Last night's workshop was attended by a packed house eager to hear what the Village Board was doing with its plan to hire a strategic development planning consultant to help the Village revitalize its downtown. For those who may be unaware, the Village appears very close to inking a $100,000+ deal with an outfit called Town Builders Studios ("TBS"). It was immediately apparent that some of the Village Board members had serious concerns about the process by which TBS was selected. Indeed, these concerns seemed to be well-justified, based on apparent conflicts of interests in teh Selection Committee and on the lack-luster, low-tech "presentation" offered by TBS president Jim Louthan. I am very surprised that Trustees Comerford, Norton, and Thorsell seemed poised to line up with President Hase to select this consultant. It was obvious that the poor guy from TBS is in way over his head.

But that's not really why I'm writing. This project is a matter of really significant consequence to the Village. Success will mean better a better downtown experience, higher tax revenues, increased property values for residents.... The list goes on. Recognizing the importance of this, many many residents showed up last night to listen and participate. At the end, we were implored by President Hase and a couple of others to speak up as TBS begins its work and to be involved so the Village and TBS can listen and consider the residents' input.

Shockingly, however, it is patently clear that in Vicky Hase's world, this was just pure rhetoric. Every suggestion offered by residents was summarily shut down by our Village President, or handily ignored. This was true even with respect to ideas that would have brought the residents and the various factions of the Board together by allowing for a competetive first phase where the two prefered consultants would be invited to offer up competing plans for the Village to choose from. Why not do this? President Hase initial said that her reluctance to secure competetive phase I plans was that there could be a legal problem since this process was not included in the Request for Qualifications put out to potential bidders. However, even the Village's own attorney said that this would not be a concern. Having been unable to articulate any reasonable basis to decline this route, President Hase defaulted back to just ignoring it. To invite public comment and then act so rude and arrogant in ignoring it is outrageous.

But it all pales in comparison to Trustee Norton. When Trustee Ladesic commented that he confirmed another Trustee's earlier representation that she might vote for a consultant other than TBS by listening to the tape of the meeting, Trustee Norton got flustered and denied Trustee Ladesic's representation. Trustee Ladesic then reiterated that he was absolutely right, and the tape will prove it. At that, Trustee Norton abandonded the substance of the discussion and angrily barked "you taped our meetings?" Appearing to be embarrassed for him, the whole Board seemed to collectively hang their heads a little as they quietly reminded Trustee Norton that all meetings are taped and the microphones were literally dangling before them.

But worst of all was that Trustee Norton couldn't stop himself from showing his true colors. Trustee Ladesic mentioned that the Board should be cognizant that the room was full of people who think TBS might not be the right consultant for this critical work. I could not believe my ears when Trustee Norton motioned toward the room-full of residents who would sit there for 3 hours watching this deal get done right before their eyes before they even had a chance to speack, and responded that this is not a referendum, so he does not have to listen this "vociferous little minority"!!!

No matter how you feel about the selection of TBS, Trustee Norton's remarks are beyond reproach -- especially after a night where we were repeatedly told (feigned as it was) that our input was so important to the process. I want to be an enthusiastic supporter of this project, and even of this Board. On this issue, I happen to agree with Trustees Ladesic, Armstrong and Lee. But I appreciate the respectful and apparently thoughtful approach taken by Trustees Thorsell and Comerford. President Hase and Trustee Norton, however, seem to disdain any input from the residents that does not lift them up on a pedestal, even as they claim to urge public comment. Arrogance has no place in small-town governance. They need to find a way to ingraciate themselves with the residents if this project or this Board is to have any success. Otherwise, 2009 cannot come soon enough.

You could see that English accent spraying forth on poor Trustee Ladesic when he said it. I was unable to stick around to ask him if perhaps he misspoke and would like to apologize to his constituents . . . a "minority" that took the time to GET INVOLVED. Of all the times he should have abstained from something, perhaps it should have been from attacking those that elected him.

What a dope.

GE Cat, well stated. My wife and I couldn't beleive the arrogance of Hase & Norton.

I wonder if Norton is Consider Phlebas (sp?), a former poster who liked to look down his nose at Americans?

