With the passage of the Anderson-LeCompte Amendment allowing horse boarding businesses to expand their operations and proliferate throughout the Village, the Riding Club of Barrington Hills can claim “victory”—but hopefully only a temporary one. The Riding “Clubbers” (we’ll see why that term in a moment) can celebrate that the goals they established in a 2005 white paper have now come to fruition (a copy of that white paper can be viewed here).
In that white paper written by John Rosene—yes, husband of Karen Rosene on the ZBA, who voted to expand horse boarding businesses— he urged his fellow Clubbers to take “aggressive” action under a “new strategy to ensure and enhance its future.” The strategy was political. As Rosene wrote: “With the election of Bob Abboud to the presidency of the Village Board, along with supportive trustees who include Fritz Gohl” and others, the Clubbers would have important political allies.
Having political allies works. It was the “supportive” Trustee Fritz Gohl who, with some help, scheduled a special board meeting last month where the Anderson-LeCompte abomination was passed. And it was a very “special” meeting indeed, conducted with minimal public notice when President McLaughlin could not attend, and with public comment relegated to the end of the meeting, after a vote had occurred.
And, of course, the other trustees who voted for the Anderson-LeCompte Amendment included the three (Messer, Meroni, and Selman) who accepted and then affirmatively concealed campaign contributions from LeCompte, the primary beneficiary of the new law.
Back to the white paper. The Clubbers’ spokesman Rosene told members in 2005 that those who did not share equestrian interests were not really neighbors, but rather were the enemy. What was the mission? Read it in the white paper: “I believe our mission is to ensure that all new residents of Barrington Hills are, in fact, equestrians.”
And how to accomplish that mission? Here was Rosene’s violent recommendation:
One approach is to ally ourselves with another “special interest group,” the National Rifle Association, and simply shoot in-coming non-equestrians as they arrive with their moving vans. This is probably the most cost-effective way to go.
Or we can convert the “heathens.”
We can only hope these remarks were the product of bad judgment in using sarcasm to make a point. We can be sure, however, that these comments reflect the level of compulsion that those who would make such statements, and publish them, have about the perpetuation of an equestrian lifestyle, to the exclusion of everything and everyone else. “Heathens.”
We may not have been the victims of the physical assault advocated in the Rosene white paper, but our Village was surely “Clubbed” into submission through the passage of the Anderson-LeCompte Amendment, with help from “supportive” Trustee Gohl and the LeCompte-financed Trustees Messer, Selman and Meroni.
Fortunately, we have a timely opportunity to make the Clubbing only temporary with a Trustee Election in April. We believe it’s time to elect new, unencumbered trustees to restore balance to Barrington Hills governance.
– The Observer
Abboud wasn’t even sworn in when this was written. Also interesting the Kalaway Cup coincidentally started in 2005 to support their political plans to club us.
Heard attendance was way down at the polo match last year with the discussion over commercial boarding raging so maybe residents are finally waking up!
I was once informed, “this vile self-centered group of miscreants would cover-up a murder if it served their purpose.” I now believe it is true. My family dropped its membership from the Riding Club in 2011 because of Rosene’s type of combative rhetoric which manifested itself into the divisive style of politics we see in VBH today.
John Rosene is the propagandist behind what is really at its core a form of “fascism”. John’s rhetoric (through past political “Ghost” writing, pictorials for “Save 5 Acres” candidates, “Abboud” and “BH Riding Club” coupled with strategic papers for the advancment of candidates and organizations) is designed to denigrate, alienate and if John could, subjucate a segment of VBH residents and opposition candidates, primarily “non-equestrians.” What John and Riding Club are saying to “non-equestrians” in VBH is we loath you but we will take your money and time if it benefits us.
Riding Club President, Jason Elder recently espoused this view at a ZBA public hearing on commercial boarding when Jason again, attempted to demean VBH residents who are domiciled on less than 5-Acre zoned lots in VBH by mischaracterizing the origin of Paganica, Barrington Bourne and former Middlebury claiming subdivision of these geographical parcels occurred after their annexation in VBH. That VBH neighbors in these areas pose a threat to R1 (5-Acre) zoning and Riding Club equestrian way of life. Of course, the opposite is true, but for Riding Club President, facts get in way of the propaganda machine.
