What? A hand in the cookie jar?

There's no doubt about it -- $11,000 is a lot of money.

In fact, if you use the 2000 census, which found 42,909 resident in Big Animal Grove, that would come out to 26 cents per resident.

That's too much for Lisa Stone who takes exception with 11 grand being spent on the recent hearing during which she challenged some of the signatures on the petitions submitted by the committee that is seeking to have Stone sent over the rainbow or sent  somewhere in Kansas where she can live peacefully with the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion.  Toto has been deemed dangerous and cannot be on public land.

Stone has voiced (this is news?) her objection to the amount because she has no idea why so much research had to be done by the attorneys.

Interesting, isn't it, that she was not concerned about the cost  before she challenged the signatures.  Once he dust settled and reality set in that the challenged signatures would have no impact as to whether the question to recall her or not is placed on the Nov. 2 ballot, Stone decided to complain about its cost.

What would have happened had she won?

Odds are the cost would not have been an issue.  That's because Lisa Stone thinks nothing about spending village money when it's for her.

We're not talking fancy cars or jewelry, we're talking "personal" staff. Stone apparently does not realize the hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars in village funds she has used through her incessant emailing of village staff.  Email obtained by through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) reveal that Stone seemed to contact whomever she wanted about her own pet causes.

One of the most striking examples is an email sent to the village manager's office in which Stone wanted staff to text or call her husband if a certain person was in attendance at the March 22 meeting.

It seems as though this person, whose name is redacted  (removed) from the email was at the previous Village Board meeting at had the nerve to ruffle Stone's perm during heated exchange.  Mind you, this took place after a nearly five-hour board meeting.

Stone took offense to this, claiming, according to an email, that someone demonstrated  "unusual  and frightening episode and anger towards me" at the previous Board meeting, which happened to be March 8.

The information, including the name of the evil person who rattled Liza, is  redacted in the FOIA'ed email, so I will not reveal the name.  But here's a hint-- watch the meeting she is upset about and you may just find out.

So how does this cost the village money?  Stone file a police report against the redacted individual and then proceeded to contact the Village Manager's asking for a  "police presence" at the next meeting.  Oh, by the way, she also wanted to have someone contact her husband if the evil redacted one should be there.  

Why?  Because in the email, Stone says, and as Dave Barry would write, I am not making this up -- "I stated in the report that the community has expressed concern and worry for me, given this  this man's anger towards me after viewing the meeting on channel 6.They only know what they witnessed watching the meeting, without any further background or detail.  That alone scared them."

The community?  Which community?  Probably the community in her mind.  If she thinks the community as a whole is worried sick about her, she is, to coin a phrase, delusional.   Perhaps the community that may be concerned about her safety is, as noted before,  the community in her mind.

Stone claims to be concerned about the safety and well being of the community -- but aside from trying to milk the video taping of Village Board meetings for her own personal gain, Lisa Stone has done nothing to gauge the pulse of "the community" -- the village of Buffalo Grove as a whole.

Instead she cries foul whenever someone disagrees with her.  What?  Signatures I don't like --  I want a hearing -- What?  I didn't get my way?  Then it's way too expensive.

What? Someone dare to yell at me at a Village Board meeting?  I'm filing a police report, I want to take up an officer's time, I want to talk to the chief, I want a police presence.  

And who pays for this, Lisa?  We do -- the community.  Not only is the "community" paying for your personal favors, you are taking valuable time of the Police Department from crime prevention and investigations and, who knows, fighting drug dealings.  Oh, wait, you forgot how important that is, didn't you?

And a police presence?  Wait -- wasn't Stone the one who admonished the Village Board because she said people did not want to come to the Board meetings because of the way they were treated?

But when someone is upset at her, it's OK for her to file a police report, spend village money on police reports, village staff time because she doesn't like, or agree with some one?

This is concern for the community?  What concern?  Stone's concern is there only if the village pays for it.  If it's not on her agenda, well, by gosh, it's too expensive.

