Move BG forward, not mired in politics
Witness angst, pathos and vulnerability as the Hatfields battle the McCoys. Take two steps backward and move ahead one step. Welcome to the reality/soap opera of Buffalo Grove politics!
Enough of the mudslinging. We want positive vision and continuous improvement. We need to establish consistency. Checks and balances is just one aspect of good governing. Let's stop the political bickering!
There are no legitimate excuses for us to languish. Unemployment doesn't want to hear it. Neither does foreclosure and inflation. This nation has recovered from the Great Depression, survived Pearl Harbor, doffed communism, chided nuclear threats and moved on from Y2K.
It's been 50 years. Buffalo Grove was established through hardworking farmers' well-thought-out planning and vision and a mutual respect for the American way!
Look at our community website and compare its contents from last year to this year. You'll see great strides in professionalism and guidance. Let us continue on this path for a common goal and create a village slogan that can last the generations.
If we want to market Buffalo Grove positively, we'll need to address the coffers. BG Days is our benchmark here. Other endeavors should parallel that success. Some examples might be:
• Offering business tax incentives to invest here (too many vacant storefronts, office and commercial buildings).
• Address the need for a quality water park.
• Keep education at the forefront of our challenges.
Other communities have established an alternate village trustee for a high school/college student. They gain valuable insight into the process and offer a voice and perspective from a percentage of our community and the glimpse of the future.
Other city websites show forward-thinking initiatives that address energy concerns, such as increased costs for salt, electricity and gas (locking costs in). I've read of smart grid initiatives, renewable energy ordinances (exploring wind turbines and solar panels), rain barrels, partnerships with CUB energy saver and NICOR rebates.
Let's put on our rally caps and move Buffalo Grove where we'll need to be, so all our citizens are united to truly enjoy the brief breath the Almighty has granted us!
Randy F. Gollay
Buffalo Grove