I hope after reading this “BHO blog” and “white paper” many other fair minded VBH residents will consider dropping their membership in the BH Riding Club until this type of verbiage is removed from its lexicon. What happened to rules of public decency, rule of law and love of thy neighbor in VBH? Maybe it really never existed; but maybe the real “heathens” are people like John Rosene and Riding Club members who infect our community with this kind of poison.
Residents need to be reminded that the Equestrian Commission was the genesis of Abboud et. al., I think serious consideration should be made by Pres. McLaughlin in 2015 to dissolve this commission. At a minimum a newly formed “Residential Commission” be organized to provide balance to views emanating from the Equestrian Commission which recently assisted ZBA Chairman Freeman’s majority and Save 5 Acres dominated BOT in providing an opinion on only one boarding text amendment application in the most recent distruction of VBH R-1 (5-acre) zoning through adoption of Anderson II.
I hope after reading this “BHO blog” and “white paper” many other fair minded VBH residents will consider dropping their membership in the BH Riding Club until this type of verbiage is removed from its lexicon. What happened to rules of public decency, rule of law and love of thy neighbor in VBH? Maybe it really never existed; but maybe the real “heathens” are people like John Rosene and Riding Club members who infect our community with this kind of poison.
Perhaps I should post the video recording I have at a BOT meeting where I respectfully assert my right to speak at public comment. Perhaps the entire community should see how the riding club ‘president’ (trust fund bully) demeans and pokes fun as I approach the podium. Perhaps the entire village should see just how vile this group is – especially when it comes to making fun of military and law enforcement widows and senior citizens….
Thank God for You Tube!
Pauline:
Mr. Elder grew up in Cary, IL and has degrees from The University of Kansas (undergraduate) and The University of Chicago (MBA). He, his wife, and one of his LLCs have supported Abboud in various campaigns to the extent of about $50,000. Yes, he does denigrate those residing on less than 5 acres, such as Trustee Hannigan (he surely must be unaware that Trustee Selman’s property is slightly over 1 acre), but there is no evidence that he is a “trust funder”.
He has the same mentality.
After reading this article, I forwarded it immediately to many of my neighbors. It would surprise the majority of residents, that this WHITE paper was ever authored by J. Rosene and the shocking statements implied in this letter. The emotional assault against all Barrington Hills residents who don’t own horses should be offensive to all. The equestrians are basically orchestrating a plott to create a monopoly for their self-serving goals.
Even more tragic Mr. Rosene’s wife sits on the ZBA, and facilitates this dialogue although her term has expired. How is this possible? The narrative a la the equestrian brand makes no secret of the fact that you are either one of them, and if you don’t convert then you don’t belong in Barrington Hiils!! I agree with David, this special commission should be disbanded because it spreads a dictatorial message of exclusion and not inclusion. We are not physically being clubbed of course, however we are clubbed in our wallets and in the belief that we are all part of a community and we are equals. Certain Trustees have continued to betray us by perpetuating their agenda. Make no mistake that Abboud is continuing to hold the reigns of this community in his hands. He doesn’t need to be present at board meetings.. With the April election months away, residents need to be wary of the spin that anyone from their slate has the interests of all BH residents. Nothing could be further from the truth!!
The Anderson II amendment is now law and gives credence to this group above the rights of all residents who own property and pay taxes here; and many support their riding trails and clubs with their own money. I urge that they should withdraw their support.
The assertions made in this white paper are wicked, and residents should start this New Year resolving to shut down this type of legislative propaganda by voting in candidates who have no preconceived ideas such as those articulated in this letter. then and only then will it be Happy New Year in Barrington HIlls! As far as heathens goes, well you decide for yourself.
Sean, it’s not just what they do, but how they do it. They are obsessed with a goal to change Barrington Hills into a commercial equestrian community.
This has been a long and protracted scheme to fill Trustee seats, bully good people to leave government because of mean spirited public bashing and illegal/unethical actions. Karen Rosene was re-appointed to the ZBA by Abboud and after he lost the election – illegally in violation of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Trustees Harrington, Messer, Selman, Gohl and Meroni chose to ignore the recommendation of the Attorney General and keep her seated to ensure they could protect and repay Oakwood Farms for political and special interest favoritism.
