Barrington Hills Village President Martin J. McLaughlin has appointed a former Appellate Court judge to determine if there was any improper influence or conduct regarding horse-boarding legislation. Photo – Countercantor

Barrington Hills

Legislation allegations the main focus

Special counsel has been appointed to determine if there was any improper influence or conduct by appointed or elected village officials in regard to horse-boarding legislation.

Barrington Hills Village President Martin J. McLaughlin has appointed former Appellate Court judge David Sterba to the position. McLaughlin said he made the move because numerous allegations have been made at both public meetings and in filings with the village, challenging how the ordinance was passed and the conduct of certain village officials.

The Village President said the legislation’s path through the Zoning Board of Appeals to the Village Board is being questioned and will be investigated.

Chicago

Rush in no hurry to see prime minister

U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-Chicago) chose to not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Natanyahu’s address before a joint meeting of Congress.

“My decision … is not a reflection of the value I place on the U.S.-Israeli partnership, one of the strongest and most valuable relationships to our nation,” Rush said. “Rather, it is a condemnation of the decision by the Republican leadership in Congress to bypass established protocol and inject a foreign head of government into domestic political debate. This is just the latest example in an ongoing pattern of disrespect to Barack Obama, our president and commander in chief.”

Hinsdale

Tournament teams named

Thirteen of the 16 boys basketball teams that will compete in the inaugural Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic have been announced.

The tournament, which will be Dec. 26-30, will include a California team, Crespi Carmelite of Encino. Other participating high schools will be: Crete-Monee, DePaul College Prep, Hinsdale Central, Homewood-Flossmoor, Lincoln Park, Maine South, Perspectives Math & Science Academy, Richards, Rockford Auburn, St. Charles East, Stevenson and Westinghouse.

The remaining three schools will be announced at a later date.

Eight of the 13 teams have been ranked this year, 11 have previous state tournament experience and two are defending holiday tournament champions.

La Grange

Sales tax hike sought

The village has placed a referendum on the April ballot, seeking approval to raise its sales tax rate three-quarters of 1 percent.

La Grange is a non-home rule community and needs voter approval to increase its sales tax rate. The additional funds from the sales tax hike, village officials said, would be used to fund sewer improvements, enhance public safety operations and spur economic development.

Village officials said if the tax hike is approved, they would consider reducing or freezing other taxes.

Park Ridge

Mayor passes away

Park Ridge Mayor David Schmidt, 57, died March 4, after a sudden illness.

City officials said Schmidt was transported to Lutheran General Hospital late March 3 and died the following day.

He is survived by the love of his life, Maria Cataldo; a son, Kevin (Mary); a granddaughter, Sophie; three sisters; two brothers; and several uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Elected officials and city staff asks that area residents keep Mayor Schmidt’s family in their thoughts and prayers.

Memorials may be made to The Park Ridge Fine Arts Society.