Hoped recall would never be necessary

I am truly saddened that the question of recalling Buffalo Grove Trustee Lisa Stone is on the ballot in November.

I like having a recall ordinance as a way to remind elected officials that they need to perform well or they could lose their jobs. Recall provides voters with a measure of recourse should an elected official fail to perform up to their expectations. However, I also hoped that a recall vote would never be necessary.

I thought that simply having a recall ordinance on the books would serve as a strong reminder to elected officials that they need to properly represent citizens or face the potential consequence of being removed from office. I was wrong.

Despite repeated warnings, Trustee Stone has disrupted several board meetings, frequently skirted the village's code of conduct and regularly questioned the actions and integrity of the rest of the board and village staff. After almost 18 months in office, Stone still does not understand, or chooses not to abide by the rules of order that govern board meetings and she seems incapable of understanding basic municipal issues and village finance.

Stone has been given adequate time, resources, coaching and feedback to be an effective trustee unfortunately she has failed to respond positively.

Her inability or unwillingness to change her behavior, work within the rules and collaborate effectively with her peers has upset residents to the point where recall is the only option.

It may be too late for Stone, but perhaps this will serve notice to present and future elected officials that Buffalo Grove residents will hold them to the highest possible standards.

Hopefully, this will be the first and last time a recall vote is needed in Buffalo Grove.

Jane Edwards

Buffalo Grove