Get To Know Karen Darch, Barrington Village President

As president of the village of Barrington, Karen Darch has a lot on her plate. New business developments in the downtown area, protecting the village from possible dangers in the railway system, and exploring local trails are all part of what makes up Darch’s job description. Mix in her other roles, such as mother of six, wife and church member, and you’ll see a very busy woman who loves this area.

After deciding to settle in Barrington with her husband, she became a village trustee in 1995. Ten years later, she was elected the village’s president. The April 9 election is quickly approaching, and she looks to continue her run as village president, challenged by one write-in candidate, Mike Kozel.

Where are you originally from and what brought you to Barrington?

I grew up in Ridgefield, Conn. When my husband and I were looking to buy our first home, we lived and worked in Chicago, and I had seen Barrington on a visit to a client out here. We thought Barrington was a lovely town, and we could find a house with a large lot and still be in town and within walking distance to the train.

What led you into politics, and what about the role as village president appealed to you?

My background as an attorney and the example set by my parents of the importance of community service – especially my father, who served on our Connecticut town boards for many years. The role of village president was appealing after serving as a trustee and learning from some good mentors.

You have one write-in challenger for your position in the April 9 election. What is involved in trying to make sure you remain president?

If the voters recognize the proven track record of accomplishments by the Village Board and staff over the last eight years, including balanced budgets in tough economic times, continued business and event development, responding to tough issues like the Canadian National rail purchase impacts and the need for legislative reforms in Springfield, and cooperative work with our many regional partners on environmental and other governmental matters, then I would hope they will trust that our good work will continue in the next term and vote for my re-election on April 9.

Describe what the adjustment period is like following elections. How do you organize new board members?

There is definitely a learning curve for a new village trustee, and a period of two to three years to have a comfort level in that role is not unusual. Besides help from experienced board and staff members, new members also can attend training seminars held by the area councils of government like BACOG or the Northwest Municipal Conference. No matter how good these programs are, there really is no substitute for what one learns on the “job,” experiencing firsthand the many facets of local government.

What is on your priority list if elected to another term?

My priorities for the next term include making sure Barrington is a great place to live, work and play, especially as we head toward her 150th birthday in 2015. Continued focus on business development and support, great community events and infrastructure improvements are a big part of that. Also, since the federal oversight period of the Canadian National acquisition ends in early 2015, working to receive all mitigation possible, particularly the grade separation project at the Route 14 crossing is a high priority. A third and continuing priority is to work with other municipal government groups in the region and state to protect local government revenues from being taken away in the state fiscal fiasco and to advance legislation to reform pensions and unsustainable mandates. Finally, we will continue to look for efficiencies and cost savings for our citizens, taking advantage of programs like electrical aggregation.

Describe what Barrington was like when you first started as president. How has it changed?

When I first started as village president, we had some redevelopment projects, which were held back a bit in the tumultuous prior term, starting to move forward. One project, Cook Street Plaza, and other new businesses in the area, and the calendar of activities which the village and merchants have since put together to draw folks into downtown Barrington have brought a lot of new life and excitement to our village. Despite the economic downturn that has affected the whole nation during my time as president, I feel we have weathered that storm better than many communities and there is a positive feeling about our village. The ability to bring new business to our community each year and to have Ace back in town is a testament to that positive energy.

Do you ever see a day where you’ll be leaving your position? What will you do after this?

Right now, I am focused on achieving important priorities for Barrington.

I am not sure what my next adventure will be, but given my past it will probably involve some sort of community service.

As a resident, what makes Barrington different?

The people in our community really give this beautiful environment its heart. Barrington is full of helpful volunteers, philanthropists, artists, athletes, nature lovers and preservers, history buffs, and every type in between. It makes for an exciting and warm community.

What do you like about living here? What are you favorite things to do?

Barrington is a wonderful village with shops, restaurants, schools, library, churches, a train, etc. within walking distance and it has tremendous parks and wide open countryside as well. In so many ways it has the best of all worlds. I love being able to walk to everything, or taking a quiet stroll through Citizen’s Park and Cuba Marsh.

What is one thing about you that most people don’t know?

I was one of seven siblings and have six children, so I am used to a lot of activity. But I can be very happy watching a classic movie and eating ice cream – the perfect food.

What would you like to see for the future of Barrington?

A really vibrant community where you can live, work and play well and that cherishes its century and a half of history while prepared to love its future.