Sussman takes reins in Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove saw the beginning of a new era Monday with the swearing in of Beverly Sussman as its new village president.

It also watched an emotional farewell from Village President Jeffrey Braiman, as he ended a cumulative 30 years of public service to the village as a commission member, trustee and village president.

In his honor, the council room was officially named the Jeffrey S. Braiman Council Chambers. He also has been chosen as the grand marshal of the Buffalo Grove Days Parade.

During his farewell speech, Braiman ended on an emotional note by thanking his family. He talked about the impact public service can have on a family.

"The public does not realize the time and commitment it takes to serve the public as a volunteer, a trustee or a village president" he said, struggling to maintain his composure

"Over the past 30 years, there have been innumerable meetings, conferences and telephone calls, yes, even at two o'clock in the morning," he continued. "Instead of sitting up here, I'm looking forward to sitting in the back of the room, not having to worry about being politically correct ... being able to ... moan about my real estate taxes and of course blaming the village board for all the evils in the world."

Sussman's term started on a discordant note.

As the board considered the temporary appointment of existing members of village boards, committees and commissions for another two weeks until formal appointments are made, Trustee Jeffrey Berman objected to Sussman's husband, Martin Sussman, being temporarily reappointed to the Committee for Residents with Disabilities.

Berman suggested the appointment could cause the appearance of impropriety.

It "creates a situation that is somewhat unique, and I think unprecedented in the village, in that the village president seeks by this agenda item to appoint her spouse as a member of a village commission," he said. "I believe that is unwise."

Trustee Steven Trilling backed Berman, citing his concern about setting a precedent, "even if it's just for two weeks."

Sussman brought up that the board had no problem with Braiman's sister being a member of a commission for several years. After Berman suggested an amendment, Sussman called the question, which failed. Then a vote to approve the temporary reappointments with the exception of Martin Sussman was approved unanimously.