Volunteer offended by trustee comments

As a proud member of the Buffalo Grove Days committee, the more than 50 volunteers have contributed countless hours toward the planning and implementation of our yearly five-day festival. But on 12/14, village Trustee Lisa Stone challenged the integrity of EVERY volunteer, when she said she believed "this type of Ethics Commission is a facade," because it will be made up of commissioners that have been involved in the village, and that relationships will dictate they won't be able "to objectively and comfortably look at their friends and say I think what you're doing is right or wrong."

During the Dec. 21 meeting, two long-time volunteers, Adam Moodhe and Andrew Stein, expressed their dissatisfaction with Trustee Stone's comment and the lack of respect she showed for the many residents who generously donate their time to the village. Her response to their concerns can best be described as callous and insulting, and she offered no apology for her original comment. In fact, she reiterated her position, which simply added insult to injury.

As a long-time volunteer I am both shocked and angered by Trustee Stone's comments and I know that many other volunteers share my sentiments. Trustee Stone's assertion, that none of us could remain objective if appointed to the Ethics Commission, questions our integrity and honesty.

To imply that I could not step back and look at a situation objectively and fairly, even if it involves someone I know, is ridiculous. I take my oath of office seriously, as do most others who have stepped forward to serve the village, and I will always place the interests of the village and its residents over my own.

Trustee Stone's comments were prejudicial and irresponsible, especially for an elected official. Her failure to understand the impact of her comment and refusal to offer an apology are reprehensible and demonstrate her complete lack of regard for the village's many volunteers. Her recent behavior exemplifies why an Ethics Commission is necessary.

Buffalo Grove's volunteers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by village officials, and we demand a public apology from Trustee Stone.

Jim Pawlak

Buffalo Grove