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The Glenview Watch
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With less than a week to gather signatures, a group hoping to oppose the Unite Glenview ticket in April’s election has yet to announce its candidates. Organizers had been meeting since their only candidate for trustee – John Crawford – lost his bid for election in 2003. They thought independent Trustee Mike Guinane might top their ticket, but Guinane refused to say whether he would run.
Asked about his plans late last year, Guinane told the Glenview Journal he was “flattered by the overwhelming amount of residents who are encouraging me to run for the office of village president.” If he ran, Guinane added, he would do so alone – forsaking the chance to work with others seeking control of the village board. Guinane claimed he wanted to remain independent “so I can serve solely the residents of Glenview. The decision to run or not to run is one I do not take lightly,” he added. “It requires much introspect.”
Now, Guinane says he won’t run. The father of three says serving on the village board “demands a great deal of time and energy away from my family, my home and my business.” He said he would continue to work independently for causes he believes in: a law to ban the sale of shotguns, rifles and ammunition in Glenview, an ordinance that requires all contracts be opened to competitive bidding and the cessation of all unsecured loans, interest-free loans and subsidies to developers.
KOZICKI, THIELE AND RUBENSTEIN SAY SO LONG
Downtown businesswoman Jennifer Kozicki, who had hoped for a spot on the anti-UG ticket, left a meeting of the group Sunday after organizers made it clear she would not be selected. Former Trustee Donna Pappo, Park Board Commissioner Chris Warren, Rotary Club President Cathy Wilson and former District 34 School Board Member Larry Miller felt Kozicki would have a conflict of interest as the village board considers projects downtown. She and her husband own the Glenview Road building that houses their business, Glenview Coin and Collectibles. Wilson also questioned Kozicki’s educational background, pointing out that she does not have a college degree.
Kozicki was puzzled by the group’s apparent about face. “At first they begged me, courted me to run with them,” Kozicki said. “I really was seduced and had agreed to do this so I could help the village. I was the first person in that organization to make a commitment.” Now, she says, “I could not have run with those people.”
Two other long-time members of the group, Biff Thiele and Debby Rubenstein, stormed out of the meeting when Miller and Pappo insisted Warren should be slated for village president. Thiele and Rubenstein, founders of the Wagner Farm Rescue Fund, clashed frequently with the park board during Warren’s one-year tenure as president. During public hearings on a range of issues, they say Warren has disregarded public opinion and treated residents in a condescending manner. "It's not the way he decided the issues but the way he disregarded constituents,” Thiele says.
Care to comment on this and other doings around town? Send us an e-mail or visit the Glenview Forum, a site launched by Chicago public relations executive Bob Szafranski at http://glenviewforum.proboards42.com/index.cgi
TOWNSHIP CRAFTS COMPROMISE – DITCHES DEMOCRACY
With Democrat Gene Marks challenging long-time village board president Mark Damisch in Northbrook, Northfield Township expects lots of Democrats to turn out for April’s local election – and that has made the Republican-dominated township board uneasy. To assure they don’t lose both open seats this spring, the GOP sat down with the Democratic Party and cut a deal. In exchange for a promise to run just one Democratic candidate – Karen Nystrom -- the Republicans will only slate Bob Dunne, assuring that each party gets a spot.
The Democrats reportedly went along so they could devote their resources to electing Debby Karton to Glenview’s village board. Insiders say the party wants to groom a candidate who can defeat Republican Beth Coulson if she seeks re-election to the State House of Representatives in two years.
NORTHBROOK’S POLITICAL SCENE THRIVING
More than 200 residents jammed a school in Northbrook last week to slate a ticket for village board. Topped by incumbent President Mark Damisch, that ticket also includes incumbent trustee Robert Jaeger who’s seeking a record sixth term, Todd Heller and Rogers Faden who have served on local school boards.
Opponent Gene Marks is already attacking Damisch who has held the presidency for 12 years, saying it’s time for new blood on the board. Marks pledges to devote more attention to economic development and contends too many people work for the village of Northbrook.
Damisch says he’s proud of his record to date. He cites the hiring of Northbrook’s Fire Chief Jay Reardon, a nationally-respected expert on emergency services and terrorism and notes Northbrook is the only municipality in the state to get the top bond ratings from both major rating services. He also touts river rehabilitation and sidewalk construction that has taken place on his watch.
GLENVIEW RESIDENT AGREES TO LEAD STATE GOP
As former Republican George Ryan prepares for a trial and the discredited Senate candidate Alan Keyes slinks into the political sunset, Glenview’s former Senate hopeful Andrew McKenna Jr. has agreed to take charge of Illinois’ Republican Party. He will replace Judy Barr Topinka whose term is about to expire. McKenna said he will turn to the business community for funding to better target and attract voters in 2006.
