Time to regroup in Hanover Park
It remains fairly early in the tenure of the new village president and board in Hanover Park. And so this may be a good time to suggest that the elected officials, bureaucrats, residents and political activists in this politically active community take a step back. A step back, a deep breath or two, and some thought.
We have supported Village President Rodney Craig, as did a majority of voters, and we continue to do so. But the recent battle over the town collector position has taken an unfortunate turn. We think it would be wise for all parties to take time out now to ensure the scars heal and that this divisive battle does not get carried forward.
Hanover Park has some life-threatening crime problems that deserve everyone's full attention and resources. Another prolonged political fight among warring factions would be irresponsible.
Craig ally, Village Clerk Eira Corral, was appointed town collector last week with an annual salary of $48,000. She also makes $3,500 as the elected clerk. Corral won the added collector job and its much bigger salary when Craig broke a 3-3 tie.
This came after trustees complained the job had no formal description and suggested it was patronage. It is a move that hearkens back to Craig's old battle over this post that once was held by his wife.
Corral obviously had the support of a majority of voters in Hanover Park when she recently won the clerk post. But we do understand trustees' concerns about giving a political ally such a big pay boost for an added collector job in the midst of the worst recession we've seen in years. In a town with a history of ugly politics, it does smack of payola for a post Craig described as coordinating special events, appearing in promotional videos and representing the community at events. On this one issue, we side with those who voted against it last week.
In the intervening days, one of Craig's allies, Toni Carter, quit her deputy mayor post and put Craig on notice he cannot count on her support.
Independence is a valuable thing, but Carter's quitting also seems a hasty move not in the best interest of the community she cares about.
To his credit, Craig's response to this resignation was that he was trying to reach Carter to talk.
It's not hard to imagine the politics in Hanover Park spiraling out of control from here with repeated infighting and repeated scenes of an embattled mayor constantly being forced to break ties on an entrenched and divided board.
That should not be the Hanover Park anyone wants. Craig and Carter should resolve their differences and find a way to work together moving forward. The rest of the board should join them and put the community's future ahead of their own agendas. They all should focus on the crime prevention and economic recovery and development that can again make Hanover Park a safe community of which its residents can be proud.