Hamelberg 'frustrated' by 'mischaracterization' of Barrington White House project

It gets frustrating at this stage of an election campaign to hear and read exaggerated and false charges from one side to the other. What I am citing is the fliers paid for by the Mike Kozel campaign fund on behalf of one of the slate of candidates for Village of Barrington board of trustees.

I won't take the time to cite all misstatements, but there is one which is an extreme extortion of the facts. One of these fliers which I received in the mail last week says that, "The Board is spending millions of your tax dollars on the reconstruction of the White House while seeking little input from Village residents."

Where have they been when the well-publicized fundraising for contributions for the entire $6 million-plus cost of reconstruction has already raised $5 million-plus in cash or in-kind contributions or pledges?

Do they not read the village's monthly newsletters? It is true that the village obtained a loan at a very low interest rate to fund the construction while the fundraising is occurring. However, the village board did not agree to this project without being convinced by early contribution commitments that they could pay for it without tax dollars.

Certainly the village board had agreed to the purpose of the renovation of the White House as a central point for community activity. The Barrington Cultural Center will be located there. In addition, there will be space for community meetings which I understand some people are already asking for. It will truly be a community center.

Ronald Hamelberg

Barrington