To be fair, there are some very good things that have come out of Britain. Yesterday's meeting reminded me of this-

I'm being repressed

I'm sorry I couldn't attend the meeting but the return from our family weekend getaway was delayed by weather on both ends.

I appreciate GECat's information and thoughts on what happened. I was going to post before the meeting that I did talk with Trustee Thorsell extensively about her decision and afterwards, felt much more comfortable with her decision to support Town Builders. I support her decision and am glad to see that even GECat can tell that both Trustees, Thorsell and Comerford were very thoughtful in their approach to this decision.

Another issue, yet to be resolved, is how this was handled - initially by our illustrious Village President and now with Trustee Norton obviously losing his cool. In my opinion, they are not fit to serve their respective offices. Here is why: Yes, we all can have strong emotions when it comes to our opinions - especially opinions about our children, our money, and our faith (or lack thereof). This, my friends, is about money. People are going to get emotional. But, if a trustee cannot appreciate people who take the time to sit through a very long meeting - or series of meetings because they passionately disagree with him/her, he needs to leave. (Same with some school board members.) Likewise, if an elected representative acts in a manner that causes his or her constituents to doubt either their competence or their ability to act ethically, she should step down.

'nuff said.

oooh, a listening party. I can see us now. All gathered around like the golden era of radio. I make some pretty mean snacks!

quote:

Originally posted by GECat:
At the end, we were implored by President Hase and a couple of others to speak up as TBS begins its work and to be involved so the Village and TBS can listen and consider the residents' input.

Shockingly, however, it is patently clear that in Vicky Hase's world, this was just pure rhetoric. ... To invite public comment and then act so rude and arrogant in ignoring it is outrageous.

But it all pales in comparison to Trustee Norton. .. (Norton) responded that this is not a referendum, so he does not have to listen this "vociferous little minority"!!!

No surprise about either one. This was exactly the same lie Hase used to end discussion of the GE Clinic. Vicki Hase is simply not fit to lead this Village.

Norton? I've yet to hear a good word about him from anyone, his BS and lies are finally catching up to him as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Amy:
I'm sorry I couldn't attend the meeting but the return from our family weekend getaway was delayed by weather on both ends.

I appreciate GECat's information and thoughts on what happened. I was going to post before the meeting that I did talk with Trustee Thorsell extensively about her decision and afterwards, felt much more comfortable with her decision to support Town Builders. I support her decision and am glad to see that even GECat can tell that both Trustees, Thorsell and Comerford were very thoughtful in their approach to this decision.

Another issue, yet to be resolved, is how this was handled - initially by our illustrious Village President and now with Trustee Norton obviously losing his cool. In my opinion, they are not fit to serve their respective offices. Here is why: Yes, we all can have strong emotions when it comes to our opinions - especially opinions about our children, our money, and our faith (or lack thereof). This, my friends, is about money. People are going to get emotional. But, if a trustee cannot appreciate people who take the time to sit through a very long meeting - or series of meetings because they passionately disagree with him/her, he needs to leave. (Same with some school board members.) Likewise, if an elected representative acts in a manner that causes his or her constituents to doubt either their competence or their ability to act ethically, she should step down.

'nuff said.

Trustee Thorsell tried valiantly to convince her fellow elected officials and those gathered in the crowd that she did not say that she initially supported HL as her second choice. Both trustees and the crowd essentially called her a, uh . . . "fabricator". She smartly had nary a word to say the rest of the time I was there. IMO, her interesting switch in thinking is what may have caused a lot of this problem. I find solace in the fact that TBS is only getting about $100K, not a million . . . or five million. I wish I could disagree with anyone else, Amy . . . but it has to be you. I still love you.

JOMBL sighting, Awsome.
Did you go on a long trip with JR? Where in the heck have you been.
What have you done with JR?

quote:

Originally posted by GECat:
Shockingly, however, it is patently clear that in Vicky Hase's world, this was just pure rhetoric. Every suggestion offered by residents was summarily shut down by our Village President, or handily ignored...To invite public comment and then act so rude and arrogant in ignoring it is outrageous.

I could not believe my ears when Trustee Norton motioned toward the room-full of residents who would sit there for 3 hours watching this deal get done right before their eyes before they even had a chance to speack, and responded that this is not a referendum, so he does not have to listen this "vociferous little minority"!!!