Yes, $11,000 is a lot of money.  But it was money that came from the village's budget for legal costs for village operations.  Village -- as a community of a whole.

Not for some public official operates on a double standard.

When actions speak louder than words

It's hard to believe that something can override Lisa Stone's incessant rants.

Believe it.  Or maybe the word should be disbelief.

During the Aug. 30 Board meeting, the Board heard an update about Buffalo Grove Days from co-chairs J.V. Springman and Paulette Greenberg.  Nothing unusual.  Sort of pregame pep talk about an event that has been a village staple for more than 50 years.  Yes 50.

The Village Board was excited and pleased by the plans and when J.V. and Paulette finished, applauded their efforts, as did most of the people in attendance.

Keyword here is most.  One did not.  Lisa Stone.  If she did it was well hidden out of site.  But other people who were at the meeting noticed the same thing.

There's no better word for her actions then classless.  It's no secret that Stone does not like many, if not all, members of the Buffalo Days Committee as she contends there were improprieties with how money was handled last year.

That's nothing new.  Stone contends improprieties with just about everything in the village if it involves someone she doesn't like.

But to chide people who work feverishly on an event that spans five decades is just plain wrong.  As I've mentioned before, I know J.V., having lived in the same development before moving into the village.  Until June I had not seen J.V. for more than 10 years.  I have never met Paulette, so this is not a rant (a phrase I often save for Miz Quixote) saying "oh my gosh she was so mean to my friends."

That's not it.

She was mean to the whole committee, the Village Board and when all was said and done -- the whole village.  Who knows, maybe she was jealous because someone was getting more face time on Ch. 6 than her.

Yes, the applause was directed toward J.V. and Paulette -- but not because of who they are or what political beliefs they may have.  The applause was for their efforts -- and those of the entire committee for what they have done behalf of the entire village.

That seems to be a foreign concept to Stoney...it's my meeting and I'll do what I want under the ruse of "..my only concern..."  Her only concern should be one thing -- the entire village of Buffalo Grove.  

Instead her only concern appears to be her self-centered vindictive attacks on people who are making a difference.  Maybe they've stumbled, everyone does.  But once they pick themselves up they learn from their mistakes.

As noted in previous blogs, the Wednesday night "Pink Heals" event was a fabulous display of community unity and concern for cancer awareness.

But Stone seemingly was nowhere to be found.  After all, there was no forum and after all, she doesn't like the Committee  or many of the Board members. 

Guess she doesn't like cancer awareness either.

A charitable kickoff...

It seems as though when residents go by Village Hall -- they're seeing red.  Village Board meetings will do that to you.

Wednesday night was different.

It was a sea of pink. Not that the Board is a kindlier, gentler group -- but a charitable group.

Wednesday was 'Pink Heals" night in the village and parked along Lake-Cook Road were the bright -- very bright -- pink fire trucks.

Coordinated by Buffalo Grove fire fighter Steve Rusin, several hundred residents -- many decked out in pink, watched the annual softball game that included teams made up of village business leaders and village staff. 

Despite the fine play on sandlot, the stars were the pink fire trucks that grabbed the attention of young and old alike.  Granted it's a cliche, but that's what happens when you mix softball and fire trucks -- and fund raising for a good cause.  Among the village officials in attendance were Village President Elliott Hartstein, trustee Jeff Braiman, Beverly Sussman, DeAnn Glover, and despite being on the disabled list, Steve Trilling.  Village Clerk Jan Sirabian was also there.  Jeff Berman was attending the open house at Stevenson High School where his daughter is a student.

Buffalo Grove Fire fighter Steve Rusin (far right) with some residents and fellow Pink Heals supporters

 Perhaps the most gratifying aspect of the event wasn't the game, or who was there, but the fact that fire fighters from around the country volunteer their time to call attention to cancer.  Locally, it's a tribute to the dedication of Rusin and many of his colleagues who not only coordinated the event, but spearheaded the fund raising effort.

Members of the Pink Heals team and the traditional fire dog, which was allowed on public property.

