Earlier this week, a reader was kind enough to send us a link to the new Facebook page for the SOS Party (click here to view).
On the surface, their page is filled with lovely photos, many of which depict sunsets. We’re not sure what this implies from a political standpoint, since most consider sunsets to be the end of the day or an ending of period in someone’s life such as retirement.
However, one resident Facebook user clearly likes the photos he sees (see photo inset left). As a matter of fact, he’s added his liking to a number of photos on the page of these three candidates with “…strong, independent voices who have the tenacity to fight,” but the question is fight what? Fight whom? And when has anyone accused Meroni and Selman of being too independent in Village Board meetings?
Since the first person to “Like” and comment on the SOS Party Facebook page is a boarding customer from Algonquin, perhaps that sheds some sunset light, or perhaps their website provides more clues.
More landscape photos of the village can be seen throughout the SOS Party’s website (seen here). There’s also a lot of copy material for residents to read. Among them are the three campaign “Issues” candidates Meroni, Naumann and Selman have identified, which in order are:
- Our Aquifers and Manure
- Consider the Horse
- “Feathering”…The Developer’s Friend
Really? Horse manure tops their list of issues?
Considering nearly five miles of pothole ridden Village roadways are long overdue for resurfacing, we would think these “strong independent” candidates would at least admit poor road conditions are a major issue, but since they brought up horse manure we’ll address the matter.
According to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, they have removed 5,500 yards of stockpiled horse manure so far from one of the crown jewels of equestrian properties in Barrington Hills – Horizon Farms (see here). That’s about 70 yards of manure for every five acres.
We have absolutely no expectation that this in any way represents “best practices” adhered to at most equestrian properties, but there can be no dispute residents who do not follow manure management guidelines run the risk of polluting surface and groundwater, and since the Village does not monitor manure management practices, there lies the problem and the concerns voiced by some residents during debate over the recent commercial horse boarding amendment.
As for horses, few, if any residents, have issues with horses, including everyone at The Observer. Horses, dogs, cats, llamas, chickens or even the last remaining cows in Barrington Hills are part of our heritage. As many have pointed out before, any problems with animals seem to stem directly from owners and the way they keep them, not the animals.
And, for at least the fourth campaign in a row, there’s that omnipresent “Developer” word again.
Well, it’s been our experience that in some political circles, if you’re not an equestrian, you’re labeled a developer. And, given that most of the last remaining large parcels in the Village are priced so high that they’ve been languishing on the market for years, development is not imminent. Besides, our Village Code has protected five-acre zoning for over half a century.
We’ll have much more observations regarding the SOS Party’s website in the weeks before the April 7th election, since it presents a cornucopia of contradictions and omissions. And, of course, we’ll be keeping readers posted on the campaign of Cecola, Croll and Maison as their internet presence comes online.
– The Observer
I’m disgusted with our local newspaper outlets. The Daily Herald has also been duped by the former President’s propaganda machine. Meroni and Selman endorsed by the Daily Herald. If Meroni and company is “good governance” then God help us all! Is there anyone left who understands honesty, good ethics, and will support our candidates to victory in April. This is the most important election in the history of our village. VOTE VOTE VOTE.
I thought manure wasn’t an issue in horse boarding, and now it’s a central theme. And yes, best practices are not applied equally among all horse owners. It ws brought forward months ago as a potential contaminant to our ground water.
It was a deep concern brought out by our Health Department, but it was summarily dismissed. Now it is a campaign bullet point in th 2015 election. The manure I’m most concerned about is coming from our Board of Trustees who claim to do the business of people. What bull?
Misrepresentation by Trustee Harrington on the opinion of the Health Commission should be a point of emphasis in the upcoming investigation of improprieties. Trustees and ZBA decision to allow high density levels of horse populations without the facts that impact water and other contamination blatantly favors commercial boarding at the expense of public health. It is also inappropriate to claim that Text Amendment levels are problematic without the facts, but a dangerous precedent for Trustee Harrington to represent the Health Commission inaccurately.
ME THINK THE “LADIES” DOTH PROTEST TOO MUCH!
Someone should apprise the ghost writer for the “Golden Girls” that I am not running for VBH Trustee this time. That was last time and before. I am flattered so much of SOS website is dedicated to telling the public untruths about me. I never have been so crass as to use the word “bribe” to describe the 3 illegal campaign donations to Messer, Meroni and Selman. I have always referred to these 3 secret donations in conjunction with the Schuman Letter in reliance upon allegations in a verified pleading in court as a possible “quid pro quo” or “pay to play scheme”, you know, “something for something”.