And this folks is our CBP at work! IMO it is time for all of us to become aware and involved. This has been going on for years and largely ignored by most of us. It is time for us to wake up!

quote:

Originally posted by Candidate:
JOMBL sighting, Awsome.
Did you go on a long trip with JR? Where in the heck have you been.
What have you done with JR?

Been a bit busy ...

Anyone who doesn't think that Mr. Norton (I can no longer call him Trustee Norton as he has repeatedly that he does not fit the definition) has done a remarkable job of making this village question the selection process of the Civic Betterment Party needs to examine Mr. Norton's actions during his term. With his lack of representation for his neighbors regarding the GE Clinic, the T-Mobile antenna abstention, and now the unfortunate slip of the tongue last night, he is the poster child for change in the way our village government is chosen. He is the prototypical CBP candidate. I will venture to guess that he rarely, if ever, does any outside work and takes little initiative past the spoon-feeding of President Hase or ACTING Village Manager Barrett. He wears his suit, sports his large lapel pin, he puts in his time. As a village, we are past that. Could very well be the nicest gentleman in town. Nice gentleman that can't contribute are better off in their smoking jackets clutching their pipes in front of the tele.

We have sat on our collective asses for two years listening to a woman who, by her own admission is not a fast thinker, tell us that the problems with the CBD have nothing to do with traffic, nothing to do with parking, nothing to do with refuse collection and clean up, crumbling real estate. . . they were just the cyclical nature of retail in a small town. And nearly three years into her term we find ourselves scrambling to get a contract (almost seemingly in desperation) with a firm that has little if any experience doing what we need them to do. As I've said . . . be thankful this isn't a million dollar contract. The town can absorb the $100k+ loss.

In the words of Admiral Yamamoto, Mr. Norton seems to have awoken a sleeping giant. A sleeping giant that is part of a vociferous little minority. A sleeping giant that may come back to bite his CBP supporters in the @ss come next spring. He and his ilk have made us dirty, little, unconnected residents hyper-aware. Probably not a bad legacy to leave behind.

The t-shirt selling opportunities are there. That would make a good hoodie, also.

Might even be a good name for a political party. The VMP.

quote:

I have a Cafepress account, I was thinking buttons as well to wear at the next meeting. Anyone interested?

Count me in.

I'm planning on going to the GoDowntown meeting on January 30th (7:00 p.m.) at the Tap House Grill, I wondering if I should poll the folks attending that night to get an approximation of how many will be required?

all this, AND my assessed value went up 17%???!!!!! if this downtown continues to deteriorate we all need to ask our selves who are we going to sell these houses to someday? i'd rather move to downtown lombard at this point (except for the Glen. I do like the Glen!) and we all need to join the VM!!!

quote:

Originally posted by BlueEchoes:
Interesting, there is already a shop out there that is offering these:

The Vociferous Minority

Looks like all profits made on the buttons are going to the GoDowntown! committee. I wonder who set this up?

Blue,
FYI,Its the Vociferous Little Minority.
I think the Vocal Minority, was who elected me.
The Vocal Little Minority is that "Little" group of townfolk who have taken time away from their families for weeks now, including the 4 1/2 hour meeting Monday, to get involved in a critical decision being made for the potential benefit of our town. Only to be insulted.
Makes you want to contribute to our community doesn't it?

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
The t-shirt selling opportunities are there. That would make a good hoodie, also.

Might even be a good name for a political party. The VMP.

I was thinking more along the lines of The Peoples Voice or The Peoples Choice party. Keep your calender open for March 15th, St.Patricks Day weekend. Our first second fund raiser.

Candidate, I changed the text in the link to the proper.

Also, can I ask a question? Were you an investigative reporter or police officer before becoming the Trustee? You did a fine job collecting information for that meeting.

quote:

Originally posted by Candidate:
JOMBL sighting, Awsome.
Did you go on a long trip with JR? Where in the heck have you been.
What have you done with JR?

I'm back. I was playing golf in Orlando.

Check out the houses on this golf course.





Glen Ellyn needs some of these to house the "Vociferous Little Minority."

next time you go, I think you need to bring an official photographer, these photos are a little blurry.