Needless to say, it was  great way to kickoff Buffalo Grove Days.

Village Board Members Beverly Sussman (seated left) and Deann Glover.  Trustee Jeff Braiman  (left) is standing

By the way, the thud you may have heard around 7:15 p.m. was not an earthquake -- It was Harry Caray rolling over in his grave during the 7th inning of the softball game when Hartstein sang "Take Me Out To The Ball Game."

Let's just say that if Hartstein sang the national anthem he's probably get a call from Homeland Security.  Off tune?  You'd almost think he was sto-- aww, hell, let's not even go there.

The Charity Continues...

Wednesday's "Pink Heals" was not the only fund raising event that is a part of Buffalo Grove Days -- The Buffalo Grove Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a food drive "Feed the Hungry..fill the Pantry.""  volunteers will have paper shopping bags available for residents to fill with a variety of items  -- including Peanut butter, tuna, canned fruit, toilet paper, jell and jam, salmon, canned vegetables, shampoo, soup, chicken, coffee, soap, chili, canned meals, tea, toothpaste and kitchen and laundry detergents.  Please note all food items should be in cans.  The chamber is asking residents not to use glass.

Volunteers will be pushing shopping carts along the parade route to collect donations.

Can't make the parade?  you can bring donations to the Chamber's office at  501/2 Raupp Boulevard...can't make that either?  Call the the Chamber's office at (847) 541-7799 and they'll pick up your donation.

Nice village, isn't it?

For one fleeting moment...

It may be considered the highlight of the musical... when Richard Burton as King Arthur, recalls that ":for one fleeting moment, it was known as Camelot..."

Buffalo Grove is not Camelot -- no place is -- but come Thursday, Sept. 2 and running through Monday, Sept. 6, the village will have its own little Camelot.

Buffalo Grove Days 2010.

More than a carnival or a concert, it's the village's time to just have fun.  Period.

A lot of people have worked tiredly on the event as the Buffalo Grove Day Committee does every year.  There have, however, been rumblings about the way Buffalo Grove Days have been run.

Stop.

This is a community event coordinated by your neighbors who work on all aspects of the event.  It is not a political rally, it is not a political arena, it is not a political football.

It's Buffalo Grove Days.  Period.

I could run the names of the committee, but why run the risk of having it seem like I am politicising the event.

Instead, I'll just cite the efforts of Festival Chairs Paulette Greenberg and J.V. Springman, Jr.   I may have met Paulette in passing, but I know J.V. and can tell you the when it comes to focus, you won't find too many people with the focus, intensity and passion that J.V. has.

So that's where the buck lies -- with the volunteer committee, lead by J.V. and Paulette, who work to provide the entire village an end of summer event.

Want to know what's happening when?  Check out http://bgdays.com/. 

As for politicising, there are those in the village who, as Cervantes wrote in "Man of LaMancha," think Buffalo Grove is a place "where evil brings profit and virtue none at all; where fraud and deceit are mingled with truth and sincerity."

Put it aside -- and have fun.  

If  you have an agenda, leave it at home.  Or better yet, stay at home with it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Want a Preview?

On Wednesday, Sept. 1, look for a Pink Firetruck at the annual Village Chamber softball game. The pink (really) fire truck is in the area as part of the International Fire Chiefs convention and is heralding the fight against Breast Cancer as part of the Pink Heals Tour.  It will be in front of the Village Hall starting at 6:30 p.m.  For information about the Pink Heals Tour, go to www.pinkfiretrucks.org.

Candidate discusses a deep subject

It has been a while since Village President candidate, Chicken Little, has been heard from. Until recently.

“I try to keep campaigning to a lull until after Labor Day,” he said. “But once again I am concerned about, well, the potential of the sky falling in on the Village.

Village Board
Candidate Chicken Little

How so?

“I’ve heard a lot about the fact that the ground water is so bad it’s going to infect our minds, curve our spins and keep the allies from winning the war,” he said. “But C.L.,” I asked, “the village gets its water from Lake Michigan and has for years.”

