Aldermen tried to deny representation

As a Ward 1 Rolling Meadows resident, I'm appalled that the aldermen in Wards 3, 5, and 6 voted to deny residents like myself of representation in the City Council. With Mike Cannon resigning with two years left on his term, we deserve a voice until the April elections. Thankfully, Mayor Gallo cast the tie-breaking vote and the appointment of Karen McHale passed.

If you live in Wards 3, 5, and 6, I would highly suggest you watch the video from the December 15 meeting starting at the 47 minute mark.

As the current City Council has no authority to interview an appointee and has no ability to vote in a ward where they don't live, this was about themselves and their wants, and not the needs of residents of Ward 1.

Alderman O'Brien said he ran on collaboration and he owed it to the Ward 3 residents to meet and speak with the appointed alderman prior to the appointment. His motion to postpone the appointment for a month was the opposite of collaboration and reminiscent of the fighting of prior City Councils. As neither the Ward 3 residents nor Alderman O'Brien are able to vote in Ward 1, what was the purpose? The other aldermen had no say in O'Brien's election, as it should be.

Alderman Bisesi said there will be no damage to waiting a month. Was he saying no business will be conducted in the next month? Would they have then introduced a motion to give all Ward 1 residents a waiver for 1/12th of all their city-related property taxes? I am not a fan of taxation without representation, and that is exactly what these three were trying to do.

Nancy Mau

Rolling Meadows