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Archive for the ‘Appointments’ Category

Darby Hills

By Russell Lissau | Daily Herald

A request for a temporary restraining order seeking to prevent Barrington Hills Trustee Darby Hills from being sworn in as the next state senator for the 26th District was filed Wednesday.

It’s the latest salvo in an Algonquin woman’s campaign to stop Hills’ appointment to the seat that was held by Republican Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods until Feb. 2.

The request was filed Wednesday morning in McHenry County court, records indicate. Judge Kevin G. Costello will rule on the matter.

More here.

Related:Lawsuit challenges legality of GOP appointment to 26th State Senate seat,” “McConchie’s would-be successor isn’t a Republican and can’t serve, lawsuit alleges,” “Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District

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Darby Hills | Village of Barrington Hills photo

By Bill Dwyer for Chronicle Media

The petals seem to have already wilted on newly appointed GOP 26th State Senate hopeful Darby Hills’ Valentine’s Day roses.

Hills, the Barrington Hills village trustee who on Feb. 14 was selected to replace Dan McConchie after his Feb. 2 resignation, has still not been sworn in as of Feb. 19. A lawsuit filed Feb. 18 in McHenry County Circuit Court argues her appointment was illegal under Illinois law.

The lawsuit, filed by southern Illinois attorney Thomas DeVore, with Algonquin resident Brittany Colatorti as plaintiff, names the Republican legislative committee for the 26th Senate District and Hills as defendants. It seeks a declaratory judgment voiding Hills’ selection.

In a nutshell, DeVore and Colatorti argue that, Hills has not shown herself to be an actual Republican, as required by law, and that the committee that selected her did not legally exist and did not inform the public of its intentions as legally required.

DeVore and Colatorti argued that the law exists to protect Republicans “from having their party infiltrated by a pseudo-Republican,” and that Hills “has never engaged in any behavior which would have put the public on notice that she is a Republican.

Hills was selected from a four-person field that also included current 52nd District State Rep. Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills, Ela Township Trustee Tosi Ufodike of Hawthorn Woods; and Long Grove Trustee Chris Borawski.

The selection committee, which interviewed candidates at the Palatine Township Republican Organization offices Feb. 14, included Lake County GOP Chair Keith Brin, McHenry County GOP Chair Jeff Thorsen; Kane County GOP Chair Andro Lerario; Palatine Township Supervisor Andy-John Kalkounos; and Barrington Township GOP Chair Peter Kopsaftis.

Read more here.

Related: McConchie’s would-be successor isn’t a Republican and can’t serve, lawsuit alleges,” “Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District

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Darby Hills

By Russell Lissau | Daily Herald

Barrington Hills Trustee Darby Hills’ appointment to a vacant state Senate seat should be nullified because she doesn’t meet the state’s definition of a Republican, a lawsuit filed Tuesday argues.

Algonquin resident Brittany Colatorti’s complaint also alleges the GOP committee formed to choose a successor for state Sen. Dan McConchie in the 26th District failed to properly notify the public of its Feb. 14 meeting or the application process, and that Hills’ nomination should be canceled as a result.

Read more here.

Related:Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District

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Darby Hills

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL – Darby Hills, 49, a dedicated advocate for children and families, has been selected as the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District.

A trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board and founder of Barrington Children’s Charity, Hills has spent years fighting for children in need, ensuring they have the support and resources to thrive.

“I am honored to serve as the next State Senator for the 26th District.

“This isn’t just about policy for me—it’s personal.

“I know firsthand the impact a little support can have on a child’s future, and I’m eager to bring that perspective to Springfield,” said Hills.

“Whether it’s fighting for families, keeping taxes low, or ensuring government remains accountable, I will work every day to make a real difference.

“This community has given me so much, and I’m committed to being a strong voice for it in Springfield.”

Through Barrington Children’s Charity, Hills has led an all-volunteer effort that provides meals to 525 children each week across Barrington-area school districts.

Her passion for helping those less fortunate stems from her own experience growing up in a low-income household with a single mother, receiving the same kind of hand-up she now works to give others.

As a trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board, Hills has been a strong advocate for keeping taxes low, responsible budgeting, and accountable government.

She has worked to rein in wasteful spending, protect taxpayers, and ensure local government serves residents efficiently.

Her leadership reflects a commitment to good governance—principles she will continue to champion in Springfield.

She will also fight to create a pro-business environment that supports local job creators and strengthens Illinois’ economy.

A former Cook County prosecutor and an attorney by trade, Hills has built a career rooted in service.

In addition to her legal and charitable work, she is a wife and mother of three, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to the issues affecting families.

“Darby’s dedication to children and families, along with her experience as a prosecutor and local leader, make her an invaluable addition to our team,” said Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove).

“She brings a deeply personal perspective to the fight for Illinois’ most vulnerable children—one that will drive real change in Springfield.

“I look forward to working alongside her as she advocates for pro-growth policies to lift up Illinois families and businesses.”

From the Illinois Senate Republican Victory Fund

Editorial note: This is NO JOKE, but it’s understandable if some are laughing. You CANNOT make this (stuff) up!

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What follows was recently posted to the Barrington Hills Park District/Riding Club website (NOT emailed to district notice subscribers nor posted in the Daily Herald Classifieds):

“PUBLIC NOTICE

To The Residents Of The Barrington Hills Park District Cook, Lake and McHenry (But not Kane?) Counties, Illinois

Elections will be held to fill the following offices at the:

Consolidated election to be held April 1, 2025.

Park District Commissioner: Number of positions (2); .4-year term.

Candidates must file their certificates of nomination with the Barrington Hills Park District
designated representative (?).

