brimm, although the shoes will be tough to fill. I am giving some consideration to applying. As a high school teacher I've dealt with some immature adolescent behavior -- which would enable me to work with some trustees. Besides, as an experienced journalist and journalism teacher, I not only know the First Amendment, but I practice and teach it.

Stone needs a refund? -- Ms. Stone may need to get as refund on the mirror she keeps looking in. As she continually referred to a letter from a resident who was "scared" to attend a Village Board meeting because he was concerned about how village trustees interrupt residents -- she must have forgotten that she's more guilty than anyone else. Darn mirror.

A bad air day? -- If you're talking air quality, Ms. Stone, consider the factors that impact it on your beloved "east side" of the village. Let's see, there's a Sewage Treatment plant, a major roadway, significant retail outlets. A compost facility is not a major factor.

By the way, Ms. Stone -- First Amendment? Just learn it.

By the way...Part Two -- Crestwood? I'm glad certain trustees don't work at a fruit market -- they'd be mixing apples and bananas. Did someone say fruitcake?

This is news? -- News Flash -- Buffalo Grove has Lake Michigan drinking water. It has for more than 25 years. Not sure why Stoney made a point of this at the last meeting. If she was so well versed in the village, she would have known that long before preaching about ground water contamination from compost sites.

It's quality, not quantity -- So Arlington Heights met until 12:30 a.m. at its last meeting. Wanna bet they were actually doing something and not listening to campaign speeches?

Hello, boys and girls, can you say.... -- Oh look, Miz Stone learned a new word -- if the Countryside is correct, she used "disingenuous," when describing those who are spearheading a drive to put a recall notice on the November ballot. I wonder if her on-line dictionary has a link to Robert's Rules of Order or to Miss Manners? (By the way, if you really want to know, disingenuous means lacking in frankness, candor, or sincerity; falsely or hypocritically ingenuous; insincere)

Don't forget... Monday is Board Meeting night. The twice monthly version of Ripley's Believe It Or Not begins at 7:30 p.m.

And the correct answer is....

It's quiz time.

Lisa Stone is a: 1.) Independent 2.) Reformer 3.) Campaigner.

Correct answer? 3.) Campaigner.

The May 3 meeting proved once again that Stone wants to do little more at a village board meeting than make accusations tell the word how great she thinks she is and avoid addressing bonafide village business.

Challenging the now-passed ordinance that establishes procedures for the "corporate authorities" -- best known as the village -- Stone too the ordinance personally and used her displeasure to accuse the Board from seemingly causing everything from the Great Chicago Fire to violating First Amendment.

Neither of which are true. Stone's solution? Let's hire a attorney -- at village expense -- to prove her right. Stone, who claims residents aren't allowed to say the piece at a village board meeting, think the village should contact a First Amendment professor or constitutional attorney. It seems like Stone wants to take advantage of the village's excellent standing for her "private education."

When last I checked, attorneys don't work pro bono to soothe the tears of a whiny village trustee. The fact is, there is no First Amendment violation. The Board lets village residents speak during each meeting.

Yes, there are some limitations -- a 10-minute time limit, and please avoid repeating what has always been said.

As Board president Elliott Hartstein said, these limits are not unique to the Village of Buffalo Grove. Area school boards and village boards all have limits and guidelines on resident participation.

Prior to her election to the Board, Stone reportedly spent little time at Board meetings. So all of a sudden she storms in and cries foul. If you're going to be an official, it's probably a good idea -- a real good idea -- to learn the rules.

But once again, it's apparent that Stone has not done her homework, but sees fit to make her whines seem like a problem. They're not problems.

Stone thinks the Board is in a hurry and does not want to have long meetings. The only reason Board meetings go long is because of the patience of the board to let Liza rant.

Stone cries about the need for the board to contact, as noted, a First Amendment expert. She did not say why, probably because she does not understand the First Amendment. There are no violations here.

But yet, Liza wants to carry on waving her independent and reformer flag.

She's no independent. Attend or watch a meeting -- aside from her personal crusades, she demonstrates little knowledge of the operation of the village. She's more bent on being the focus of the meeting than a team player.

Reformer? Of what? Maybe she missed Hartstein's comment that the village has a Triple A bond rating from Moody's. That coincides with Triple A rating from Standard and Poors.

Let's see -- bad economy, balanced budget, excellent credit.

Yes, it seems like the Board has given the village staff bad direction.

So where's the reform needed?

All you need to do is face the board and look two seats from the left.

Distasteful, inappropriate and disgusting -- in more ways than one...

I was hoping it was just another bizarre statement by Lisa Stone.

I was wrong.

The association of the village with Fidel Castro is yet another example of shallow reasoning and sensationalism by Miz Stone. It was yet another attack on the way the village does -- and has done -- its business for years. Not only is her attack a discredit to the Village Board, but to the residents of the village. That's because she thinks she is the only reformer and independent in the village and the rest of the residents are either naive or stupid.

Hardly.

As Village President Elliott Hartstein said after a lengthy discussion (for lack of a better word), association of the village to Fidel Castro is "distasteful, inappropriate, and disgusting."

Well said.

There is, however, another aspect to her misguided and condescending comment.

Why Fidel Castro? Clearly there are other dictators and fascists in the world. The selection of Castro is wrong because being Hispanic, the inference is that Hispanic leaders are corrupt dictators who take advantage of their people and that Hispanics are incapable of realizing this kind of leadership.

The whole idea of equating the village to Castro is ludicrous as is the idea of seemingly singling out a Hispanic leader -- like him or not. Odds are there will be denials. However, it's likely that if another board member or critic cited someone in a negative light with a cultural background that Stone may have connections to, she'd be the first to yell foul.

If Stone, or any trustee for that matter, makes a habit of singling out someone, they need to think twice about their repercussions.

In these politically correct times it's important for public officials, especially those who engage their mouths before their brains, to think about what they say.

And that's not asking too much.