Endorsement: Selman, Meroni and Maison for Barrington Hills village board
Many towns would love to have the problems Barrington Hills has: Protecting a bucolic suburb with more than 6,000 acres of forest preserves, very little violent crime and rolling vistas with expansive lots and elite equestrian farms. And, when it comes to politics, the tone is — in general — similarly tranquil. Six strong candidates are vying for three open spots on the village council. Newcomers Brian Cecola, Bryan Croll, Michelle Maison and Mary Naumann are challenging incumbents Karen Selman and Patty Meroni for three available seats.
The political divisions are few among the candidates, and all are intelligent and dedicated to keeping Barrington Hills an oasis amid suburban sprawl. Still, with tempers continuing to flare over commercial horse boarding and Village President Martin McLaughlin digging up old allegations as the battle gets nastier, there is a need for candidates with clear thinking, calm rationale and a thick skin — and for a board with balance.
Selman and Meroni are strong, independent voices who have the tenacity to fight, the patience to compromise and the wisdom to know when the time is right to do each. Both are endorsed. Maison, a mediation specialist, is endorsed with the hope that she can help feuding sides find enough common ground that the dispute between two neighbors no longer divides an entire town.