“As government expands, liberty contracts.” – Ronald Reagan
Many of these ordinances might seem unimportant or even well-intentioned. But when we examine them as a whole, we begin to see how they specifically direct and limit the way we live our lives. For example, as of 2005, residents who wish to ride horses on Village trails must purchase a $10.00 license each year and display a tag issued in return for the fee (just the same as Village stickers for vehicles, except the trail tag requirement was never enforced). And, in the past, private landowners voluntarily offered the use of equestrian trails on their land, but now trails are designated in new subdivisions wherever the Equestrian Commission desires, it seems.
To address the influx of competitive bike clubs into Barrington Hills, an ordinance, enforced by a new police bicycle patrol unit, was enacted. But it means that now even residents and their children can no longer ride their bicycles side-by-side using Village roads. The burning of yard waste, which has been done for decades with a simple restriction of size, materials and hours of lawful conduct, is now illegal if any resulting soot is carried by unpredictable winds to adjoining properties.
In order to preserve old growth trees, the Village passed a Heritage Tree Ordinance, which now requires consultation with a landscape professional and a Permit for removal of certain species of trees on private property depending on size and condition. To regulate target shooting, the Village now restricts the discharge of any “missiles” from air guns, bows or similar devices on private property, to the point of including something as harmless as a dart.
Lastly, there was the proposed “Exterior Lighting Ordinance” that was eventually approved in 2011 in an impotent form after outcry by residents in opposition. Existing construction was spared, but the ordinance will restrict (and potentially diminish) new construction for years to come.
Now, Abboud has re-energized the relatively inactive Legal Committee. On the Committee’s agenda, apparently, is consideration of future ordinances that may restrict how much water residents can use; require private contractors to be licensed by the Village in order to work on our properties (making them more costly); and establish standards for home maintenance. Discussion of mandatory annual septic inspections have already taken place. And, don’t forget, our Village now has “whiz bang” optics (see Abboud to Barrington Hills residents: Keep your mouths shut and your window blinds open at all times!)) that can apparently assist in inspecting for code violations within our homes, so residents should hide their dartboards from view.
This raises an obvious question: with our limited Village staff and no real department for Code Enforcement, who will be performing all the necessary inspections and how will these Ordinances be enforced?
The Observer does not question the need for thoughtful, sound laws. But many recent ordinances, proposed or enacted, fly in the face of the freedom and privacy that brought many residents to Barrington Hills in the first place. If President Abboud considers “branding” to be behavioral control ordinances, then he must believe he’s on the right track. We hope most others will agree that it’s the wrong one.
– The Observer