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The
Glenview Watch March 22, 2000 |
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A VICTORY FOR OPEN SPACE IN NORTHBROOK
By a margin of two to one, Northbrook residents voted to raise their taxes
between $23 and $145 a year to acquire property from Anetsberger.
The 60-acre site is home to a nine-hole golf course, driving range, picnic
shelter, pond and 27-acres of undeveloped land. You can bet that
this vote was not about golf but about preventing development and
preserving open space. Lawn signs bearing the slogan "KEEP IT
OPEN" sprouted all over Northbrook before Tuesday's vote.
A VICTORY FOR TAXPAYERS IN EVANSTON
One of Evanston's largest landowners, Northwestern University, may at last
be asked to pay property taxes thanks to a grass roots effort by
voters in that north shore community. The advisory referendum known
as "Fair Share" passed by a margin of 6 to 1.
A DEFEAT FOR COMMON SENSE IN GLENVIEW
Many Glenview Watch readers weighed in for a delay in the appointment of a
new Plan Commissioner and a search for someone who knows something about
planning. Co-editor Dean Schott appeared before the trustees Tuesday
night and read the e-mail we received.
"Glenview needs someone with professional expertise for the Plan
Commission," said one reader. "Let's find the best
qualified candidate."
"We need a person with new ideas and ideas that are born from seeing
the big picture," wrote another. "I truly hope that Nancy
Firfer will make an effort to find such a person. Let's encourage
Firfer to make sure she has consensus for such a person."
"At least one member of any board should excel in planning for the
future," said a third. "Positions should not be filled in
haste. Time should be taken to secure applicants whose expertise and
commitment to the Village will improve the overall composition of the
Board."
Instead, President Firfer nominated her political pal Jim Patterson, a
professional vending machine broker who has no background in community
planning.
FIRFER'S FRIENDS
Trustee Larry Carlson endorsed the choice, noting that Patterson had
called to find out how the Plan Commission works and – during a 30
minute conversation – "asked all the right questions....He hasn't
served on any of the Village Boards or Commissions, and I think that could
be a pretty good thing. Someone who doesn't have that particular
experience brings a different outlook to something like that....I think
Mr. Patterson will fill that role pretty well."
Trustee John Patton Jr., agreed: "He represents the normal citizen,
and I think that type of person rounds out the already diverse Plan
Commission that we have." Patton suggested that Patterson was a
strong advocate for "open space," presumably because he coaches
soccer and campaigned for more soccer fields in Glenview.
FIRFER'S FOES
Trustee Donna Pappo expressed disappointment: "Mr. Patterson's
name is put forward by President Firfer despite her knowledge that this
nomination does not have full Board support. Madame President, your
refusal to acknowledge the whole Board as part of the process is a denial
of the last election."
Trustee John Crawford said Firfer should have discussed her choice with
the Board in private so as to avoid any embarrassment for Mr. Patterson.
"The Village President made no attempt to consult with the Trustees
– at least with three of them – before she advised the Board and the
public in general of her nomination. This results in the board
having a confrontation rather than a consensus," he said.
Lamenting a "civility gap" on the Board, Crawford urged Firfer
and her political allies to "accept the fact that for at least three
more years – probably more – there will be some independent voices on
the Glenview Village Board."
PATTERSON SPEAKS
After he was approved by a 4-3 vote, Patterson spoke:
"I would simply like to say thank you to the Village president,
President Firfer, for selecting me, and I will do my very best according
to the best of my ability to act as I just repeated, and to do what I can
in the interest of Glenview. I think this is an excellent place to
live. All of these interesting evenings are not for naught. I
do believe that we can contribute, and these are positive things.
Somehow we should all see the positive in this somewhere, and thank
you."
TAKING A SWAT AT THE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT BOONDOGGLE
Sunday's Trib carried a hilarious story about members of the North Shore
Mosquito Abatement Board, appointed for their service to local
politicians.
These guys usually take a trip each year to a convention on insect
control, but the Trib says they routinely bug-out, spending their
time and YOUR money gambling. This year, a reporter decided to tag
along to Atlantic City, prompting many Board members to cancel their
reservations.
One said he had been ill and had decided not to go on the advice of his
"lawyer, I mean doctor." Those Board members who went were
barely seen at the official sessions where mosquito abatement was
discussed.
A local group campaigning for the abolition of the Mosquito Abatement
Board suggests you come to their next meeting at the Northfield compound,
across from the Northfield Fire Department off Winnetka Avenue at 6:45
p.m. Monday, April 3. Our source says you'll be done in time for
dinner. Board meetings usually last about 15 minutes.
PRAIRIE SMOKE
If you're driving past the Glen after 9 a.m. Thursday, stay calm and don't
bother calling 911. Glenview's fire department should already be on
hand for the spring prairie burn. Stewards will set fire to the land
in order to wipe out unwanted weeds and stimulate growth of native plants
that survive thanks to their deep roots in Glenview. Roadside
parking is possible along parts of Lehigh.
For more information on the prairie, visit www.glenviewprairie.org.
LOOKING FOR THE LATEST ON HANGAR ONE?
Hangar One has a new temporary website: www.megsinet.net/~n9us.
BIRD CALLS
The Bird Conservation Network, a volunteer group that keeps track of our
feathered friends in Illinois, will host a training session from 9 a.m. to
noon Saturday, March 25. The session is free, and beginners are welcome.
For more information, call 965-9239 or send an e-mail to rwhite@audubon.org.
A DINNER DATE WITH DESTINY
Special thanks to the Glenview Masons. It was a pleasure to address
you Tuesday night at Destiny Restaurant. We hope to hear more about
your interests and concerns for the community.
YOUR TURN
What's on your mind? Drop us a line by e-mail at GlenviewWatch@aol.com or the old-fashioned way. We're at 3537 Maple Leaf Drive, Glenview, IL 60025. Thanks for reading. Dean Schott and Sandy Hausman, Co-Editors of The Watch.