So what can this all be about and than I realized they were all talking about the Village of Machesney Park Trustee’s meeting last night. Wow, I’m thinking this could be good reality TV show, way more fun than “Ice Road Truckers” and far more dangerous than the “Deadliest Catch”. Sides have been chosen and lines drawn in the sand among the board. Maybe we should call Jerry Springer and ask him to come to the next meeting and use it for an upcoming show. Hey we could save Jerry the time and money and just send him the video from the local public access channel. How about a soap opera “No Trust In Town” , we sure could develop some great characters that would even make Victor Newman look like a boy scout. Bottom line….this is a sad day in Machesney Park.

I attended several months ago the ribbon-cutting for the long awaited new Perryville Road extension. It was a beautiful day outside and leaders from the county, Machesney Park, Roscoe and the Harlem School District were in attendance. It was a day to be proud of , at this accomplishment there were a lot of folks thanking each other for making it work for the area. However; I noticed that a Machesney Park Village Trustee was standing next to me in the crowd instead of being a part of the festivities. Did the Village President know he was there? Yes, they made eye contact, but that was as far as that went, not even a mention to the audience that he was there or a part of the board. That was a sad event that elected officials cannot even be cordial at a “public” event. This leads to events like last night, censuring measures of a board member and one of the Village President. Or name calling of a board member from another board member for deciding to change his vote on an issue. This all reminds me of kindergarten children not being able to share toys on the playground, if my kids acted like the board has recently they would be facing the wrath of the father. Isn’t it a shame that this board cannot look past there personal issues for the betterment of Machesney Park.

The problem is far worse than worrying about what car the Village President should use or if a liquor license should be granted. It is a problem that has “deep” roots in personal feelings on both sides and is being spread like poison ivy. This civil war is hurting Machesney Park now and the affects will continue to spread in the future. Can you imagine someone wanting to relocate here after seeing and reading what is going on in this community? The last time I looked an elected official was considered a “public servant” one who serves his community and not there own personal wishes or ideas. Sad but true that now a days elected officials who come in with good intentions, usually go down a path they never thought they would go. When was the last time you expressed your opinion to someone in local government about a matter of concern, you might be surprised at the answer you get or maybe not an answer at all. We all need to pro-active as voters, express your thoughts and opinions to your elected officials. When you vote next time know who and why you are voting for them, you are a key to possibly solving the problems of the present board.

What can be done? I would suggest a “peace conference” between all parties involved. How about everybody taking a deep breath and counting to 10. It takes at least two to fight and both sides need to evaluate how they act and represent this community. Putting all personal issues a side, and not coming to the next meeting with “guns firing” . Does this mean that we will always agree? No Way! An old friend once told me, “When you point a finger at someone, remember there are 4 others pointing back at you.“ It is time for leadership to show why they are in that position and for the rest of the board to act like adults and show why we elected them. It can be done, the North and the South survived the American Civil War, I only hope that we can all survive.