The Observer takes a look back at the year gone by and presents our most frequently read editorials and news stories for 2013. Click on any title to read or revisit stories from this past year.
Editorials:
In May, the Observer anticipated the swearing-in of newly elected Village President Martin McLaughlin, and presented readers with a message of healing and reconciliation.
September Board recordings released and our observations
This was our most commented story of the year, and focused on the efforts of Trustee Patty Meroni to block the Inaugural Hills are Alive Fall Heritage Festival.
This editorial from August discussed the ongoing difficulties that Village Board member Karen Selman seems to have with her duties chairing the Finance Committee.
The IAA Battle: Why it was over before it began
After East Dundee approved the proposed IAA auto auction facility in July, the Observer reflected upon a multitude of reasons that Bob Abboud’s strategy was doomed to fail.
This editorial, leading up to the April Village Election, highlighted the financial issues which faced the Village, including exorbitant legal spending and high FOIA costs.
McLaughlin for Village President, Konicek Hannigan and Stieper for Trustee
This opinion piece featured The Observer’s endorsements for Village Board seats in the April 9 election.
News Stories:
McLaughlin Looks Ahead to Barrington Hills Presidency
The day after Martin J. McLaughlin’s surprise election victory over incumbent Robert G. Abboud, the Daily Herald interviewed the President-Elect, and discussed the challenges which lay ahead.
As was the case in 2012, the compilation of the results of this year’s annual resident survey was one of the Observer’s top five stories of the year.
Hills are Alive Heritage Festival draws big crowd
The first-ever Hills Are Alive Fall Heritage Festival drew a large crowd of over 800 residents, who enjoyed many activities at the Barrington Hills Park District Riding Center.
AG’s office reviews ex-mayor’s Barrington Hills appointments
Shortly before leaving office, and with little if any prior notice, the former Village President made over thirty nominations or renominations to nearly every Village non-elected board, commission and committee.
Ex-Barrington Hills mayor admits talking to ComEd about auto auction plan
Former Village President Robert Abboud admitted in July that he had contacted ComEd president and CEO Anne Pramaggiore and had urged her to deny Insurance Auto Auctions’ request to allow access to their East Dundee business using a ComEd easement.
Once again, we at The Observer would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our readers and subscribers. We wish you all
Happy New Year!
– The Observer