The Barrington Hills Observer

Earlier this week, The Observer published the results of the Barrington Hills 2013 Resident Survey.  A copy of our report can be downloaded here.

As was the case with the 2012 Survey, resident participation percentages categorized by county in this year’s survey were very close to those in recent elections.

With regard to elections, a high percentage of respondents indicated that they had voted in the April Village election, and two-thirds believed that the primary reason for the outcome was not a particular issue, but simply was that new leadership was needed.  Accordingly, three-quarters of those surveyed said that they feel comfortable contacting the Village President or any Trustee with questions and concerns.  This contrasts sharply with last year’s result, when only 43% felt that their elected officials were approachable.

This year’s survey included questions concerning a number of long-standing Village issues and how residents preferred to deal with them.  On the whole, most residents voiced a preference for solutions with a lower cost burden to taxpayers, whether it would involve out-sourcing 911 call dispatch or settling the Sears litigation.

It is interesting to note that significant percentages of respondents (ranging from 16-22%) selected “no opinion” to answer many of these issue-based questions.  We can assume that the reason for this is lack of familiarity with the topics owing in part, once again, to the poor flow of communications out of Village Hall.

Despite the existence of a Communications Committee (the only Village committee or commission overseen by two trustees — Selman and Meroni), three Village websites, a Village Facebook page, Twitter and a “semi-regular” newsletter, residents are still not getting enough information about the important matters facing our Board of Trustees.  The Observer has written about these communications failures (see Monkeying around with Village communications, Lessons to be learned from effective communications and #Please stop) and will continue to do so until the flow of information improves.

The 2013 survey also asked several questions about the Barrington Hills Park District.  Although just 40% of survey participants currently utilize any Park District facilities, a definitive 89% of all who answered felt that trainers and non-residents should be charged to use our district amenities.

Resident sentiments were not so clear on the two questions related to village roadways.  When asked about any perceived change in road safety since two cyclist ordinances were enacted, 56% noted no change and 28% felt some improvements had been made.  On the subject of the 25 mile-per-hour speed limit on village roads, responses were nearly equally divided, with 42% wanting to maintain the uniform limit, while 41% feeling that the limit should be raised on some roads.

Opinions were also mixed when it came to two issues directly affecting the northwest portion of the Village in McHenry County.  On the topic of re-annexation of the “Duda” property as lots less than 5 acres, 50% of all participants supported re-annexation, even if it meant smaller lot sizes, while 41% were in opposition.  On the issue of assisting village homes currently assigned to School District 300 to join District 220, 49% were against it, 29% in favor, and 23% expressed no opinion.

Lastly, two topics received the most overwhelming positive responses — both garnering 87% approval: strong interest in town hall meetings and continuation of an annual village gathering like the successful “Hills Are Alive” event held in October.  These attitudes were perhaps the most significant and encouraging findings in this year’s survey.  Residents now seem to be more willing and open to interacting with their elected representatives, and in enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed setting.

Our editorial on the 2012 Survey (2012 Survey Reflections ) noted some political climate issues in the Village during the past president’s regime and exhorted our readers to help restore a more harmonious atmosphere by voting for new leadership and direction.  In that editorial, we hoped for a “return to the laughing and smiling faces we had once upon a time.”

Last April, political change did occur in our village, and attitudes and optimism seem to be returning to Barrington Hills.  Anyone who attended “The Hills Are Alive” festival witnessed this for themselves.  Our Village has made progress, thanks to the involvement of our residents, and will continue to make strides if we stay politically active and aware.

–     The Observer