Hartstein not planning to go away

Even though he won't seek another term as village president, Elliot Hartstein said he will still work on and promote issues he cares about in Buffalo Grove, as well as in the region and in the state.

Most recently, one of these issues has been pension reform.

“One does not have to be in an elected position to be involved,” he said in a statement announcing his decision not to seek re-election. “In fact, one can focus their efforts on issues and projects that they really care about strongly without the responsibility to deal with a broader range of issues.”

Hartstein said also remains committed to the economic development of Buffalo Grove's Milwaukee Avenue Corridor, expansion and improvement of the North Central commuter rail line and the extension of Route 53.

Although he expressed disappointment that the economy has slowed the economic progress of the village, he said that the annexations and intergovernmental agreements put in place during his tenure “will position the village well for moving ahead. That coupled with triple AAA bond ratings we have accomplished in the past year makes Buffalo Grove an attractive prospect for positive development in the near future as the economy improves.”

He said he is proud of such accomplishments in the village as the construction of the Arboretum Golf Club's clubhouse and collaborations with the state and county to secure such projects as the expansion of Route 22 (state) and improvements to Deerfield Parkway (county).

“Yes I have loved this job, and I do love Buffalo Grove more than I can put into words. It has been a team effort to make this community great, and I thank our tremendous staff, our super volunteers and commissions and all of the dedicated elected leaders who have served with me,” he said “With that team effort Buffalo Grove can only get even better in the years ahead.”