Filing Period:

The filing of nomination petitions will be accepted at 361 Bateman Road, Barrington Hills IL 60010, in the Riding Center’s Meeting Room, November 12th through Monday November 18th at the following times:

Monday, November 12, 9AM-3 PM 

Tuesday, November 13, through Friday, November 15 Filing By Appointment Only.

Monday, November 18, 2024  10AM-5PM 

Petitions may be filed in person by the candidate or a representative, or by mail to: Barrington Hills Park District, 364 Bateman Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010.

Nomination papers received in the mail before the first day of filing period will be returned to the sender as not filed.  Candidate document and filing information is available on the web: www.elections.il

The posting can be found here.

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Loose rules on campaign cash have allowed legislative leaders in Springfield to consolidate their power and protect incumbents by directing the flow of money to preferred candidates. | Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune

By RAY LONG and RICK PEARSON | Chicago Tribune

At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the importance of money in national politics was clear, from the appeals made at fancy fundraisers to the unrelenting streams of video ads and text messages.

But in Illinois, big money is inundating politics at a pace that virtually puts government offices in the Land of Lincoln up for sale.

Few states invite politicians to raise and spend so aggressively as Illinois, where large infusions of cash led by billionaire Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and his billionaire Republican enemies are enabled by loose rules and feeble enforcement standards that tempt politicians to push the limits of campaign finance boundaries.

As part of the ongoing series “Culture of Corruption,” which explores how Illinois’ voracious politics, structural flaws and tepid oversight set the state apart, the lack of meaningful campaign finance reform has repeatedly been identified as a key factor.

In this state:

  • Campaign contribution limits, approved only 15 years ago, are easily circumvented by a common maneuver political insiders call “the money bomb,” meaning the restrictions are essentially ignored.
  • Politicians use their campaign funds to legally launder cash so donors can obscure their identities and get around contribution limits to send more money to their allies.
  • Legislative measures to control campaign spending — often announced with great fanfare — are repeatedly buried or watered down by the very lawmakers who would be bound by them.
  • Election laws banning political action committees from coordinating with the candidates they support fail to define “coordination.”
  • The state agency charged with enforcing election laws has little authority to launch its own investigations or levy tangible penalties that might deter violators.

The flood of money pouring into the state’s pliable political system has created a raucous campaign environment where the last two races for Illinois governor have become the most and third-most expensive governor’s races in the nation, and, in 2022, allowed the incumbent governor to spend as much as he wanted to help pick the Republican rival he correctly thought would be easiest to defeat.

It has permitted legislative leaders in Springfield to consolidate their power and protect incumbents by weaponizing political donation rules meant to ensure fair play and directing the flow of cash to preferred candidates.

It allows indicted politicians, including two of the longest-serving elected officials in state history, to pay for their criminal lawyers with campaign cash and, if they are convicted of public corruption, to use those same funds to pay heavy fines.

Read more here.

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We’ve found the Barrington Area Council Of Governments (BACOG) to be of somewhat questionable relevance and value to the community at times over the years. Still, we’ve tried to keep our readers apprised of their activities and schedule, thus the reason for our “bumping” them today.

The last BACOG meeting minutes posted publicly to their website are from March (of this year at least). It would be nice to obtain updates (if nothing else for entertainment).

Also, BACOG has yet to publish their 2024–2025 Fiscal Year (July – June) meeting schedule.  Since we do notify our readers when meetings are scheduled, it would be just ducky if the dates could be posted.

Last, our own battling Brian “Yabba Dabba Doo” Cecola’s term as 2023-2024 BACOG Board Chair ended in June. His wit and valuable insights will be sorely missed, of course, but who is the new chair?

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Village of Barrington Hills Board of Trustees (L-R): JC Clarke, Darby Hills, President Pro Tem/Trustee David Riff, President Brian Cecola, Laura Ekstrom, Thomas Strauss, Jessica Hoffmann

Our Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

  • [Vote] A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Notice of Award for the 2024 Road Program Project by the Village of Barrington Hills, Illinois Resolution 24 –
  • [Vote] An Ordinance Amending the Village’s Municipal Code Title 8 Police Regulations, Chapter 4 Animal Regulations
  • [Vote] Plan Commission Appointments: 3-year term
    • Curt Crouse
    • Maggie Topping
  • [Vote] Equestrian Commission: 1-year term
    • Jane Clement, for both Chairwoman and Member
    • Jeryl Olson
    • Tricia Wood
    • Jill Zubak
  • [Vote] Police Pension Board Trustee: 2-year Term
    • George Panos
  • [Vote] Zoning Board of Appeals: 5-year Term
    • Arnold Cernik
  • The Land We Love Run – 5K/10K + 2-Mile Walk – Saturday, June 29

A copy of their agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.

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The Village Roads & Bridges Committee meets this afternoon at 4 PM. Some of the topics on the agenda include:

  • Road Program 2024
  • Road Posting 2024
  • Little Bend Culvert Replacement, and
  • Donlea Road (Lacy Lake) Drainage Investigation Final Findings (Again)

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here.

Editorial note: We feel your pain, Steve.

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Capture

“At the Feb. 6 Board meeting, the Board approved the charge for its 2024 Referendum Advisory Committee. Over the next several months, committee members will meet four times to provide feedback about projects that should be included in a potential referendum question on the November 2024 election ballot.

Projects would include significant upgrades to the fine, visual, and performing arts spaces at Barrington High School. They could also possibly include additional projects that would impact all Barrington 220 schools.

In addition to feedback from the committee, the district will seek stakeholder feedback about a potential referendum question through phone surveys and community meetings. More information about this community engagement process will be shared later this month.

If the Board decides to place a referendum question on the November 2024 ballot, it must approve the question in August.”

Editorial note: BACOG’s membership of 9 have been designated to be members of the Committee.  We strongly suggest the Barrington Hills member be chosen very wisely.

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