Recall effort is a meritless distraction

The proposed recall petition against Mayor Tom Hayes and Trustee Jim Bertucci is misguided.

The suggestion that the significant time, money and energy spent by the Bears on their efforts to relocate to Arlington Heights is some sort of ruse is meritless and bordering on conspiratorial. To the extent that Mayor Hayes and Trustee Bertucci have supported bringing this multibillion dollar economic opportunity to our community - and Mayor Hayes has been one of our only elected officials to take a firm public stance on the value this project could have - they should be commended.

Touchdown Arlington supports efforts to engage with civic leaders and express dissatisfaction with the speed at which negotiations with the Bears have moved forward.

We need to see progress in negotiations with the school board and in Springfield and everyone needs to get to the table. A baseless recall drive against two leaders is a distraction from the important work that needs to be done.

Our collective efforts should be focused on getting this project across the goal line and bringing the Bears to Arlington Heights.

Ernest L. Rose

Arlington Heights