Hoffman Estates officials take on ice bucket challenge

The ice bucket challenge to benefit the ALS Association has reached the village government of Hoffman Estates, where Mayor Bill McLeod, Village Manager Jim Norris and Police Chief Mike Hish recently took their turns enduring a stream of ice-cold water over their heads.

The three officials were challenged by Hanover Park Mayor Rod Craig.

"I think everyone likes to see a politician all wet," McLeod said. "A lot of people think we're all wet anyway."

The basic principle of the fundraiser is that people are encouraged to donate to the ALS Association when they see someone they know accept the challenge ... and then pass it on to others.

"It seems to have worked," McLeod said of the viral phenomenon.

McLeod challenged three fellow mayors - Tom Rooney of Rolling Meadows, Sandy Frum of Northbrook and Karen Darch of Barrington.

Norris, who accepted the challenge while in the Northwoods of Wisconsin on a fishing trip, called out Palatine Village Manager Reid Ottesen, Elk Grove Village Village Manager Ray Rummel and recently retired Schaumburg village manager Ken Fritz.

Hish challenged his own predecessor, Clint Herdegen, now police chief in Libertyville.

And on it goes ...