I'm sorry I missed this meeting so i can't comment on what took place. Several people told me about it, but since I didn't witness this I'll just offer these two letters printed in the Landmark for those who might have missed them. Those interested in which way this Board is taking the Village in terms of "development" and "fiscal planning" had better pay close attention to the upcoming meetings and workshops, because what is decided upon will have far reaching consequences for what happens here.
5/13/2008 10:00:00 PM
Letters
Trustee behavior does not bode well
The outburst by Riverside Village Trustee Kevin Smith at the Board's May 5 meeting was not his first. His ridicule and intimidation represents a troubling pattern of behavior that should not be fostered by Riverside government.
While I presume Trustee Smith was speaking for himself, the problem is that his conduct reflects poorly on the entire board. By telling me, "If you're not with us (the board), you're against us" is an inexcusable attitude for a trustee towards Riverside residents.
How did I get in this position? After joining with Concerned Citizens for Riverside to oppose the TIF and volunteering to serve on the village's Long Term Finance Committee (LTFC), I began to take interest in other matters as well. It was an eye-opener. I felt compelled to bring some common sense back to village government.
After all, wasn't the board always asking for public input? Is the board's request sincere or not? If residents are going to be verbally assaulted for offering constructive criticism, residents will just not speak up and further increase the board's level of isolation from the public that has bred increased public cynicism.
Telling half truths about the TIF, hiring a consultant to make sure the LTFC was steered in the desired direction and berating the few residents that actually take an interest in village affairs is no way to embark upon an effort to address the village's money issues.
The board's behavior in handling these issues does not bode well for trying to convince residents to give the board more money by increasing our real estate taxes. The board is destroying its credibility just when they need it most.
Mike Gorman
Riverside
Riverside at a financial crossroad
Riverside is about to commence a community-wide dialogue about the financial future of our village. We have reached a crossroad and must choose a path for the future.
Unlike last year's TIF debate, which centered around how best to address the needs of the Central Business District, this budget cycle's decisions, and those of years to come, will affect all parts of the village and every household.
The village is but one environmental crisis (emerald ash borer) or unfunded mandate (pensions) away from financial peril. The cost of dealing with the emerald ash borer (EAB) crisis is estimated by Wilmette to be, for that suburb alone, $2.5 million. To date, the federal government has made $1.5 million available nationwide to combat EAB. What would, or will, Riverside do?
The condition of village property-parks, roads, sewers-and the level of service provided-police, fire, management-impact everyone. The quality of our schools, the level of our property values and public safety concerns are all interconnected. There should be synergy, not a false sense of competition, employed to address the challenges that face us as a community.
Unfortunately, there are elements in our village, sometimes quite vocal and intimidating, that are drawn to drama, undertones of intrigue and dabbling in personalities.
As we move forward, we should not be distracted by incidents of theater, including my own, that might cause us to lose sight of the goal. Our community deserves and should demand solutions and plans, not posturing.
It is my hope that the upcoming meetings will be attended with openness, inquisitiveness and goodwill so as to establish consensus, build partnerships and forge a way forward.
Kevin Smith
Riverside
Kevin Smith is a Riverside village trustee.