The Boss Bows Out....

I'm not surprised.

That was my first reaction when I read the Facebook post from Village Board President Elliott Hartstein, which read:

"I will not be running in the April 2011 Election for a 4th consecutive term as Buffalo Grove Village President. After 30 years of involvement, I have decided it is time to turn the page to a new chapter in my life and my electoral involvement. I love Buffalo Grove ,and it has been a privilege and an honor to have been able to serve the community over these many years and I thank the community for the opportunity."

The comments, all of which are signed, a welcomed change from the cat-and-mouse game that plays out in other web sites, all said the standard "we're sorry to see you go" and "thanks for doing a great job" - etc. etc. etc.

Elliott Hartstein

Hartstein's announcement did not surprise me at all.  Yes, the last 18 months have been tumultuous, but the reality is, Hartstein has put his heart and soul into the village for more than 30 years.  When I first covered Buffalo Grove, Hartstein had black hair and was never short on things to say.

Now, nearly 30 years late, his hair is gray and well, he is still never short on things to say.  But for the past 30-plus years he's said a lot of thing with passion for the village.  His tenure began long before Town Center, long before the Fiore property was annexed and long before there was Lake Michigan water in the village.

A lot has transpired since then.  But let's not make this a eulogy; Hartstein is a resident who unselfishly gave up a lot of his time for the village -- he is not a career politician.

No doubt there are folks in the village who are rejoicing because the boss is stepping down, which is fine because everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.  My guess is, however, that better than 95 percent of those who are ripping Hartstein for one reason or another, never stepped forward to volunteer a minute of time to the village.

Officiating a basketball game is so much easier from the bleachers than it is from the floor, and if you are wearing the striped shirt, you better have your rule book and mechanics down part because they fans are watching -- just like watch the Village Board.

So what's ahead?  Trustee Jeff Braiman has already announced that he is seeking the top spot and odds are others may toss their hats in the ring.  Buffalo Grove has had some excellence Village Presidents including Verna Clayton and Sid Mathias.  My apologies if I left anyone out, but Clayton and Mathias were mainstays in the chambers for a while and both went on to the state legislature.

My concern is that folks will run for Village President for the sake of running.  The top spot should not (keyword should) not be a showcase for a personal agenda.  There is no inference here, it applies to anyone who runs.  The village is fiscally sound and has a staff second to none.  The proposed 2011 budget is tight, but does not compromise any of the services and quality that go hand-in-hand with the village.

That's not be accident.  Good leadership is a major part of the village's success.  It is not always perfect, but nothing is.  An effective Board President is, in many ways, a reflection of the cohesiveness of the Board.  For the most part, Hartstein was fortunate enough to have solid support.  He had dissension too, but hopefully some positive will emerge from turmoil and the Board -- let alone the village -- can move forward.

The next Village Board president will face a lot of challenges.  Hopefully, those who run will see the broad scope of the challenges and give them the attention and dedication Hartstein has for nearly 30 years.

As for Hartstein, it has been a hell of ride.  For the most part, people will remember him for some of those less than perfect moments as opposed to all of the years of service.  That is just human nature.

But weather you like or dislike some of his positions, try and remember just two words for Hartstein.

Thank you.