You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet

It seems that Sigwalt and Co. might also have been humming “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” as they read last week’s “Trouble with Carpentersville” series. Maybe that would offer some explanation for the events that took place at this week’s Village Board meeting.

They seemed determined to do things that were really strange …

First, when President Sarto gaveled two citizens for comments that were not relevant to Village business, 5 Board members overturned the ruling of the President … ignoring even the advice of the Village attorney.

Then, Trustee Sigwalt appeared to once again be overstepping her position, directing staff to do her bidding. This time it was to have Village staff gather information about a possible land-based casino along the Randall Rd corridor, just north of Huntley Rd.

It’s somewhat ironic that one of those asked to end his comments was talking about censure (even though the Board previously considered the matter and it was determined it was not applicable). If anyone deserves to be censured, it is Trustee Sigwalt, for she is clearly in violation of the Municipal Code and statutes. According to the rules, only the Village President has the individual authority to direct staff. Trustees must do so with the consent of the Board, typically through an agenda item for “discussion and direction.”

But, the pièce de résistance was when they put revenue before public safety. As Tom Roeser commented yesterday, “Now their bad judgment is starting to affect safety.”

I guess these Trustees have now given us our answer to the invitation to amend their ways and begin to work for the people of Carpentersville. That answer is a resounding “no”.

This is a forum for you to speak up about these things folks. If you can’t make it to the meetings, or don’t want to get up to speak during public comments, then you could voice your opinion here. The Board is reading this — especially the comments — as are many of your fellow residents in the community. Use of a unique alias is fine, if you don’t feel comfortable putting your name out there. (As I’ve said before, I will not allow people to be attacked, especially not for using an alias.) If you’ve paid attention to what’s been going on, then you know that this blog has made an impact. Be a part of it. Join the discussion.

Veto override may not be last word

We may not have heard the last word on the sale of those guns — which included about 20 .357 Magnum handguns, among others. Seems that a Chicago media station was contacted by Rev. Jesse Jackson, of Operation PUSH, and Fr. Michael Pfleger, of St Sabina Church in Chicago, regarding Carpentersville’s decision to sell these weapons after overriding President Sarto’s veto.  Sarto cited concern for public safety as his reason for vetoing the sale that was previously approved 4-3, before Trustee Hinz changed his position on the re-vote.

Those who are familiar with Jackson and Pfleger should realize that this is not necessarily a good thing for our Village. If we thought that “3,000 people” showing up at Village Hall for the immigration debate was a nightmare … just wait …

The chorus of “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” from Bachman-Turner Overdrive is playing in my head.

A recent article reporting on response of the Catholic Church to urban violence in Chicago gives a bit of history of Fr. Pfleger and why this hits so close to home for him:

Father Michael Pfleger, pastor of Chicago’s St. Sabina Parish, knows the feeling of helplessness that can strike family members. In 1998, his 17-year-old foster son was shot. He died in Father Pfleger’s arms.

However, Carpentersville could be potentially spared from this if they take Otto Engineering President, Tom Roeser, up on his offer to pay $3,000 for the Village to do the prudent thing and destroy the weapons. It would seem to be the best case scenario … the Village gets their $3,000, public safety is not put in harm’s way because the weapons are destroyed and we avoid more negative publicity.

And, finally, the following letter was received by the Village:

Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2007 18:59:02 -0600
Subject: My regrets

Mr. Sarto,

I understand that you stand opposed to police weapons being sold to enerate revenue for Carpentersville. I am a Schaumburg resident, but I do care what is happening in the communities around mine. I cannot believe that Carpentersville is so strapped for cash that it must net $3000 the Daily Herald reports will be collected upon the sale of these guns. Honestly, if I had discretionary money to buy them all, to personally see they get destroyed – I would. I can assure you if this were happening in Schaumburg, I would be doing
more to assemble people to do the right thing. Unfortunately, my funds, time and responsibilities here are somewhat limited. Here’s a simple idea… Organize a fundraiser and have people donate money to a cause that results in the guns being destroyed. You just might raise more than $3000.

On my behalf, I ask that you forward my message to the board of trustee members who support this. I wonder if each of them have considered what his or her reaction will be when they learn one of these weapons is used in a violent crime. The only way to ensure this will not happen is by seeing the weapons are destroyed. I am stunned to believe a suburban community would even consider selling weapons to raise funds. For $3000 no less! Why not start taking stuff to the local pawn shop? What type of image does this uphold for the people of the community?

Once again, Mr Sarto, I commend you for taking the right position here. I feel horribly sorry for your board of trustees who obviously value money far higher than principles. Proverbial souls are being sold here for the low, low cost of $3000.

Regretfully,
David {last name withheld}
Schaumburg