Saturday Soapbox: Hartstein and Stone
Hartstein and Stone, Part 1:
In advocating Buffalo Grove Trustee Lisa Stone's recall, Village President Elliott Hartstein charged that her lack of civility and disparagement of board members were an embarrassment to the village. In celebrating Stone's recall Tuesday, Hartstein put on a woman's wig and mocked the ousted trustee at an election night rally. The moment cried out with irony, but not with class.
Hartstein and Stone, Part 2:
Hartstein's wig display was demeaning and hurtful. But by the next morning, the mayor realized it and called himself “foolish” in a detailed public apology. We think his words were genuine and heartfelt and that his apology showed the class he had lacked the night before.
Hartstein and Stone, Part 3:
Forgiveness is a gift we give to others, but it's an even greater gift we give ourselves. It's time for Buffalo Grove to move on.
Clean up after yourselves:
OK, it's been four days since the election. Please, candidates, get the people who worked so diligently for you to muster up one more day of diligence and get the campaign signs removed from corners, parkways and other public places.
Groundbreaking decision:
They broke ground in Rosemont for a new stadium and home for the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch league. For all who love the game, let's hope the league finally breaks through, too, After stops in Lisle and Elgin, Bandits fans would like to plant some roots that will take hold.
Just put them on hold:
Message posted outside a Schaumburg fire department: No-phone zones schools and construction. Good reminder, but while we're at it, how about playgrounds, recreation areas, residential areas, any time the speed limit is over 55 mph? Or how about just asking yourself this while driving: Is it necessary to make or take that call?
Easing the pain:
We applaud three Lake County agencies that have opened a Family Visitation Center in Mundelein, where divorced parents can exchange custody of their children in a safe environment. Sparing youngsters some of the stress of a tough family situation is a commendable goal.
Speaking in dress code?
They shared a beer, Alexi and Mark, and shared some laughs. We were struck by Alexi in jeans, sweatshirt, basketball shoes and Hawks cap looking very much like the fresh retiree. He smiled a lot. Was that a little relief in his eyes?
‘Grade center' hurdles:
The change to grade-level centers where school assignments are made by grade rather than by neighborhood always is controversial. But we're puzzled by opposition in Prospect Heights District 23, where all schools are on or near a central campus. With savings of up to $500,000 a year and none of the usual travel problems of travel logistics, the plan merits consideration.
That's the spirit:
Kudos to Rosary High School's athletic director, Mary Lou Kunold, for taking a stand at the Aurora school's volleyball sectional. When Rosary students turned their backs during introductions for St. Francis, she stepped in and told them to turn around and show some sportsmanship. We wish more AD's would be so proactive.