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Archive for the ‘Resident Spotlights’ Category

A sound reason for Barrington Hills residents to vote for McLaughlin and Hills

Posted in BACOG, Capitol News Illinois, Commodius Maximus, Daily Herald, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, Land Disconnection, Land Use, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Plan Commission, Politics, Press Release, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Privacy, Property Rights, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, South Barrington, Springfield, Taxes, The Center Square, Unions, Village Code, Village of Barrington, Zoning Board on October 23, 2026| 1 Comment »

Rep. McLaughlin Hosts Press Conference with Northwest Suburban Mayors – February 26, 2026 | Screenshot via Facebook

On February 18th of this year, one headline read, “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control.” The report stated his BUILD Act would (and still does):

“…drastically limit local governments’ authority to restrict the types of structures that can be built on property zoned residential.”

“Accessory dwelling units — attached or detached secondary residences such as granny flats, backyard cottages and above-garage apartments — would be legalized on all properties zoned for residential use.”

“…would establish statewide timelines for inspections and reviews and allow third-party inspectors ($$$) if municipalities miss deadlines.”

Objections to Pritzker’s plan was very quickly spearheaded by Rep. Marty McLaughlin who gathered many community leaders in a room for a press conference February 26th. The headline following that press conference read:

“‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential zoning.”

In recent months, Pritzker rarely speaks of the BUILD Act since he doesn’t want it to be a fatal plank in local campaigns, but it by no means has gone away! It’s just been muted until after the November 3rd elections…

Last Friday, The Center Square reported:

“Leaders in Illinois are suggesting a package of legislation aimed at increasing housing affordability and supply in the state may be kicked further down the road, after proposals stalled in May after disagreements between stakeholders.

The Building Up Illinois Developments housing plan, or BUILD, was recommended to the legislature by Gov. J.B. Pritzker early this year, but largely sat on the back burner during the last session of the assembly.

The plan is an extensive proposal that would make sweeping changes to zoning and regulations statewide, aimed at increasing supply, reducing overhead costs, and speeding up development timelines.

At an unrelated news conference Thursday, Pritzker said he thinks the housing legislation may be put aside again during the six-day fall veto session in November and December, in favor of waiting until the 105th General Assembly begins to reintroduce the initiative.

‘It’s a short session, as you know, the veto session. So, I do believe that you’re going to see that in the coming full session starting in January,’ Pritzker said.”

The same article continues:

“Multiple bills in the BUILD proposal would have to be re-introduced and go through the legislative process again in January if not passed sooner.

Pritzker said he remains committed to his end goal with the legislation.”

Pritzker views McLaughlin as a vocal stumbling block. The same is true of Hills, so the Democrats are spending literally millions in the current campaign to silence them.

If you value your property rights as a homeowner in Barrington Hills as we do, then we urge you to vote for Martin McLaughlin and Darby Hills.

For information on where, when and how to vote, click here.

Related: “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential zoning,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie provides an update of Pritzker’s proposed BUILD Act,” “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers”

 

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Things to do Oct. 16-22: Nightmare on Chicago Street, Long Grove Pet Costume Parade, Barrington Area TasteFest and more

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment, Fundraisers, Resident Spotlights on October 15, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Last year’s Nightmare on Chicago Street in Elgin drew a large crowd. This year’s event takes place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17. | John Starks/Daily Herald

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Oct. 16

Nightmare on Chicago Street: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at East Chicago and North Spring streets, Elgin. On Friday, music from The Ataris at 6 p.m., Plain White T’s at 7:30 p.m., and Gym Class Heroes at 9 p.m. on Chicago Street. Plus, food and beverage vendors, a haunted attraction, roaming performers and access to Cirque D’ Freak, Nightmare’s twisted circus-themed zone filled with sinister clowns and sideshow performers. On Saturday, across eight city blocks, a postapocalyptic world, with themed zones, costumed performers, Nightmare Alley, three stages of music, a costume contest, celebrity appearances, food and beverages. $40.86-$96.48. Tickets: nightmareonchicagostreet.com