“Help me understand this, there are no wells in the village?” he asked. I explained to him that there are four wells in the village, but they are only for emergency purposes. “So what’s the problem?’ he asked.

It appears that at least one trustee is concerned about the health and safety of the drinking water and continually sites the Shaw Report. “But if the village is on Lake Michigan water, what’s the issue. And what’s the Shaw Report. The last time I heard from Shaw, it was Sadie asking me out.” C.L. must be the only person, oops, living creature who has not heard of the Shaw Report, which in essence was an environmental impact study on the L&L property that the village was interested in annexing five years ago.

Little asked if the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the federal environmental protection agency looked into it. Yes, I assured him, they did. “And what did they find? Not much of any consequence. “Oh,” he said, “then it must have been handled by the Lake County Health Department.” I told him it was. “So what’s the problem?” he asked. I explained to him that Trustee Lisa Stone things L & L is responsible for foul water. “Excuse me,” he said, “you have a problem with fowl water?”

Clarification made, I further explained that L&L was once a landfill, but now serves as a compost area. The federal and state EPAs have said L&L does not pose a danger to the village, or the surrounding areas.

“So as they say in the barn, what’s the beef?” he asked. I’m not sure, I told him. Granted safety of well water for human consumption has its valid points, but the village’s wells are 1,000 feet deep and any runoff from L&L will not impact them.

“So who will it impact?” Little asked? Another good question. Theoretically, it could affect resident in unincorporated Lake County. “Ahh, so I bet the village has been swamped with calls of concern from those residents.” Nope. “How about the villages of Riverwoods and Lincolnshire?” Nope.

“Do the residents have any concerns about the drinking water?” he asked. “I would expect anyone receiving well water could have concerns, but this is not a new problem,” I said.

Little pondered the situation as he fixed his feathers. “So why is Stone going ballistic about this problem if it does not affect the village and has been checked out by environmental engineers; is she an expert in this area?”

Good question, again, I noted. It’s especially intriguing to me, I told him that Stone used to live over in that area, but never said a word about.

“I dunno,” Little said, “It sounds a little strange to me. Would you have any concerns?
I told him I too live over in that area and found the odors and potential problems from the sewage treatment plant more of a concern, especially when I cooked.

“Really, that’s pretty interesting. What recipe were you most concerned about?” he asked.
I told him the one for chicken soup.

“Not funny,” he said, “Not funny at all."

Neither is hysteria over a problem that independent experts have addressed and provided solid information.

Another tradition gone away...

Being a traditionalist in many ways, this time of year is a cause for reflection.

Kids are going back to school, vacations are wrapping up, and the Cubs are out of the pennant race.

Some things never change.

One thing that has changed, however, is the traditional start of election campaigning. It used to be that politicians would not start their bids for office until Labor Day. Not anymore. Now it seems as though campaigning is year round. It starts prior to the primaries, runs through the primaries and once the primaries are over – boom – the incessant rhetoric picks up once again.

Trustee Lisa Stone, who has done for campaigning what Lar “America First” Daly did for Chicago mayoral elections, fits, no breaks the mold. Her stint on the Village Board has been one continuous campaign filled with (this not news, folks) ridicule and personal accusations. And while she claims to be a concerned about the village finances, her campaign continues to cost the residents.

The video taping of the Village Board meetings is not free – and the longer Stone rambles, the more the village pays those videographers, who I believe now get Tetanus shots as part of their benefits. Stone uses the community access to wave her disdain for just about everything in the village. She uses community access for her own benefit, such as the time she told the videographer to “focus in” on the page of the Shaw Report she was waving around. Regular to Village Board meetings may also recall the bird houses that were placed in front of each member of the Board in recognition of the Arts Commission Bloomin' Buffalo Grove. Only Stone moved hers aside. Guess it interfered with the camera angle.

The interesting thing here is campaigns are for politicians. Lisa Stone is not a politician. That’s not my assessment, nor that of any of her opponents. That’s her assessment – she, made that pronouncement during the Aug. 9 Board Meeting. “I am not a politician.”

