Village Board debates how to honor community members
By Tracy Ouellette
Editor
The East Troy Village Board debated how to honor local business owners David and Maureen “Reenie” Allen Monday night at its regular board meeting.
Village Board President Randy Timms submitted a nomination to have the Allens honored on the “Recognition of Service” wall at Village Hall. The wall has four community members on it who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the village with their years of selfless service. They are former Village Board President Bill Loesch; former Department of Public Works director Tom Rossmiller, former village clerk-treasurer Lois Clark and former Village Board member Harley Kurtz.
The hitch in Timms’ proposal came when other board members questioned whether business owners who work to further the village’s interests along should be honored at the same level as public servants and those who give back to the community for altruistic reasons as opposed to profit-making reasons, which businesses do.
Timms argued that whatever the reason, what the Allens have done with renovating Ivan’s and the East Troy House, they have brought activity into the square and have been leaders in revitalizing the area.
“The village square is rehabbing itself,” Timms said. “I think Dave and Reenie have really invested a lot of time, effort and money to do it.”
“They have done a lot for revitalizing the square,” Trustee Dusty Stanford said. “But I worry that others on the square might feel snubbed.”
Trusty Forty Renucci was concerned that the Recognition of Service wall would be come viewed as something you could get on if you spent enough money.
“I though that was supposed to be for people who have served the village above and beyond,” Renucci said. “I think what they’re (the Allens) doing is wonderful and the buildings look great, but I wonder if we add a lot of names to the wall out there that maybe it loses its meaning.”
“I don’t see what the problem is naming people,” Timms said.
Renucci said he was concerned that there was a difference between “selfless” giving and a business expanding and improving its property for the ultimate goal of making a profit.
“I think if you asked Dave and Reenie if they did this to make money they’d laugh,” Timms said. “I think they did it because they fell in love with the village.”
Discussion moved to the idea of having a “second tier” on the wall at Renucci’s suggestion.
“I’m whole heartedly in favor of Dave and Reenie being on the wall,” Stanford said. “But I almost agree with Forty that maybe there should be another level.”
In the end, the board voted to add a second tier to the wall, calling it “Making a Difference.” The board also voted to have the Allens be the first on the wall.
The Village Board will present the Allens with their award at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 28, at Village Hall during the board’s regular meeting.
