Politics & Government

Village Considers New Rules For Public Gatherings

Trustee Lisa Stone and Village President Elliott Hartstein clash during discussion

A discussion among Village Board members regarding parades and organized gatherings on public property last week developed into a conflict between Village President Elliott Hartstein and Trustee Lisa Stone.

Officials were reviewing a draft of an ordinance that could require those who want exclusive use of public property, including Rotary Village Green, to obtain a permit, assume liability and cover security costs.

Stone questioned why a group of residents who are rallying to remove her from the Village Board through a recall vote on the Nov. 2 election ballot did not require a permit to parade down Buffalo Grove Road this summer using amplifiers and holding signs, while a group of high school students who sought to raise awareness about the plight of children in Uganda last year were told they'd need a permit and insurance, which led them to seek an alternative location for the event.

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"I believe in the freedom to gather, to speak and to say your mind, whatever that is," Stone said, adding she disagreed with what she called a double standard for the two groups. She said she's glad that going forward, the same rules will apply to all organizations.

She also questioned why the recall group was allowed to hold the event, when an ordinance adopted in 2000 requires village approval for such activities.

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"It was published in the newspaper. It was all over Facebook. If you didn't know about the recall rally, you were probably out of town," Stone said. "I certainly don't think that the well-publicized rally slipped by our management."

When Stone said she doesn't blame the Village Board for allowing the Buffalo Grove Road event, but pointed the finger at a former village employee, who was not in attendance, Hartstein called her out of order.

"It's very hard when you have somebody interrupting you every five words," said Stone, who added she was being treated rudely. Stone later accused Hartstein of "bordering abusive," to which he replied he was trying to keep the meeting moving forward by focusing on the present rather than on past events.

"Most people on the board are with the program," he said. "If you can't stay on track, it is my responsibility to help you to stay on track."

The proposed ordinance, Hartstein said, is not intended to infringe on residents' First Amendment rights. It would also not apply to individuals and groups who do not want private use of the space.

Village staff members were directed to revise the ordinance, which will be reviewed again by trustees prior to adoption.


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