Now, they obstruct every good intention deed of McLaughlin in order to win political favor and ensure their agenda is met. They have proven to use every scheme and unethical means to get their way. The ZBA under Judy Freeman is simply pushing a political, special interest agenda. The ZBA has serious conflicts of interest and have ignored their ethical responsibilities.
These actions do not represent the equestrian community at large, but the extremes. However, until the community stands up in force and demands that the law punish them for crimes, this obsession will not stop as evidenced with the insane approval of the illegal Anderson Amendment.
Cynthia,
I agree with you totally on all your points, I only hope that our entire community will not accept this type of goverance any longer, and rise up in large numbers and bring forth the change that is so overdue. Surely, good ethics and laws should be supported and upheld. But, it starts with our residents voting these corrupt individuals out from our village government posts. Their votes against President McLaughlin, demonstrate a strong desire to hold our village business hostage. Their evil and illegal deeds will catch up with them, I guarantee you. 2015 will be a great year if we come together and support our President so that he can get the board he needs to make the change that is so vital.
Wow! Reading the white paper is an eye opener! Encourage everyone that reads the Observer to send to 5 neighbors. It’s easy to see that the Riding Club activists orchestrated a political extremist agenda to make Barrington Hills an “equestrian community” at expense of our residential code and property rights.
Fascism is not a overstated word when it comes to describe the authoritative agenda of the likes of Abboud, Freeman, Messer, Meroni, Gohl, Rosene, Elder and others.
Problems are that it’s bled into disruption of good governance everywhere in BH. Roads and budget under Meroni a mess. Selman in charge of financials places least experienced person in charge. Gohl wastes millions on poor pension decisions.
The contrived plan set forth in the back rooms by Abboud, Knoop, Freeman, Messer and others polarized our Village and is destroying our tranquility reputation. Vote the bums out and send those who broke the law to jail.
John Rosene knew the power of his words in the 2005 white paper. By profession, John is a trained journalist/copywriter and John’s writing skills may be all over this village.
As an example, in 2006 Abboud started his “rebranding” when he ordered the rewrite of the Comprehensive Plan. Their approved new Plan referenced Equestrian/Horseraising in 68 places. The previous 1995 Plan cited it 0 times. It took someone with strong advertising/copywriting to finesse finding various places to fit in a ten letter word on various older original pages.
A new 2.5 page section entitled Best Equestrian Practices was added without any resource cited in the Bibliography. Isn’t Mr. R. a writer, a life-long rider and master polo player?
What was the name of the marketing company that was assisting in the start of Abboud’s massive overhaul our residential community in 2005? Maybe Abboud had local help for gratis by Mr. R. who could offer up some marketing advice.
Many of the recent past thought they could strong arm opposition to the Plan but those folks are laying low or have been relocated. Mr. Rosene thought his clever words could “convince” us to go along.
Ms. Freeman succeeded where the power of words and brawn couldn’t get the Plan into action. Ms. F. managed to perform ramming the Plan through with clumsy, often pathetic and unbelievably illegal proceedings. Some of her Team were elected/bribed and some were appointed by Abboud because of their equine ideology/monetary interest. Some are just plain clueless.
My hope for the New Year is that with a new BOT, this village can become residentially friendly again.
John Rosene should be called the “Spin Doctor of Barrington Hills”, rather than “The Ghost”, as he is wont to confuse fact with fiction.
In a widely circulated email just prior to the 2013 election, he stated the following: “campaign violations. Save 5 Acres had to spend thousands of dollars to defend charges that were ultimately adjudged to be minor technical errors. No fines were imposed. And all Save 5 candidates won their elections.”
The Board of Elections made no mention of “minor technical errors”.