Military Miniature Society of Illinois Show: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, 50 Martingale Road, Schaumburg. Features the work of modelers from around the world displaying painted miniature figures and original sculptures. Vendor area offers model kits, paints, tools, books and more. $10, free for kids 12 and younger and active military with I.D. military-miniature-society-of-illinois.com.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16-18, and Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 21-25, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway featuring characters and live pumpkin carving. $20-$24 for adults, $13-$17 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Zombie Fun Run: 6-8 p.m. Friday Oct. 16, at Volkening Lake, 900 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Run or walk in your Halloween costume for nearly two miles while being chased by zombies. Fee includes a hot dog or brat, chips and a drink. $10-$15. parkfun.com/event/zombie-fun-run

Oddities Night: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. A Victorian Halloween gathering with a tarot card reader, a magician, spooky treats and more. 21 and older. Registration fee. ahpd.org.

Buddy Guy will celebrate his 90th birthday Friday, Oct. 16, at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet. | Charles Sykes/AP

Buddy Guy 90: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee will celebrate a historic milestone. Tickets start at $49. rialtosquare.com

Lake Forest Preservation Symposium: Various times, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16-18, at Ragdale, Lake Forest College, and select historic sites in Lake Forest. The Lake Forest Preservation Foundation and Ragdale, in celebration of their shared 50th anniversaries, brings together national and regional voices in architecture, preservation, planning, design and civic life for a three-day conversation about historic places and the future of communities. To register and for a list of events, visit lfpf.org/events.

Saturday, Oct. 17

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net

Haunted Hoffman Family Fest: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Fabbrini Park, 1704 Glen Lake Road, Hoffman Estates. Trick-or-treat with characters. Registration required. $9 in advance; if space is available, on-site registration is $12. heparks.org

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Daffodil enthusiasts will offer expert growing tips. Hundreds of varieties of daffodil bulbs for purchase. Included with admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Midwest Fruit Explorers Show & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See a display of freshly harvested fruit grown in the area by members of the Midwest Fruit Explorers. Included with general admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Reenactors fire a cannon during the Civil War Encampment and Battle in Hainesville. This year’s event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18. | Ryan Rayburn/for the Daily Herald

Civil War Encampment & Battle: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, off South Hainesville Road, Hainesville. Relive history as period-garbed reenactors re-create battle, bivouacs, battlefield surgeries and historical presentations of the American Civil War. Free. hainesville.org/civil-war-event

Open House Chicago: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, in several locations in Chicago. The Chicago Architecture Center hosts a free public festival that offers rare, behind-the-scenes access to sites of architectural, historical and cultural significance and spotlights businesses, organizations and creative leaders contributing to the vitality of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Free. architecture.org

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Lily Bulb Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Presented by the Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society. Included with admission. chicagobotanic.org.

“Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure”: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. In this bilingual/bicultural musical, Vita thinks her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. But when a spirited candy skeleton springs to life, Vita finds herself on a musical journey to unravel the true meaning of Día de Muertos. $35; free for kids 17 and younger with the purchase of a regular ticket. tickets.eccartscenter.org.

Clay Jenkinson: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Renowned humanities scholar, author and historical interpreter Clay Jenkinson brings Thomas Jefferson to life. $49-$59. rauecenter.org.

Train Saturdays: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the DuPage County Historical Museum auditorium, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. See an HO-scale model train operated by the DuPage Society of Model Engineers. Detailed layout covers more than 2,000 feet of track and highlights some of DuPage County’s railroads and landmarks. Suggested donation: $5, $2 for kids and seniors. dupagemuseum.org.

Morton Arboretum walking play: 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, starting at Thornhill Shelter at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. A retelling of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a 1.5-mile walk, with no intermission. Low-impact offering Saturday covers a shorter distance at a slower pace and stays near paved paths where possible. Suitable for 12 and older, with some dark themes and mild violence. $27 for 18 and older and $17 for kids 2-17. mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/walking-plays.

Ghost Story Train: 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, off Route 31, South Elgin. Ride a spooky trolley to the haunted forest preserve for family-friendly frights, including stories around the campfire with treats from Margie’s Girls’ Kitchen. A ghostly musician will lead campfire songs. Costumes welcome. $20. Register at foxtrolley.org/Ghost-Story-Train.

