Despite differences, we must work together

The civil discourse at a Mount Prospect village board meeting last week reached an unacceptable low point for our village.

As a resident, a father, and a trustee, one of the many responsibilities I take seriously is listening to everyone who comes before us. It is not my role to judge, belittle, or racially insult anyone. That chair I sit in means the world to me, and while we may not always agree, my focus has always been — and will always be — on what is right for the village. That chair should never become a bully pulpit for personal agendas. It is inappropriate for any government official regardless of how much grandstanding and virtue signaling they do to publicly criticize other elected officials and recommend unseating them in the next election.

During “Citizens to Be Heard,” a group of residents came forward to inform the board about concerns surrounding federal government actions. My responsibility is to listen, and I did — taking careful notes, as I always do.

But what happened next crossed a line. A citizen chose to single out the Italian members of this board by name and referred to us using an offensive ethnic slur applied to Italians. In all my time on this board — and the boards I served on before it — respect for boundaries has been a fundamental expectation. This was an unprovoked attack on nationality and heritage. And the real concern is: where does it stop if we allow this to stand?

Enough is enough. We must all recommit ourselves to respect, civility, and the understanding that we are neighbors first. It’s time for everyone to get back to working together.

Vince Dante

Mount Prospect