Buffalo Grove recall meeting was disappointing

I attended the meeting last night (and) I noticed how the makeup of the audience changed from the previous board meeting that discussed recall. Seems like the same group that was anti-OTB was now in the room.

I was disappointed in the atmosphere created by some audience members. I thought the Village Board represented all of BG. When people represent themselves as "from Lake County" or "Cook County" it rankles me. When I hear someone threatening the trustees with removal because trustees are handling a sensitive issue, I am disappointed in the childishness of my fellow citizens.

When the audience disregards, several times, the request of the President for no applause, I look upon that as an insult to the President and bordering on anarchy. What is wrong with these people? Do they think they're at a second-grade pep rally? And their responses seem to be more organized than spontaneous.

And what's with the "I'm training the new trustee" comment from Mr. Sherman? And the note passing to Trustee Stone? When Trustee Stone was elected, did Buffalo Grove get a committee to fill that chair or did we get Ms. Stone?

I still don't know who the real Ms. Stone is and what her capabilities are. She seems to come in with prepared data, but when asked to speak on the data, gives the impression, by stumbling through it, she is seeing it for the first time. I didn't think being on the Village Board was a training program.

There could be unintended consequences of a recall ordinance. But there could also be consequences if there was no recourse under the law to hold officials immediately responsible to the electorate. Recall could act as a "safety valve" for a potentially expanding situation.

So, definitely delay to make the ordinance a better law. But don't delay if the hidden reason is to allow the posse to fill the room and disrupt the orderly operation of government.

Again, Buffalo Grove has built a high-caliber reputation for itself. Let's not let some people tear down that reputation under the guise of being change-agents.

Leon Gopon

Buffalo Grove