Buffalo Grove trustee decides against running for election

At least one spot on the Buffalo Grove village board will be up for grabs during the April elections.

Trustee Bruce Kahn, who has been on the board for 13 years, decided he is not going to run for re-election.

"It's a good, long run," he said. "I just think it's time to step down and give other people a chance."

Trustee Brian Rubin, who has been a trustee for 12 years, said he's still deciding whether or not to run.

He said there are some people interested in running that he approves of, so if those people file for the election, he will step down.

"It's time for somebody younger and maybe with some new ideas to come in," he said. "I want somebody who wants to devote the time."

Trustee Jeff Braiman, first appointed to the board in 1991, said he's set on running for another term.

"I'm confident that, based on my longevity and my track record, that I'll hopefully be successful," he said.

Six others have picked up nomination packets, although that is no indication that they will actually run. Filing doesn't officially begin until Jan. 19.

Kahn said that although he will no longer be a trustee, he still intends to invest time in Buffalo Grove.

"I've already told (Village President Elliott Hartstein) that I'd like to go back to the board of police and fire commissioners," he said. "The (time) difference on being on the board and being on the commission is enormous." Kahn said that with his job, the time commitment for board is getting tougher, although he will miss the camaraderie with his fellow trustees.

He said the board has been able to manage the village and the staff well without being overbearing, and he hopes trustees will continue to do so.

Kahn said he's also proud of the way the board has managed the growth of the village, but he said he would have liked to see more environmental laws.

"I wish I had been more vocal about those things," he said.

The official ballots for the April elections will be set after filing ends on Jan. 26.