Letter: Bocek, Johnson, Ottenheimer deserve your vote

                There is an election for Buffalo Grove Village Board looming on April 1st (this is NOT an April fool’s joke). The race for three 4-year Trustee terms is contested, with three incumbents - Joanne Johnson, Lester Ottenheimer, and Denise Bocek - pitted against one challenger. I know all four candidates well.

Over the years, I have seen people seek seats on the Village Board for a variety of reasons. I believe experience shows that candidates who run for office out of spite or anger, in an effort to return to the “good old days,” or otherwise with a narrow focus driving their ambitions, are seldom well-suited to become productive members of the board.

Additionally, organizations that stay static do not succeed. The mindset of "we have always done it this way" is not a pathway to vitality. The ability to embrace innovation is critical in an evolving world. That is where our current board members have excelled.

The members of the current Village Board have worked hard to lead us through enormous challenges created by the pandemic, and to overcome considerable hurdles, many of which resulted from outside forces beyond their control. Their collective vision and collaborative policy-setting have moved this village in an undeniably positive direction. Under their steadfast leadership, we have witnessed no less than the dawning of a new era of vibrant transformation within the community.

                While the challenger certainly has a résumé that reflects commendable community service, she has not, and cannot make the case that there is a rational reason to replace the incumbents. Indeed, even she says the current Board is doing a good job. When responding to media inquiries she has applauded, among other things, the Village’s planning and budgeting, economic development initiatives to strengthen our local economy, use of intergovernmental partnerships, management of the Village workforce and facilities, and communication with residents. Unlike the incumbents, moreover, the challenger has not shown an ability to embrace change or a willingness to innovate, traits which I believe are critical to maintain the forward momentum and progress that this community needs to keep it thriving in the years ahead.

I believe the incumbents have earned our support. They deserve an opportunity to continue their transformative work. I will be casting my vote in the upcoming election for the three incumbents - Joanne Johnson, Lester Ottenheimer, and Denise Bocek. I hope you will do so too.

Jeffrey Berman

Buffalo Grove