I’ll add that to my list of great political quotes – along with “I am in charge here” (Alexander Haig), “the policeman is not here to create disorder, the policeman is there to preserve disorder” (Richard J. Daley) and, of course, everyone’s favorite “I am not a crook” (Richard Nixon).

So now it’s “I am not a politician” – which leads to the question, if you’re not a politician, what are you and why are you taking up space on a governing body?

If it’s to showcase special interests, then the mission is accomplished. If it’s to serve the community, let’s make that entire community, the mission is falling way short, sort of like the Cubs bid for a World Series title (wait, let’s make that appearance).

Stone apparently thinks being a politician means playing games, back stabbing and doing only what you want to do. But she would never do that, she’s not a politician.

Savvy politicians would never steal a limelight; instead they would let their record and performance speak for themselves. Nah, I don’t think Stone would do that because, after all, she’s not a politician.

Good politicians who serve their constituency well get re-elected, much to the chagrin of some. However, it’s important to note that even if they do serve a long time it’s because of public trust and dedication to serving their community, county, state or nation.

The bad ones are rejected in one way or another.

So as Labor Day looms, it’s sad to see some traditions go by the wayside – like controlled campaigning.

Thank goodness we have the Cubs.

Words, words, words...

As has been noted in this space, the late George Carlin used to say “I love words…there are 400,000 words in the English language and only seven you can’t say on television…”

While some resident may think those “naughty seven” may be applicable to the Village Board, the key word of interest is not even on the list. A bad word? Nah. Misused? Probably.

Independent.

Trustee Lisa Stone likes to wave her flag be pronouncing herself as an “independent voice.”

Independent of what? Yes, we know, independent of the old boys network.

Stone continues to overlook the history of the village to realize that many key decisions were made by women who dedicated their time to the development of the village. That, however, would make too much sense to Stone. Besides, what’s old? Village President Elliott Hartstein just had a birthday and he’s only a few years older than I am. Neither of us is old.

If she continues to think it’s an old boys network, she is clueless to her colleagues on the Board – Beverly Sussman, De Ann Glover and Jan Sirabian. Sussman, like Stone, is a first-termer. Glover and Sirabian have served the village for years and do so out of passion, not to be self-centered or make a name for themselves.

So now we need to move from George Carlin to the late S.I. Hayakawa, who among other things, was not only a college administrator (he was president of San Francisco State University), he was a renown semanticist who spent much of his career ‘studying the history of language patterns and habits of thought,’ according to U.S.English.org. I can only imagine what his thoughts would have been after watching Trustee Stone.

No doubt, Dr. Hayakawa would have bristled at her use, misuse, and over use of various words. Such as independent. There are, to no surprise, many definitions for independent. Merriam-Webster includes:

“… not dependent: as a (1) : not subject to control by others : (2) : not affiliated with a larger controlling unit b (1) : not requiring or relying on something else : not contingent (2) : not looking to others for one's opinions or for guidance in conduct (3) : not bound by or committed to a political party c (1) : not requiring or relying on others”

Sound like Liza? She would like you to think so. But recent rants show that she is focused only on self-interest items and does not contribute to items that affect the entire village. So who is guiding Trustee Stone? Is this true independence?

There are other words that could come into play as well. Merriam-Webster defines disrespectful as “a lack of respect” and define respect as

“… :an act of giving particular attention : consideration 3 a : high or special regard :esteem b : the quality or state of being esteemed c plural.."

The key words here are “consideration”, “esteem”, and “quality” – none of which seem to come into play with Stone. She shows little consideration for the efforts of her colleagues, holds no one in esteem, except for herself.

As for quality, well, her quality of her comments in both content and presentation is lacking. I never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Hayakawa, but if it was possible to do so today, I wonder if he would associate one word with Trustee Stone’s incessant rants at Village Board meetings.

Annoying.

It would also be great if it was possible to hear the thoughts of the late Carlin. I don’t think he would have had one word. He might have seven.