In dispelling the notion of political corruption occurring in our bucolic equestrian hamlet the ghost writer for SOS website expends great effort trying to explain away the 3 illegal campaign donations to BOT members Messer, Meroni and Selman but makes no mention of VBH BOT endorsed “Schuman Letter” issued 34 days later. Why is that? Answer: SOS can’t. You see, the “unprecedented” Schuman Letter is exactly that “unprecedented”, “inexplicable”, a “suspension of reason”, “logic” and “violation of rule of law” contradicting VBH zoning code, precedent and history. The Schuman Letter must be ignored and never mentioned on SOS Website or by SOS candidates and supporters so you the voter might forget
about it on Election Day.
If Meroni and Selman were compelled to discuss the “origin” and “rational” behind the Schuman Letter they would find themselves after April 2015 with nowhere to go during the evening on the last Monday of every month. For those of you who can penetrate the fortresses of SOS coffees and political gatherings, ask Meroni and Selman about the “Schuman Letter”, specifically, why it was not issued by VBH before expenditure of taxpayer funds totaling $182,000.00 to Burke-Warren to shut down boarding operations at Oakwood Farm?
A 34 cent letter typed on VBH letterhead prepared by someone in VBH government pretending to be VBH building inspector Donald Schuman unraveling 3 years of successful litigation by Abboud and VBH BOT against Oakwood Farms at both the trial and Appellate Court level at a cost to VBH taxpayers totaling $182,000.00. How can SOS Knoop and the Golden Girls explain this letter? Why didn’t BOT Meroni or Selman ever object to its “content” or call for an investigation to find out the “identity” of this imposter? Did they already know? It’s a Hobson’s choice for Meroni and Selman because either the origin of the Schuman Letter was the result of “political corruption”, “misfeasance”, or at best “nonfeasance” by Meroni and Selman in their lack of basic understanding of VBH zoning matters and fiduciary obligations to properly manage taxpayer monies. Either way, they are unfit to ever hold office again in VBH.
Anyone who has been in the unenviable position of being a “whistleblower” knows a common ploy by the “target” is to attempt to cast the good citizen courageous enough to come forth in a false and unflattering light. If you discredit the messenger, you discredit the message. This is what SOS is attempting to do by bringing me a non-candidate appointed ZBA official into their political website. An act of intimidation, maybe, but in reality, you must treat what you are reading on SOS Website as not information grounded in common knowledge and well based fact but hollow words by shallow, desperate and scared people who know a wrong has been committed but are not contrite enough to come forward and ask the taxpayers for forgiveness.
Unlike prior BHO blogger, I believe manure management is an appropriate subject for Meroni and Selman to emphasize in 2015 SOS campaign given their history of not only producing much of it but heaping mountains of it upon VBH residents these past 4 years.
Elect Meroni and Selman and you can expect more of the [S]ame
[O]le [S]**T the next 4 years.
Let me offer a prediction.
Independent council will investigate the alleged “pay to play” scandal and he will find that Meroni, Messer and Sellman will “lawyer up” with the best criminal defense attorney that they can afford. Joe may be able to get them a professional discount as a courtesy.
Mr. Perry Mason (for the defense) will immediately instruct his clients not to communicate with anyone, write to anyone and to plead the fifth amendment if it does get into a criminal court or deposition. Don’t expect a public statement from this group!
If you are paying attention you will note that some of the “team’ (A LAWYER) has jumped ship already.
This is just another slap in the face to the average citizen of the Hills. We are fast becoming the laughing stock of the elite communities.
Has any one wondered why Mr. Knoop has returned back into the political arena after being on such a long sabbatical? Could it be self-preservation? Wasn’t he accused of being the transfer vehicle for the alleged political donations that are at the heart of this situation?
I look forward to the investigation and the report and the possibility of further legal actions.
LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY!
Our Village needs two initiatives:
1. Complete reform of political corruption and bad ethics. Current members of the Board and the ZBA practice unacceptable standards of governance. Choices made (i.e. Sears litigation, legal fees increased at expense of road repair, 8 year retroactive laws to illegally favor one landowner, decision to “ignore” violations of Open Meetings Act, etc.) demonstrate lack of ethical standards and fiscal experience.
2. Once our government is cleansed, we need a positive and proactive agenda to regain Barrington Hills’ reputation as a preeminent place to live for Open Spaces and tranquility. “Hills are Alive” event is a perfect example of positive energy (thanks Marty).
Change is required! Anyone who is dissatisfied with the last 10 years of government and hate the polarization since Abboud and his cronies seized power must participate and vote for a renewal of good governance and positive steps for our future.
Yes Jane, April IS comming!
