While agreeing that protecting the environmental character of Barrington Hills is of paramount importance, the five candidates vying for three village trustee seats have different perspectives on the village budget and the extent to which spending and taxes can or should be reduced.
Incumbent Fritz Gohl is running in cooperation with newcomers Michael Harrington and Kelly Mazeski, while Colleen Konicek Hannigan and former plan commission chairman David Stieper are running independently.
Read more from the Daily Herald here.
I’m curious about Mr. Harrington’s comment that 9% for legal fees is “an acceptable level for Barrington Hills.” what does THAT mean, especially when other BACOG villages spend much less, as do Cities like Crysal Lake, population 40,000 plus. Kelly Mazeski’s answer is without substance, political fluff. And, as for Fritz, well, Fritz is just being Fritz; so many numbers, but no action. The depth of Dave Stieper’s experience and understanding of the facts is necessary to bring us out of the mess we’re in. We need someone who will assert themselve, stand up with the truth. Ms. Hannigan best describes Abboud’s style as “confrontational.” It is Abboud’s arrogance that drove the Duda/Mac Arthur farm out of Barrington Hills. And yet, Bob Abboud still tries, with some success, to convince people that he/Abboud saves 5 acre zoning when, in fact, he LOST 500+ acres to the County. As for protection of our water, there is no disagreement in the importance; however, Bob Abboud, used the East Dundee situation for posturing as the savior of safe water, and, again, interjects BACOG’s name repeatedly. Can’t people see through his theatrics?
I liked Ronald Reagan, but we don’t need an actor at the helm in Barrington Hills. McLaughlin, Hannigan and Stieper on April 9th can be a new beginning.
Based on the interview the only trustee candidates with forward thinking ideas for our community are Hannigan, Harrington and Stieper.
Fritz was mentioned in the previous comment as “just being Fritz” but that’s not a benefit to an ailing community such as ours. Just going with the current administration’s will and flow will not repair our damaged reputation, nor will it reduce our taxes from unnecessary legal and other expenses. And it looks like Mazeski didn’t show for the interview, so that speaks volumes.
God knows that this village is in desprate need of a guy (stright shooter) like steeper. I cant’ take 4 more of Abboud!!
Did we forget about Marty McLaughlin here? All this talk of being done with Abboud – then you vote for the candidate running against him. While the trustee election is of importance – it is the village president at the helm that needs to be replaced. No trustee alone is going to change his actions – in fact I fear nothing but more arguements during BOT meetings if Abboud remains. Let’s put things in persepctive here. We do agree that number one trustee endorsement should be Colleen Hannigan!
Good reminder; we mustn’t forget the biggest problem of all, Abboud,. who has the power to appoint, hire (attorneys) and much more control than we realize.. Must call everyone we know in the Village to vote for McLaughlin. then add our Trustee picks, David Stieper and Colleen Hannigan. Now or never.
To clarify my comment about Fritz; “being Fritz” – means lot of talk, no action, a yes man for Bob Abboud.