The following are from the Final Orders of the Court:
11 CD 006: Respondents (Save 5 Acres, Dan Lundmark & John Rosene)
This matter coming to be heard this 14th day of June, 2011 following a Public Hearing of a Complaint filed pursuant to “An Act to Regulate Campaign Financing” (Illinois Compiled Statutes, 10 ILCS 5/9-1 et seq., herein referred to as the “Act”), alleging that the respondent(s) violated 10 ILCS 5/9-9 and 5/9-9.5 in that the Respondent committee failed to ensure that campaign communications clearly identified the committee has having paid for it and failed to include the proper solicitation of funds language as required on communications; and the State Board of Elections having read the report of the Hearing Officer and reading the recommendation of the General Counsel and now being fully advised in the premises,
THE BOARD FINDS:
1. The respondent committee violated Sections 5/9-9 and 5/9-9.5 of the Election Code.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:
1. The respondent committee shall comply with all reporting requirements in future campaign communications it produces; and
2. Failure to do so will subject the Committee to a civil penalty not to exceed $5000.00 for failure to comply with a Board Order, and
3. The effective date of this Order is June 15, 2011, and
4. This is a Final Order subject to review under the Administrative Review Law and Section 9-22 of the Election Code.
11 CD 005: Respondents (Save 5 Acres, J. Elder, D. Lundmark, E.M. Eich, K. Rosene, J. Rosene, P. Meroni, K. Selman, J. Messer, & B. LeCompte)
This matter coming to be heard this 14th day of June, 2011, following a Public Hearing of a Complaint filed pursuant to “An Act to Regulate Campaign Financing” (Illinois Compiled Statutes, 10 ILCS 5/9-1 et seq., herein referred to as the “Act”), alleging that the respondent(s) violated 10 ILCS 5/9-25, 5/9-26 and 5/9-8.5 in that the Respondent committee made contributions in the name of another, filed false campaign disclosure reports and received contributions in excess of the amount permitted by law; and the State Board of Elections having read the report of the Hearing Officer and hearing the recommendation of the General Counsel and now being fully advised in the premises,
THE BOARD FINDS:
1. The respondents violated Section 5/9-8.5 and 5/9-25 of the Election Code; and
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:
1. The recommendation of the Hearing Officer and the General Counsel is adopted; and
2. The respondents comply with all reporting requirements in the future, and
3. Failure to do so will subject the Committee to a civil penalty not to exceed $5000.00 for failure to comply with a Board Order, and
4. Board staff shall review reports filed for any possible violations of contribution limits and make any necessary penalty assessments, and
5. The effective date of this Order is June 15, 2011, and
6. This is a Final Order subject to review under the Administrative Review Law and Section 9-22 of the Election Code.
So, Historian,
Messer, Meroni and Selman illegally reported donations (FACT) from Dr. LeCompte, yet refused to recuse themselves voting for the Anderson Amendment which contains an 8 year “retroactive” provision to make Oakwood Farms legal while pending litigation is before the Appellate Court? Also, independent counsel for the Village (Bond Dickson) advised the Board that taking action in this matter during litigation potentially exposed the Village to a suit against the Village. And, these same Trustees along with Gohl and Harrington answer that advice by voting not to pay Bond Dickson?
And, Historian, did Karen Rosene also refuse to recuse herself from the vote of the Oakwood Farms Amendment (more apt name than the Anderson Amendment) despite being appointed illegally to her seat by Bob Abboud. And, did Messer, Selman and Meroni (and Gohl and Harrington) vote to “ignore” the recommendations of the Attorney General in order to influence the voting outcome of the Oakwood Farms Amendment? And, did Barry LeCompte admit under testimony at a ZBA meeting that he drafted his recommended Amendment (the basis for Anderson’s) with Joe Messer and ZBA Chairperson Judy Freeman?
And do these Riding Club leaders stand to benefit economically with increased riding membership as Barrington Hills becomes a commercial horse boarding destination?
The Observer published John Rosene’s white paper that articulates this master plan to change the Comprehensive Plan and our Residential Code. Could Judy Freeman have possibly worked to gain public trust, be appointed to replace Jonathan Knight who accused Bob Abboud of tampering in the Oakwood Farms matter so she could manipulate her personal agenda?
And why is it that our Village President and Chief of Police aren’t calling for a criminal investigation into these alleged matters? Our counsel is supposed to protect the Village, but that means protecting its citizens from dishonest and illegal activity, presuming any of this could possibly be true.
Alice. I am also waiting and wondering when our village officials who are not bought or corrupted, will take appropriate action. Elections are fine and good but this needs to be investigated now.
and what makes you think this is NOT being investigated?
Good point The Truth. Perhaps it is. Then I can rest easy that the giant new metal barn near me that dwarfs the unoccupied house on the property will not become a place for commercial boarding.