Guest Speakers at Red Carpet Extravaganza
It was Oscar night at the White House. Not THAT White House, the one in Barrington.
Sports celebrities such as retired pro football player Marques Sullivan and his wife Veronica crossed the red carpet. Following behind them were Yashi Rice and Lia Fire from Chicago Bliss. Also walking on the red carpet was Barrington Hills Village President Marty McLaughlin and Bob Kellermann, the President of Deer Creek.
They all came out to celebrate and listen to the guest speakers. Mike Kozel brought his plan and support to the extravaganza.
Another Mike, longtime Barrington businessman, Michael J. Miller has had his jewelry business in Barrington for 47 years. Miller was one of the sponsors of the event.
" I want to welcome everyone here this evening," said Miller. " I also want to get business people and residents together and create a much better Barrington," he added.
Miller said he is tired of empty storefronts near his jewelry store on Main street. His compassion for people and doing the right thing has always been part of his relationships in the community and in business.
" Barrington needs change. Tonight we have a man attending this evening who can make that change," Miller said.
Applause echoed around the room as Mike Kozel took the mic. Mike thanked the people for persuading him to run for Barrington Village President.
" Tonight's story begins in this very room," Kozel said. " The Barrington White House was purchased in 2007. At the time of purchase, no appraisal was ordered or done. The purchase price was 2 million for the house and two adjoining properties totaled 500,000 each, bringing the overall purchase to 3 million dollars," added Kozel.
Kozel went on to point out the cost of rehab came in at over 7 million dollars. Rentals have not kept up with projections of paying off the loan of the Barrington White House.
" Other failures of Karen Darch include a TIF District, which did little or nothing to add to sales tax revenue, yet increased retail space in an already glutted market," Kozel said.
" Another failure is the break-up of strategic partnerships as was the case with the Barrington/Inverness police partnership and the Countryside/Barrington Fire Department, which only adds to Barrington's overall administrative costs," Kozel added.
He continued to speak about the rising debt in Barrington and an additional 7.5 million cost of an approved sewer repair project.
" As Village President I will keep my focus on Barrington," said Kozel. " I will pledge to be transparent, collaborative and a dedicated public servant."
As photos were being taken, a familiar face came out of the crowd to shake the hand of Kozel.
Emery Moorhead from the 1985 Chicago Bear Super Bowl Champ endorsed his new friend. Emery is not only a retired pro football player but also the Past Chairman of the North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors.
" We've got wonderful people here in Barrington, it is a close knit community. We want to bring back the hopes of the residents and the business owners" said Mike Miller.