Tomorrow is President’s Day. A day where Americans and especally VBH residents should take the time to appreciate what a “free” society founded on principles of individual liberty, property rights and representative government means. In VBH it has special meaning for me and here is why:
On President’s Day 2011 (02-21-11) former VBH President was busy at Village Hall while the doors were closed to the public (not waxing Jeffersonian philosophy or quoting Lincoln mind you) but meeting with Dan Lundmark, Paddy McKevitt and Dr. Benj. LeCompte discussing the “Home Occupation Ordinance” and what requirements are necessary relative to commercial horse boarding.
This was 11 days after Benj. LeCompte’s $15,000 “undisclosed” donation to “Save 5 Acres” and 8 days before Dan Lundmark emailed Benj. LeCompte stating:
“Hi,
Here is the exact language Bob used as to what needs to be in your affidavit.
– you understand that the village views your property as primarily residential.
-you are subject to the home occupation ordinance.
-You have modified your practices to be compliant with the home occupation ordinance.
-Your buildings are in compliance with the village building code.
Hopefully, this will work.
Dan”
Not sure why “Bob” could not communicate this to Benj. himself or why “Bob” was usurping the duties of ZBA and/or building inspector or what official position Dan held in VBH government at the time.
That is not the point of this blog. . . . . . The point is to share my feel good story about representative government even at the local level. To provide just one more example of how VBH government interacts with [some] of those its serves . . . . . . . . its just my feel good VBH’s President’s Day memory which I wanted to share with BHO readers . . . . and a constant reminder, in VBH, some animals are more equal than others. . . .
Anyway, on March 15, 2011, 3 weeks later, the Schuman Letter was released by the village and shall I say, the rest is [almost] history.
In response to and in dispute of the representations made by an anonymous author on the SOS website under “Distortion vs Reality – Corruption”, the following are indisputable facts:
1. Benjamin B. Le Compte III made a donation of $5,000.00, by check, on February 8, 2011, payable to “Citizens for Stieper”, not to David Stieper, individually. The donation was deposited in the Bank Account maintained by “Citizens for Stieper”, and was properly and timely disclosed per Election Code of the State of Illinois to the State Board of Elections, State of Illinois. At the time, Mr. Stieper served as the Chairman of the Plan Commission of the Village of Barrington Hills, an appointed position.
2. Benjamin B. Le Compte III made three donations of $5,000.00 each , by check, on February 10, 2011, payable to, as individuals, sitting Trustees Joseph Messer (candidate) and Patty Meroni(candidate) and candidate Karen Selman, who at the time served as Village Clerk, an appointed position. The checks were given to Steven Knoop and Karen Selman at the home of Benjamin B. Le Compte III, two of which were later given to Joseph Messer and Patty Meroni. The checks were endorsed by the individuals over to the “Save5Acres of Barrington Hills” campaign committee and deposited in the Bank Account maintained by the Save5Acres of Barrington Hills campaign committee. The donations were reported to the State Board of Elections, State of Illinois, as having been made by the individuals to Save5Acres of Barrington Hills campaign committee. Benjamin B. Le Compte III was not disclosed by the individuals or the Save5Acres of Barrington Hills campaign committee as the actual $15,000.00 donor.
3. A complaint was filed with the State Board of Elections, State of Illinois, by George L. Schueppert, alleging Save 5 Acres of Barrington Hills, Jason Elder, Dan Lundmark, E. Margaret Eich, Karen Rosene, John Rosene, Patty Meroni, Karen N. Selman, Joseph Messer, Benjamin B. Le Compte III “individually or in concert, violated the following sections of the Campaign Disclosure Act: 9-25, in that contributions were made in the name of another, 9-26 filing of false campaign disclosure reports, and 9-8.5 received contributions in excess of the amount permitted by law.”
The initial hearing was held on March 18, 2011, confirming the facts as stated in (2.) above, and on June 15, 2011 The Election Board found, in its written opinion that “The respondents violated Section 5/9-8.5 and 5/9-25 of the Election Code”.
The Board did not qualify the severity of the violations, either orally or in written form.
Following is the ruling as issued by the State Board of Elections, State of Illinois:
FINAL ORDER
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.
DATED: 6/15/2011
Bryan A. Schneider, Chairman
I maintain a small home in Amelia Island Florida. If I could get anywhere near what my BH’s home was worth I would bolt down there in a flash. These money grabbing clowns have affected the values of our estates and our formerly fine reputations are in the dumper. I sure hope this situation ends soon so I can get out of here!
Thank you Marty for all that you do!
Don’t they know or is it that they don’t care what they are doing to this once princely hamlet?