Sunday, Oct. 18

Chicago Railroadiana & Model Train Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. $6 or free for kids younger than 12. rrshows.com.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

The Long Grove Pet Costume Parade steps off Sunday, Oct. 18, at Brother’s Field. | Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association

Pet Costume Parade: Noon Sunday, Oct. 18, at Brothers’ Field, 340 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Prizes for Best Dressed, Most Unique Costume and Judge’s Favorite. Registration recommended. Free. longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

McGarry, Ganz & Versace: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Jazz with Grammy-nominated artists Kate McGarry, Keith Ganz and Gary Versace. $39.19 and free for students 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Taste samples from local food and drink suppliers at the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce’s Barrington Area TasteFest Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Wild Onion Brewery in Lake Barrington. | Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce

Barrington Area TasteFest: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets, 22221 N. Pepper Road, Lake Barrington. Sample food and drinks from local restaurants, microbrewers, wineries and distillers, with live music and a chance to grab fast-moving cash in the Barrington Bank & Trust Co. money machine. The first 200 attendees will receive a collectible TasteFest glass at the door. $50 in advance, $55 at the door. barringtonchamber.com.

Pumpkin Festival: Various times Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 21-25, with many activities at Main and State streets and on the courthouse lawn, Sycamore. Decorated pumpkins, carnival, nonprofit vendors, craft shows, activities and entertainment on Saturday. Autumn Craft and Treasures Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Sycamore High School Fieldhouse; $1-$3 entry fee. The 48th annual Sycamore Chamber 10K Pumpkin Run is at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Pumpkin Festival Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. Free; some activities have fees. sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Spooky Trail: 7:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, and 7:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St., West Chicago. Encounter clowns, creepy crawlies and other frightful surprises along the quarter-mile Spooky Trail. Only 150 presale tickets available each night. $15 or $18 at the door. Register: we–goparks.org/special-events

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays, $24 in advance online, and $27 at the door on weekends. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkin enrichments for the animals, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3. $7; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 25, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See 35 life-sized dinosaurs and more. $20.95-$29.95 and free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events

Boo! at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends through Oct. 25, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. Included with admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo

Richardson Adventure Farm: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

Jack O’Lantern World: Time slots available starting around 6:10 p.m. and running through 10:15 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1, at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Walk through an immersive, interactive trail featuring over 20 themed worlds with thousands of jack-o’-lanterns hand-carved by over 50 artisans. Daytime experience available from 1-5 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 17 and 24. $17.99-$29.99; daytime experience $14.99. thejackolanternworld.com/lakezurich.

“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

Duchess Manor: Select times and dates through Nov. 1, at The Arboretum, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. The story centers on a rarely seen duchess living in the sprawling estate she constructed within The Arboretum. Also offers a lights-on experience without actors or jump scares. Tickets start at $27 or $7 for the lights-on experience. shopthearb.com

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: Fridays through Sundays through Nov. 1, at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Tickets start at $45. For dates and hours, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Find much more here.

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Endorsement: McLaughlin for Illinois House Dist. 52

Posted in Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Commodius Maximus, Cost of Living, Daily Herald, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Immigration, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, League of Women Voters, OP/Ed, Outmigration, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Rights, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unions, Village Code on October 14, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Republican state Rep. Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills spoke out in February against Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control of residential zoning rules in a news conference in South Barrington. Flanking him were Algonquin Village President Debby Sosine, left, and South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

Daily Herald Editorial Board

In District 52, incumbent Republican Martin McLaughlin brings a lengthy Springfield record focused on fiscal responsibility. We endorsed him in 2020 for his energy and resourcefulness, in 2022 for his measured approach to state government and in 2024 as a steadfast voice for controlled spending. Democratic challenger Maria Peterson emphasizes lower costs for working families, affordable housing, gun-violence prevention, health care and tax changes. While Peterson is a strong candidate, McLaughlin’s experience and focus on fiscal restraint and oversight continue to make him the stronger choice. McLaughlin is endorsed.

Endorsement can be seen here.