RESIDENTS EXPRESS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ZERO TOLERANCE
About 20 parents and former students told the School District 225 board that its policy of expelling any student caught with drugs or drug paraphernalia on campus is too harsh. Keith Goode, who was booted out as a sophomore for possession of marijuana, told the board that its policy should support rehabilitation of kids with drug problems, and Sean Easton – expelled for possession of a pipe – said his punishment was “like being killed inside.” Both students thought first-time offenders should not face expulsion.
Several parents argued the policy does not deter experimentation with drugs, but two speakers thought zero tolerance helped parents keep their kids in line. “Your policy saved my daughter’s life,” said Michael Brown. His child was expelled for possession of drug paraphernalia. Brown said he and his wife were not aware their daughter was using drugs.
The board took no vote after the public hearing, but several members said they were willing to consider a change. Debate will continue at 7:30 p.m. Monday, January 24 at school board headquarters – 1835 Landwehr Road.
PARK DISTRICT CAMP LOTTERY DEADLINE EXTENDED
The Glenview Park District has extended its camp lottery registration for residents to 7 p.m. January 27. If you haven’t gotten a camp brochure by January 20, you can pick one up from any district facility, including Park Center, the tennis club, ice rink and administrative offices on Prairie Street or call 847-657-3215.
PROTESTORS MARCH ON MAPLE LEAF
A busload of protesters went door to door on Glenview’s northwest side Saturday distributing literature to neighbors of Dr. Lee Sacks, medical director of Advocate Hospitals. The Chicago group, known as the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now or ACORN, contends Advocate – the state’s largest provider of health care – has invested nine times more in hospitals serving predominantly white areas than those serving low-income minority neighborhoods.
THIEVES WON’T GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
Northbrook witnessed a different form of protest when someone stole the peace display erected in a public park there. Banners had been posted on January 8 in opposition to the war in Iraq. Village officials approved the display, but less than a week later someone disconnected lights that illuminated it, smashed a frame holding the banners, detached ropes and pulled up stakes. Local police are investigating, and the group that erected the display is vowing to replace it. “We will not be silenced by cowards who sneak around at night,” said organizer Lee Goodman. “Our message is important. We are trying to save lives.” The Northbrook Peace Committee is accepting donations to help mount a new display. Checks can be sent to P.O. Box 2324, Northbrook, IL 60065.
HANGAR ONE HUNTS FOR A HOME
A military museum established by men who served at the Naval Air Station at Glenview is again looking for a home as landlord OliverMcMillan prepares to lease the museum’s space at The Glen Town Center. The group, called Hangar One, will hold its annual meeting at 11 a.m. Sunday, January 23 in the space it now occupies – 1951 Tower Drive next to Jos. A. Bank.
Developer OliverMcMillan has pledged to help Hangar One find a new, temporary home, but the group’s president, Frank Mack, would prefer something permanent. “We want to recognize the contributions of veterans and residents who supported the air base for all those years – to preserve a piece of what Glenview was,” he explains. “We’re losing our World War II veterans and the stories they have to tell.”
Mack said the group is considering three possible sites: the third floor and tower of Hangar One, the old Navy chapel now known as the Schram Memorial Museum or an undisclosed military property in the area. For more information, visit www.hangarone.org .
COWS CALLS IT QUITS
Thirteen years ago, an organization called Citizens Organized for Wagners formed to fight for preservation of Wagner Farm. They marched, they petitioned, they spoke at public meetings and joined the soccer moms and dads of Glenview to win a tax hike that made purchase of the farm possible. Now, the group is calling it quits – preparing to donate its remaining funds and give away shirts and caps bearing its name. COWS was honored last year by the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois for its role in advocating for the farm’s “charming rustic quality,” but COWS’ leaders have been disappointed by park district decisions they feel hurt the historic and aesthetic qualities they loved most.
VILLAGE BOARD PREVIEW
-- At Tuesday night’s meeting (January 18) the trustees will consider a request for $15,000 to support the second annual Art at the Glen Town Center. Developer Oliver McMillan has agreed to give $10,000 for the event. The village has not contributed to the Glenview Art League’s annual show at Lyons School.
-- The board will also debate whether to allow residential construction at the site of the old Red’s Auto Body, an industrial facility that burned down last summer.
-- The trustees may decide whether to allow a charitable event – the Miles for Smiles Walkathon – at Gallery Park this spring and whether to okay a new business at The Glen. Pump It Up is a private indoor party zone featuring slides and other inflatable play spaces.
