Wheeling recall effort is disservice to village

I was shocked and dismayed to read in the Daily Herald that Wheeling residents are seeking to recall the mayor. This comes just when we have put the distressing headlines of the recent past behind us, and are moving forward again.

Unlike his detractors, Patrick Horcher has a long record of public service to the village of Wheeling and its citizens. Since he became village president, official business seems to have been conducted quietly and efficiently, a welcome change.

The questions raised about correct assessments and tax breaks will be resolved by the Cook County Assessor's Office. With so many issues and decisions to be made, the misuse of the Recall Ordinance is an unnecessary distraction for our elected and appointed officials and staffs as well as our citizens.

I have no idea why President Horcher might have asked David Kolssak to step down from the board of directors of Chicago Executive Airport. Could it be because of Mr. Kolssak's public disdain for residents seeking relief from the noise pollution they were experiencing 24 hours a day? Or his offensive suggestions that they take medication or move somewhere else?

That Mr. Kolssak would use a serious governmental ordinance like recall to satisfy a petty grievance is to do a real disservice to our community. But, as President Horcher has stated, this is a democracy.

If David Kolssak, Deborah Wilson and their unnamed cohorts continue to pursue their agenda, I would urge our residents to decline to sign their petition. In the unlikely event the question would appear on a future ballot, I'm confident that thoughtful voters would vote no.

Sheila H. Schultz

Wheeling