Related: “Editorial: Martin McLaughlin for Illinois 52nd House District” – Chicago Tribune

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District 220 board members approve policy update on political activities

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Clown Car, Conflict of interest, Daily Herald, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, Fundraisers, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Organizations, Politics, Property Taxes, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Taxes, Transparency, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on October 13, 2026| 6 Comments »

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

In the wake of four (4) school board members coming under investigation, Barrington Area Unit School District 220 has updated a key policy governing political activity by elected officials.

The update, approved by board members last week, allows board members seeking elected office to mention District 220 or use incidental photos of district property in campaign materials, but only as long as they don’t suggest a district endorsement.

“Not to say that the prior policy wasn’t great, but this, I think, clarifies a lot of things,” board member Steve Wang said.

The policy update comes after board member Erin Chan Ding was found to have violated district policies by using school resources, property and social media for prohibited political campaign activities related to her campaign for the Illinois House.

Fellow board members Leah Collister-Lazzari and Barry Altshuler also violated policies by posting images of students, district property and the district’s chess piece logo on campaign social media sites during their 2023 runs for school board.

School board President Sandra Ficke-Bradford was investigated and cleared of wrongdoing regarding a photo of her in front of Barrington High School that appeared in a news article related to the 2025 election.

The board next will be examining its ethics and gift ban policies, officials said

Report continues here.

Related: ““District 220 board members violated campaign policies, investigation finds,” “Proposed Policy Change Would Strip Anonymous Formal Grievances in Barrington District 220,” “CUSD 220 Board delivers second (slappier) slap on the wrist to member Erin Chan Ding,” “CUSD 220 Board of Education public comments we applaud,” “Over $100,000 in Special Interest Funding gifted to 220 Board member’s campaign in failed bid for State Rep job,” “New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency” and “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’”

 

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Editorial: Martin McLaughlin for Illinois 52nd House District

Posted in BACOG, Board of Education, Chicago Tribune, Data Center, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, Fat Bastard, Illinois State Board of Elections, Immigration, Land Use, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Outmigration, Overhead, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Rights, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, South Barrington, Springfield, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, Village Code on October 12, 2026| 1 Comment »

Martin McLaughlin is a Republican running to represent Illinois’ 52nd House District. (George Papadakis)

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

Republican state Rep. Martin “Marty” McLaughlin barely survived his last election, defeating Democrat Maria Peterson by just 47 votes in 2024. The two are facing off again in this northwest suburban district.

McLaughlin, 61, an investment manager and former Barrington Hills village president, has been a consistent voice for fiscal restraint in Springfield. He identifies property taxes as the district’s most pressing problem and has helped residents navigate the appeals process. “If government is going to keep raising the bill, taxpayers at least deserve to know how to fight an unfair assessment,” he told us.

McLaughlin’s fiscal conservatism is important in a state that desperately needs greater discipline in that area.

Martin McLaughlin is endorsed.

Read the full editorial endorsement here.

Editorial note: Representative McLaughlin is also endorsed by:

  • Eleanor Sweet McDonnell, Mayor, North Barrington*
  • Paula McCombie, Village President, South Barrington*
  • Karen Darch, Former Mayor, Barrington*
  • Andrew Burke, Mayor, Lake Barrington*
  • Kevin Richardson, Former Mayor, Lake Barrington*
  • Keith Vogeler, Mayor, Port Barrington
  • Jeff Sode, Mayor, Wauconda
  • Debby Sosine, Village President, Algonquin
  • Ray Bogdanowski, Village President, Lake in the Hills
  • Donna Johnson, Mayor, Libertyville
  • Richard McLaughlin, Mayor, Island Lake
  • Steve Henley, Mayor, Volo

It’s important to note McLaughlin’s campaign rival lives in North Barrington yet she could not garner an endorsement for this or her prior campaigns.

*Present and former members of the Barrington Area Council Of Governments (BACOG).

