McLaughlin for Village President, Konicek Hannigan and Stieper for Trustee

The results of the October 2012 Barrington Hills Observer Resident Survey revealed many things about the views of our village residents.  A majority of respondents expressed doubt over the ethics and transparency of the Village Board.  As many as 64% of the respondents elected through their responses that Village taxes were not fair or wisely spent.  In addition, 43% of respondents voiced concern about whether the Village President and trustees welcomed questions, concerns or suggestions from residents.

The results of this survey tell us all that change is necessary.  The opinions of our residents tell us that the candidates we should (indeed, we must) endorse are Martin McLaughlin, Colleen Konicek Hannigan and David Stieper for the positions of Village President and Trustees.  Each of them, in separate ways, possess the character traits and skills that Village residents demanded in their survey responses.

Marty McLaughlin is the right choice for Village President to replace the embattled and controversial Bob Abboud and to restore financial discipline and peace to Barrington Hills.  Mr. McLaughlin is the managing director of an investment management firm.  He will be a fiscal hawk, working hard to reduce spending and stop the rising tide of taxes—a critical objective, evidence by the response to our resident survey.

Equally important, Mr. McLaughlin possesses the character and determination to reach out to all parts of Barrington Hills, bringing renewed collaboration between neighbors and with surrounding communities.

Colleen Konicek Hannigan came to Barrington Hills in 1969, and her heart has been here ever since.  As an organizer of the Barrington Honor Ride and Run, and a member of Citizens for Conservation, Ms. Konicek Hannigan has demonstrated her commitment to the Village and to preserving its heritage.

An attorney and frequent attendee at Village Board meetings, Colleen has seen first-hand the conduct that has caused so many residents to question the ethics and transparency of the current Village administration.  Konicek Hannigan’s strong moral and professional character, and her deep roots in the Village, will make her a powerful protector of the ethical standards our village leaders must always achieve.

Finally, David Stieper’s independence and his dogged determination to expose the truth in Village government make him a perfect candidate to bring needed transparency to our Village Board.  Mr. Stieper has extensive experience in within our government bodies.

From 2003-2010, he served or chaired over sixty-one Plan Commission meetings, including the time-intensive updating of our Village Comprehensive Plan.  He is also a practicing attorney specializing in zoning and land use matters, which is a key faculty our board needs.

For these reasons, tied directly to residents’ expressed opinions, we give our endorsement to Marty McLaughlin, Colleen Konicek Hannigan and David Stieper.  As we said in these pages about one year ago, the time has come to restore financial discipline, honesty, diversity and peace to Barrington Hills.  The time has come for McLaughlin, Konicek Hannigan and Stieper.

Make your voices heard again.  Vote on April 9, 2013.

–     The Observer