In the next several weeks, culminating on April 5th, voters in Buffalo Grove will be asked to elect a new Village President, 4 trustees and Village Clerk. Of the six positions, only the 2-year trustee position and Village Clerk are contested. This is an important election for Buffalo Grove because it further moves the community forward after a period of acrimony and political theater. Those with a true commitment to move Buffalo Grove forward should earn your vote and for that reason I would urge everyone to support the candidacy of Jan Sirabian for Village Clerk.

I have had the honor of working with Jan from the time of her election to Clerk in 1979 until my retirement as Village Manager in 2010. I have never known Jan not to approach the job responsibilities of Village Clerk with anything other than enthusiasm, representing not only the Village, but region, in dignifying what a municipal clerk is to provide for excellence in government. She advocates for what is best for Buffalo Grove, its residents and businesses. She has worked with Village staff to assure that our actions presented and promote efficient and effective government. She held staff accountable for the legal requirements required of a Clerk as well as herself.

There are those who have suggested that change is necessary but it would appear for change's sake only. Issues such as lost keys (OK, her Village keys were misplaced along with her personal keys, but who amongst us has not lost something??) or accusations of irresponsibility or malfeasance regarding an Executive Session tape (I can assure those reading this that Jan held herself as accountable on this matter as anyone) or maybe a wrong choice of word discussing the lack of interest in local elections (no one more than Jan has advocated, publicly, the importance of voting, nearly every year since she was elected). What counts is commitment and dedication and those qualities pass the tests of time and as such, length of tenure fails as a reason for change.

Some may question the basis for my comments, but this election is not about me. I believe my record and commitment to the Village, its residents, businesses and co-workers for over 32 years spoke for itself. My desire is to see Buffalo Grove move forward in a positive, professional and committed way and as such, I urge Buffalo Grove residents to retain Jan Sirabian as your Village Clerk.

Wiliam H. Brimm
Arlington Heights