 

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Editorial: Darby Hills for Illinois 26th Senate District

Posted in BACOG, Chicago Tribune, Data Center, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Flock Cameras, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Unions, Village Code on October 9, 2026| 1 Comment »

State Sen. Darby Hills talks with a colleague during the legislative session at the Illinois State Capitol on Oct. 28, 2025, in Springfield. | John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

This north suburban district stretches from Palatine and Barrington north to Lake County municipalities including Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods and Wauconda. Republican Darby Hills, 50, was appointed to the seat in early 2025 after fellow Republican Dan McConchie resigned to start a national nonprofit advocating for better access for the disabled. Hills, formerly a Barrington Hills village trustee, is running to be elected in her own right against Democrat Nabeela Syed, 27, an Illinois House member from Palatine in her second term.

Syed tells us she opposed the transit rescue legislation enacted in late 2025 because it included a “regressive” sales tax increase. Except she didn’t oppose it, at least on the floor of the House. As Hills points out to us, Syed didn’t vote on the package. For something so consequential to her constituents, Syed can’t have it both ways. She should have voted no if that was her position.

Hills did vote against the package in the Senate with the fair reasoning that transit-agency reforms should have preceded the hefty toll hike and sales tax increase that bailed out the system.

Hills has voted against her party leadership more than once, including on a measure this year to allow for state regulation of auto insurance rates for the first time, which was signed into law. The last thing the Illinois Senate needs is an even larger Democratic supermajority, and Hills has proven herself the sort of Republican who will work with the other side of the aisle. Darby Hills is endorsed.

Full editorial here.

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Barrington Area Crop Walk is Sunday

Posted in Community Alerts, Fundraisers, Resident Spotlights, St. Anne Catholic Community on October 9, 2026| Leave a Comment »

“Barrington, let’s walk together to help fight hunger!

Join us for the Barrington Area CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 11, 2026 and choose a 1-mile or 5K route through Barrington.

Help us reach our $52,000 goal to support families in need right here in our community and around the world.

Saint Anne Catholic Church
120 Ela Street
Registration: 12:30 p.m. | Walk 1:00 p.m.

Sign up HERE in advance, or day-of, or support via a monetary donation at the link below. See you Sunday!“

St. Anne Catholic School
Village of Barrington
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Barrington United Methodist Church
Community Church of Barrington
Hope Lutheran Church – Long Grove, IL

Source

 

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The Democratic Socialists of America in their own words

Posted in AI, Cost of Living, Data Center, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Elections, Ethics, Fundraisers, His Master's Voice, Illinois State Board of Elections, Immigration, Land Use, Look For The Union Label, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The New Normal?, The New York Times, Transparency, Unions, Village Code on October 6, 2026| 6 Comments »

Maria Peterson is running for the IL House District 52 seat. Nabeela Syed is running for IL Senate District 26. Currently both choose only to campaign publicly as “Democrats.” | Images courtesy Facebook

Much has been said and written about the, “Democratic Socialists of America (DSA),” in recent months leading to the mid-term elections. Their website states:

“Capitalism is a system designed by the owning class to exploit the rest of us for their own profit. We must replace it with democratic socialism, a system where ordinary people have a real voice in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and society.

We believe there are many avenues that feed into the democratic road to socialism. Our vision pushes further than historic social democracy and leaves behind authoritarian visions of socialism in the dustbin of history.

  • We want a democracy that creates space for us all to flourish not just survive and answers the fundamental questions of our lives with the input of all.
  • We want to collectively own the key economic drivers that dominate our lives, such as energy production and transportation.
  • We want the multiracial working class united in solidarity instead of divided by fear.
  • We want to win “radical” reforms like:
    • Single-payer Medicare for All,
    • Defunding the police/refunding communities,
    • The Green New Deal, and
    • More as a transition to a freer, more just life.

We want a democracy powered by everyday people. The capitalist class tells us we are powerless, but together we can take back control.”

They have further stated their priorities, including:

That’s pretty much all we needed to read to form our opinions, and most who have read these pages for nearly two decades know what they likely are.

However, feel free to visit the Democratic Socialists of America website to learn more so that you might be enlightened before reaching your own opinions before casting your ballots.

Related: “Inside the DSA’s audacious quest for power in the Democratic Party“

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Your vote can make a difference in Illinois elections

Posted in AI, Cost of Living, Data Center, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, Illinois Policy Institute, Immigration, Land Use, Look For The Union Label, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Transparency, Village Code on October 3, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Illinoisans can vote on races ranging from U.S. Senate and governor to state lawmakers and local officials in the Nov. 3 election.

