The Observer takes a look back at another year gone by, as we present the ten most frequently read news stories and editorials for 2015. Click on any title to read and revisit stories from this past year.
January 26th Village Board meeting recordings released
The top read story of the year came early with our reporting of an unfortunate scene during the January Village Board meeting when a former Trustee resorted to profanity with tensions mounting before the 2015 elections.
Horse boarding rules already facing legal challenge
It came as no surprise to most residents that within days after some Trustees voted to override the veto of the highly controversial LeCompte/Anderson Horse Boarding amendment that a lawsuit was filed against the Village, as this news article from March reports.
“Don’t be deceived” – Part Five
In the weeks leading up to the April 2015 election, we ran a series of five articles titled “Don’t be deceived” dispelling rumors and falsehoods being published by the SOS party candidates during the campaign. The fifth was the most read.
We’ve Been Clubbed by Commercial Horse Boarding
The play on words in the title of this January editorial was the only light-hearted item about it as we pointed out the obvious and blatant conflicts of interests that a majority of members of our Zoning and Village Boards had when it came to legislating anything related to horse boarding codes.
Croll, Maison and Cecola win seats on Barrington Hills Board
The title of this article speaks for itself, and it was read by hundreds of relieved residents.
Barrington Hills candidates debate horse-boarding solutions, veto
Early on in the 2015 campaign for three seats on our Village Board, the controversy over horse boarding was employed as a wedge to divide the electorate. This February 4 Daily Herald article is one well read example.
Homeowners sue Barrington Hills after tree dispute bars them from moving in
This May 2015 story ultimately pointed out some shortcomings in our code, as well as the uneven enforcement of them by our (now former) Code Enforcement Officer. Lessons were learned and corrective action was taken.
Polo politicking – SOS Party style
Political operatives supporting one trustee slate attempted in March to persuade would-be voters that if their candidates lost the election it would mean the end of public polo matches in Barrington Hills. This editorial pointed out their underestimation of the intelligence of residents.
Board votes to settle suit, void Commercial Horse Boarding amendment
Our October article reporting the actions of the Village Board regarding the flawed LeCompte/Anderson Horse Boarding amendment was well read and garnered quite a number of reader comments.
A former Village President was fond of saying the reason there are no signs reading “Welcome to Barrington Hills” on roads leading into the Village was because people passing through knew the borders instantly by seeing the sprawling estates. Last April, no one really noticed the estates, just the over-abundance of political campaign signs.
**It should be noted that a recently published article titled “2015 Shining Star Awards” would likely have made this year’s top read list considering it has been shared by 119 Facebook users already, but it was only published on December 22nd. Perhaps it will make our 2016 list.
-The Observer
As a resident who participated in much if not all of the above issues in 2015, our village can take pride in its residents who understood and recognized what unification meant in 2015. Regardless of the topic, they sought and embraced unity, not an only a concept but proved that when people come together, good and positive benefits are possible across the board. The election of an entire new slate of Trustees will allow our board to be freed from the bondage of the past and look ahead with hope and. I further believe that for 2016 our village can thrive and make great strides by choosing positive messages that lift us up, and doesn’t consistently tear us down.
Marty, those of us who have stood with you are increasingly confident now and most appreciative of all your good works this year. We know that 2016 will be a banner year with your continued eye on sound fiscal management, and an enhanced outlook toward solving complex issues.
The April election solidified that the majority believes the future is bright, and accomplishments can be achieved if we support one another.
I hope that the New Year will continue on that same trend, and remembering always what unites us is greater than what divides us. That was the lesson learned in 2015!
Happy New Year to all and may our village prosper for years to come with superb and solid leadership and the sustained devotion of many dedicated public servants who feel exactly as I do.
Marty………you bees the man!!!!
A happy and productive and healthy new year to all!