Mount Prospect commission member calls for censure of trustees over diversity comments

A longtime member of Mount Prospect's Special Events Commission is calling for the village board to censure two trustees for comments they made about another commission having too many male members.

Speaking at Tuesday's village board meeting, Jill Friedrichs derided the remarks by trustees Peggy Pissarreck and Terri Gens about Mayor Paul Hoefert's reappointments of John Healy, Daniel Novak and James Peterson to the Economic Development Commission on Aug. 4.

The reappointments were approved by the village board, despite "no" votes from Pissarreck and Gens.

Pissarreck called for more diversity in volunteer positions, as well as term limits, noting that Healy and Novak already have served three 4-year terms, while Peterson has served two 4-year terms.

"(The commission is) seven men, and we are being asked to reappoint three men who have already served on this commission for eight and 12 years," she said.

"Perhaps these gentlemen would graciously step aside, and we could recruit three new women who are very qualified," Gens added.

Friedrichs, who has served on the Special Events Commission for 28 years and is the fourth longest-serving volunteer in the village, said she was taken aback by the comments about "white men."

"I do believe trustees Pissarreck and Gens were both prejudiced and antagonistic in their comments on Aug. 4," said Friedrichs, who is stepping down from the Special Events Commission on Sept. 1.

"While holding a public office, members need to remember they are held to a higher standard. It's wonderful that we are looking forward to incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion. Trustees Gens and Pissarreck, please remember that white men should also be included," she added.

Gens declined to comment on Friedrichs' remarks.

"Apparently, I'm making good trouble," Pissarreck said.