By Jon Josko and Lilly Rossi | Illinois Policy Institute

Some recent Illinois state legislative races have been decided by just dozens or hundreds of votes.

A look since 2022 shows where the closest races have been, how few votes separated the candidates and what voters in competitive districts identified as their biggest concerns.

Casting a ballot gives Illinoisans a voice in who represents them, while understanding voters’ concerns gives lawmakers a clearer picture of what their constituents want addressed.

How close are races in Illinois?

In 2024, a mere 47 votes out of nearly 59,000 decided who represents Illinois’ 52nd House District. State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Lake Barrington, held onto his seat over Democrat Maria Peterson by less than one-tenth of 1% of the votes.

That was the slimmest margin in Illinois’ most recent two election cycles, but not the only close one. Nine other state House and Senate races since 2022 were decided by fewer than 1,700 votes apiece — and they were concentrated in a handful of places worth knowing if you live nearby.

10 closest state legislative races 2022-2024

Margin of victory in the 10 closest Illinois House and Senate races, 2022-2024

Seven of the 10 sit in Chicago’s outer suburbs and exurbs, stretching from Lake and McHenry counties through DuPage, Kane and Will. The other three are downstate: one anchored around Danville and Champaign, one around Springfield and Decatur and one in the Metro East region across the river from St. Louis.

10 closest state legislative races 2022-2024

Margin of victory in the 10 closest Illinois House and Senate races, 2022-2024

How many people does it take to decide these races?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your vote matters in a state regarded as relatively uncompetitive, consider this: Among the 175 contested state House and Senate races since 2022, half were decided by a margin smaller than 1-in-10 of the eligible adults in that district. A quarter of contested races came down to fewer than 1-in-17.

90 contested legislative races decided by fewer than 1 in 10 adults

Number of contested state legislative races, 2022-2024, by win margin as share of district’s eligible adult population.

That pattern held across both chambers and both years, though state Senate races have generally been decided by a somewhat smaller share of eligible adults than House races. Roughly 6-in-10 Senate races came in under that 1-in-10 mark, versus about 46% of House races, consistent with Senate districts being larger and drawing more votes.

What do Illinoisans care about?

In districts with tighter election margins, candidates will have to make sure they are addressing their constituents’ major issues.

In the Illinois Policy Institute’s statewide tracking poll, fielded quarterly since 2025, high taxes has been the single most-cited concern every time, named by 52% to 60% of respondents as one of their top two issues, roughly double the next-closest answer.

In the most recent poll, from August 2026, 58.1% named high taxes as their No.1 or No. 2 issue, compared with 32.5% for the economy generally and 20.7% for state governance.

Property taxes in particular seem to be the aggravation behind that number. The May 2026 version of the same poll asked residents how satisfied they are with the value their community receives for the property taxes paid. Over 61% said they were dissatisfied, against just 23.5% satisfied.

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‘The community wants this place open’: Catlow owner donates theater to foundation

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment, Nostalgia, Resident Spotlights on October 2, 2026| 1 Comment »

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington’s Catlow Theatre has seen many changes since the Long family purchased the iconic movie house.

Now, in addition to the dramatic cosmetic changes that are transforming the Catlow, the theater is seeing a change in ownership.

The Long family is donating the theater to the Catlow 1927 Foundation, which will handle the theater’s management and programming. All proceeds from performances, events, movie showings, and private rentals will support operations, according to the foundation’s website, catlow1927.org.

Barrington businessman and property owner Brian Long, the foundation’s president, made the announcement Tuesday during a tour of the nearly century-old theater, which followed a reception at Barrington’s White House.

Long said the foundation will operate the theater on a business basis, believing it will survive for generations to come. The foundation keeps about five years of operating expenses in reserve, he said.

He said it was always the master plan to have the theater foundation owned and operated. Now that the fundraising effort has raised half its $6 million goal, the family is comfortable the foundation can stand on its own.

Brian and Julianne Long purchased the theater for just under $500,000 in 2022.

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