These pages have chronicled the many and varied flaws and predilections of the current government in Barrington Hills, including those of President Robert Abboud. Criticism is easy. Now it is time to begin considering the profile of new leadership for our Village. We believe new leadership must have at least the following characteristics:
Transparency and Openness. Above all, residents deserve transparency and openness in the conduct of Village affairs. There is no room for backroom government. A true leader does not complain about the “burden” of compliance with sunshine laws, such as the Freedom of Information Act. Our leaders must ensure that Village Board meetings remain open at all costs. Executive sessions cannot be abused or overused. Board meetings cannot be run inefficiently, into the wee hours of the night, discouraging citizen participation. Public comment cannot be limited and (thus) stifled, or relegated to the end of marathon sessions which only diehard residents can endure. And, of course, our leaders must ensure that board and committee meetings are broadcast, so that our widespread residents can hear and see the actions of their elected officials—whether they are two or two thousand miles away from Village Hall.
Diversity. We are a community of diverse countryside and other pursuits. To be sure, horses and equestrian activities are important and unique to our community. But they are not everything. Our leaders must strive to ensure diversity in representation on Village committees and appointments. We do not need to be “branded” as an equestrian community or otherwise. Branding only blocks diversity, and our leaders must be committed to diversity.
Financial Discipline and Limited Government. “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” No, thank you. Our leaders must focus on financial discipline and its corollary, limited government. We can no longer tolerate frivolous spending on presidential portraits or excessive spending on legal fees. New leaders must end and radically slash this type of irresponsible spending of our tax dollars. And rather than look for opportunities to pass new laws (e.g., impotent lighting ordinances, contractor licensing measures, or bicycle riding restrictions), a new generation of leaders must strive to limit unneeded regulations and the intrusion of government into our lives.
Honesty. We deserve nothing less than total honesty from our leaders. When laws are broken, they must be enforced—not excused by disingenuous arguments. Honest leadership means avoiding favoritism, or even the appearance of favoritism. Honest leadership demands adherence to rules that ensure fairness in elections, including campaign finance laws. And, of course, honest leaders must scrupulously promote the best interests of the village as a whole—they must not elevate their own interests, or those of friends, above those of the community at large.
Peace. Sadly, controversy reigns in our Village. It is time for mature, honest leadership that will end controversy, rather than encourage and promote division. In simple terms, we need leaders that can restore peace to Barrington Hills.
These, respectfully, are characteristics that form the profile of leadership that Barrington Hills deserves. It is, of course, difficult to argue with these criteria—transparency, diversity, discipline, honesty, and peace. But ask yourselves whether our current administration possesses some, or even any, of these traits. Then ask if it’s time for a change. We believe it is.
– The Observer
Here here! Again the Observer publishes an honest and informative article. I won’t speak to the traits of the present administration – we all know exactly what has been going on…… It is now time to look toward the future and heal our broken community.
Time For Change! Oh, and Hope too!
Without the continued vigilance and leadership of the Observer, we may very well have given up hope of change in the Village. I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t see the need for a new administration Certainly, it must be a toxic work environment for Village employees, too. The caste system that has been Abboud’s creation, e.g. separate Christmas parties, but freebies for BACOG, must go. Village police, engineers, staff conduct themselves as professionals; Unfortunately, the Pres and Trustees do not. Observer: we’re behind you and ready to roll!
@Phil B
Disagree with comment regarding police, engineers, and staff and the need to conduct themselves as professionals – too late as far as I am concerned. They had a choice and chose not to do the right thing. All for the almighty dollar. They are as culpable as Abboud. They too need to be replaced.
Thank you Observer for keeping us informed and encouraging us to save Barrington Hills. In the words of a famous statesman who supported our American Revolution, Edmund Burke, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” The standards you identify were once the ideals of this community’s leaders, but our current Administration has demonstrated repeatedly bad government and serving of self interests. We need to continue to encourage our friends and neighbors to learn more and witness first hand our current corruption and need for change of leadership.
Oh wise and sage Barrington Hills Observer, help us find some candidates that fulfill this traits! Be our Wizard of Oz!
Was the “Observer” operating back during the run-up to our last election of Trustees?
Seems there was a great deal of misdirection and obfuscation during that campaign. With the “Save 5 Acres” ‘s misleading platform, and the campaign finance fiasco, it was amazing to see the outcome in that election. More of the same from the same gang in charge.
Perhaps a review of who stood for the seats and the planks they stood for should be re-exeamined as a starting point towards the next campaign season would be in order.
So interesting to see that so many altruisms are voiced but in actuality real life governing is a very hard job where choices do not always please everyone but are ultimately good for the entire community. This is obviously a Barrington Hills Government/Bob Abboud bashing blog showing you have no true idea of how your local government and the hard work of the people who work for it benefit you. So sorry to read this. Very biased.
It will be interesting to see if you post this.
Mr. Martin, as you can see, the Observer did post your message. It appears this site is willing to hear all contributions. However, our Village government does not promote free speech and works to suppress information and public opinion that is contrary to their point of view. The current policy of the Village administration is to NOT allow public comments until the end of the meeting, usually 5 hours later, and limits comments to 3 minutes.
You are right, our unpaid Village elected officials put in long hours and work diligently. It takes longer hours to work a biased agenda that suppresses open meetings and caters to cronies that increases time of legal counsel cover ups. The manner in which residents who speak out, as they are laughed at and mocked by certain Trustees, is deplorable. We all look forward to learning more specifics from you as you contribute to this site and offer a balanced perspective.
Obviously R Martin has never submitted a foia request either – those considered ‘enemies of the state’ receive nothing more than the pat ‘we found nothing responsive to your request…..’ of which I am sure Kosin does nothing more than hold onto the paperwork and replies on the 5th day as required. And this is the so called greater good for the greatest number of people?