-- The board is expected to vote on the latest village expenses, including a bill for $2,180 for Glenview’s monthly newsletter – now being printed by an outside vendor.
Editor’s note: We hope someone will ask whether any cost reductions could be achieved now that some residents are getting the newsletter by e-mail and whether some households could be allowed to opt out if they’re not reading the monthly publication.
PUBLIC MEETINGS CANCELLED
The Natural Resources Commission meeting scheduled for January 17, and the Glen Redevelopment Commission meeting set for January 19 have been cancelled.
RIDING THE RAILS TO THE AIRPORT
Glenview residents who fly from Milwaukee’s Mitchell Field will soon be able to ride an Amtrak train from downtown to the airport – a 52-minute trip regardless of weather or traffic conditions. Mitchell is served by 12 airlines and has far fewer delays than O’Hare. Amtrak will offer seven round-trips daily. For more information, visit www.amtrakhiawatha.com.
BANK ONE WINS TAX PAYMENT CONTRACT
Last year, area residents were able to pay county taxes at LaSalle Bank, but Bank One has offered to do the job for less. Its bid was $400,000 compared with LaSalle’s charge of $1.3 million. The first installment of 2004’s tax bills will go out later this month.
NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBORS
-- Morton Grove is considering a request for off-track betting at 6301 Oakton Street and Lehigh Avenue near Menard’s. With a fair amount of traffic in the area along with a railroad crossing, some critics think that’s a poor location for an off-track facility, but a professional traffic planner points out that most of the parlor’s patrons would arrive after 7 p.m. when the evening rush hour is over.
-- The sale of Wilmette’s former Mallinckrodt convent and college building is complete – clearing the way for construction of 86 senior housing units and creation of a park near the corner of Ridge and Wilmette roads. The developer is Oculus/Pickus.
-- The state is investigating complaints about MoMax Builders, a Northbrook company alleged to have taken consumers’ money, and then done shoddy work or none at all. Anyone with complaints is invited to call 1-800-386-5438. An attorney for the company denies the charges.
-- Glencoe resident Beth Karnes is asking Americans to donate ties for Thailand -- the fabric from those old ties to be used in designer clothes. Gray, a high-end women's boutique in Winnetka, will sell the apparel to provide an on-going source of revenue for tsunami victims in Thailand. In four years, Karnes hopes the program can be transferred to Southeast Asia where workers could use used U.S. ties to stitch their own fashions. Hundreds of neckties have poured in, and the store has already sold five skirts at about $120 apiece.
READERS WRITE
A reader who signs herself “Disgusted” writes: “Kerry Cummings gets her own page on the village web site? Her front page picture for the Glenview Announcements is shot in the village boardroom, and the UG party (aptly named) kicked off its campaign from the same boardroom? Is this really legal or ethical? The old guard’s political machine pulls no punches. A few years back the Glenview Good Government Party wanted to use GVTV’s studio for a practice media session. No village employees were to be involved, although a volunteer familiar with the equipment offered to assist. That group was told village facilities could not be used for campaign purposes! Now it’s okay for UG candidates. Does anyone really believe there will be equal time for opposition candidates? As always in Glenview, it depends on which party you belong to. Politics in Glenview get grimier all the time! Meantime, the current board is the weakest and most inefficient board this town has ever had.”
GH does not think OLPH should be excused from local requirements for storm water detention: “In response to OLPH's woes I say simply call their bluff. The good padre is running a business over there and has no intentions of shutting it down. I'm sure all the people of that parish will dig deep and come up with the money they should of donated ten years ago.”
BH thinks the trustees are playing favorites at The Glen: “A liquor license for Kohl’s fundraising events? This is a children’s museum! And I can’t believe they’re allowed to pitch a permanent tent on the main drag of The Glen, when other businesses face strict limits. The furniture store owner at Milwaukee and Sanders, for example, was not allowed to have a tent sale for more than ten days, and several petitioners have been told they could not hang banners for more than 10 days. We’re told, again, that exceptions (and great infusions of money) are needed to ensure the success of The Glen.”
KB wonders: “Does Glenview have garden plots available? If not, does Wilmette?”
The Watch replies: To our knowledge there are no public garden plots in Glenview, but Wilmette rents land each summer to would-be gardeners. For more information, call Carla Juliar at 847-256-6100.
YOUR TURN: Write to glenviewwatch@aol.com or 3537 Maple Leaf Drive, Glenview, IL 60026. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making a contribution to support The Watch. Non-deductible checks should be payable to Glenview Watch. Thanks for your support and for reading. Dean Schott and Sandy Hausman, Co-Editors.