The Village has released recordings from the August 26 Village Board meeting. To access the menu of the meeting’s topical audio recording segments, click here.
The entire public meeting lasted a grueling five hours. We can only attribute this excessive length to the fact that there were two reporters present, and the “Save 5 Acres” trustees took every advantage of this time to campaign.
We’ve reviewed all of the recordings and found there are far too many politically charged segments to refer readers to. However, one does stand out among others and that is the “ZBA Membership Discussion” agenda item requested by Trustee Messer. A direct link to the recording of that “discussion” can be accessed here.
Messer has a unique ability to shout opinions representing them as facts. He is incorrect on the interpretation of the Attorney General’s Office decision relative to the illegal appointments made by Bob Abboud and rubber stamped by the Save 5 Acre team of Meroni, Selman, Ramesh, Messer and Gohl.
BOT newcomer Michael Harrington continues the cover-up and desires to stack a pro Oakwood Farms ZBA committed to promote unlimited commercial boarding. He shows no independence. His comments to make a deal with Marty reek of Chicago style bully politics.
Each of these Trustees fail one important test; their ability to govern with good ethics. Political cronyism in their view is more important than a sound moral compass.
There is NO denying that Bob Abboud and this group illegally violated the Open Meetings Act in April of 2013. Worse, they defend these actions supporting Abboud’s nominations to Village committees 2 weeks after his election loss and 10 days before swearing in Marty in order to retain control for Save 5 Acres. This was done in order to change our residential code and allow unlimited commercial horse boarding.
Village residents should seek an independent review of the potential illegal activity involved in this matter and prosecute those involved to the full extent of the law.
Hmmm. regarding appointments to various Village Boards, Trustee Harrington says to President McLaughlin that he should “horse trade” . . . “one of yours for one of mine”.
Trustee, Messer speaks of representing his “constituants” . . . . . . . “pro-horse versus anti-horse”. I didn’t know VBH had an “anti-horse” bloc out there but I will keep my eyes open “Joe”. Trustee Messer should be reminded VBH is not an aldermanic form of government where elected officials represent districts (constituants) rather Messer has a “fiduciary duty” to act on behalf of all VBH residents under its “Managerial form” of government. An obligation Messer openly admits he breaches with impugnity .
I think Trustee Harrington should expound on what he means by “one of yours” versus “one of mine”. I always operated under the naive assumption that as a VBH government officer, all of us, including Messrs. Harrington and Messer were obligated to represent the best interests of all VBH residents rather than select special interests.
These statements by Trustees Messer and Harrington speak volumes on how each view residents and should act as a giant “red flag” on why major change on the board is in serious needr . . . . April cannot come too soon, that is unless, you view VBH through the same prism as Messer and Harrington.
For me, I prefer “us” and “we” the residents of VBH; but then again, maybe I have become a bit old fashion.
David Stieper, ZBA member.
Trustee Harrington clearly had a “freudian slip”at the last board meeting when he used the phrase, “one of yours, versus “one of mine.” An indication that the will and desires of all VBH residents are unimportant and totally irrelevant. The fact is that he was appointed by Abboud, and seated because he represents the equestrians. No other reason. His loyalties, motivations and rebuttals are for the equestrian coalition. Residents sadly have to accept this biased board. One highlight on the board is Trustee Konicek who demonstrates her knowledge, control, and poise when making her legal arguments. Messer, and Harrington are weak men who use their mouths instead of intellect when making a convincing factual argument. Trustee Konicek is very capable in this role, and makes those with whom she sits look foolish and immature. The Abboudites are not going to give up their power chairs easily, and until things change residents will draw the shortest straws when it comes to important issues. Hillary Clinton was fond of saying it “take a village.” No Hillary …The good news is that President McLaughlin has many female ninjas in the wings. Many more than willing to square off against these legal bullies and send them into early retirement to the horse pastures where they need to be and not serving in the capacity as our representatives!
With all the arguments surrounding Mr. Bond, I am wondering whether he will be happy serving as legal counsel? We certainly welcomed him into the village, equestrian style!
I know the village is a melting pot of cultures and interests.
Some people have already made their millions or inherited fortunes, and others who are working hard to keep their jobs, their homes and pay their taxes and some are finding ways to supplement their income.
Some people question what to do… and want to be legitimate… and not get fined retroactively from when a neighbor unknowingly complained about something years ago and get a daily fine in court without due process and a chance to correct the situation.
There are some people who have well manicured, landscaped & light up properties and some who have it natural for the wildlife or a mixture of both.
I wish they had a chart of members of where they stand on issues, so it is not hidden and we have to continually guess.
I know there is always the middle ground where they want more imput to hear the residents issues about…. horses, bikes, home occupation zoning, ag zoning, commercial zoning.
Parcels in the village vary from 1-5 acres and another one have 120 or more.
People have different ways of managing care, time, labor and clean up.
Some people love, like, or hate animals and then their are AR extremists.
We all have different ideas and we should try to work with others to find a way to a solution to the quandaries that we are all faced with to avoid conflicts.
Listening to the audio section of the BOT meeting suggested by the Observer is eye popping. Are all the Trustee meetings so politically biased? The attorney representing the Village in the audio seemed prepared and provided sound opinion. Why does Mr. Joseph Messer attack Mr. McLaughlin and the Attorney so much? Whenever legal disputes like this arise, questions of cover up mount.
Trustees Messer, Meroni, Selman, Gohl and now Harrington know only one way, and that is the ex Village President’s way. From long experience, it is patently clear that they are conferring with and are taking direction from him. His ways were and are divisive and extremely expensive. The failed politician continues to seek relevance as he attempts to revive his career, but, as in the past, does not have the courage to come out from hiding and personally promote his insanity. Why should he? He has five trustees willing to do his dirty work for him. The arguments they present are straight out of his playbook, which was inspired by Saul Alinsky’s “12 Rules for Radicals”. (One example – his camp is currently spreading the rumor that ZBA Member David Stieper is involved in the Duda property as developer – totally untrue – but then they are not burdoned by the truth in most matters as long as it suits their ends). The only way for the Village to undo the damage caused by the failed administration of the former President is to elect new Trustees, none of whom has ever had anything to do with Robert G. Abboud.
How do we stop them from ramrodding the commercial horse boarding through in the meantime? I would encourage all of us to add appropriate comments to the Daily Herald and other stories that misrepresent BH on the bike lane issue.
Chas,
The only way to keep commercial horse boarding from becoming reality is to vote them out in the next election, and stop voting for their candidates who claim they are the “saviors of 5 acres and all things village, but are really Abboud disciples! That’s how!!!
The bad taste left by the Abboud administration, and pertuated by “his” trustees, has so tainted the reputation of the Village of Barrington Hills that prospective Buyers are losing interest in buying a home in the Village. Those who purport to Save 5 Acres, have, in fact, lost 500+ acres, putting ego before reason, when they fumbled negotiations with the Duda company, are now further weakening the 5 acre position by pushing for Commercial Horse Boarding. The hypocrisy and sheer hatred these “savers” have demonstrated will continue to discourage new buyers and lower your property values. I think the Village Board meetings should be televised; then the masses can observe the bad behavior that Abboud has choreographed for anyone weak enough to follow him. .
Watcher, problem is that some of us have “watched” this “messer” for 5 years attending BOT and ZBA meetings. No one jumping in now could fathom how terrible it’s been for years under the reign of Abboud and his Save 5 Acre pack of bullies. We simply now need to support Marty and his nominations for committee seats and legal representation. The next election is critical.