Should have asked us what we thought

The Buffalo Grove president and board are elected to represent the wishes of the people. When matters of big concern affect most of our taxing bodies, they hold citizen forums, focus groups, send out surveys and other measures to get the pulse of the people.

Sometimes they succeed and sometimes they fail, but at least they TRIED to gauge the "will of the people" in their decisions. Where was ANY of this in the discussions on off-track betting?

I sometimes like to plunk a roll of quarters in slot machines; two or three times a year I enjoy the weather and wage a few $2 bets at Arlington Park. But I don't want to do either in Buffalo Grove. That is why I live here.

To town governments there is that lure of the revenue. But surely, with all our town has with retail and commercial districts, hotels, dealerships, 40,000-plus residents, and your long list of taxes, fees, and other items, you can pass on this tempting evil.

My biggest problem is this was not properly communicated to, or discussed with, residents. I give Beverly Sussman and Lisa Stone credit for their attempts to represent us. And, Lisa, please know that there are many in the village who applaud how you are standing up to that "old boys club."

Two related items that have me disturbed involves getting a phone number from the Village, and your instructions for not contacting people after hours. I called the Village to get the phone numbers of the two new trustees. I had to wait for a call from the Village Manager's office supposedly after they got permission from the two trustees. ALL elected officials should have their number available and it should be de facto that they are supplied to residents asking for them. Second, it was inferred that a trustee should not contact the Village Manager after hours. Surely, she should not bother any employees directly, but the Village Manager should be available 24 hours a day to the President and the Trustees. Shame on you, Board.

Katherine Anne Hedlund

Buffalo Grove