Wheeling defends stand on pig roasts

Wheeling defends stand on pig roasts
Originally published Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008

By Nadia Malik
Daily Herald Staff Writer

Wheeling officials tried to quell fears Monday night that they have turned into barbecue vigilantes.
Ever since citations issued to a resident for roasting pigs in his backyard were made public in news reports last week, the village has been fielding calls from all over the nation on the topic.
James Lang, spokesman for the village, said he's been getting more calls from non-Wheeling residents up in arms over the issue than from those in town who are concerned they will be targeted for barbecuing outside.
"This has gotten so blown out of proportion," he said.
Wheeling started dealing with the story last week, when reports were published of citations written against resident Amante Enad.
Following Philippine tradition, he had been roasting pigs -- or lechon -- in his backyard for his friends and family. He also offered to donate a bulk amount for a Philippine festival held in a church in Glenview.
Wheeling officials said the tickets weren't given out just because Enad was roasting pigs. Rather, health inspectors had found his pigs for sale in a store, and Enad does not have a licensed business for that purpose.
The village received complaints about Enad that they followed up on last year, according to officials, and found unhealthy conditions and a large amount of roasters and pigs that suggested a home business.
"Many people might have the misconception … that we prohibit the enjoyment of your backyard for a barbecue," Wheeling Village Manager Mark Rooney said during a board meeting Monday.
He said the issue is about the sale and distribution of the meat and the health and safety of the public.
Enad, however, has said that he never sold any of his pigs and contends that the village is unfairly targeting him. He also said that comments he made to health inspectors were misinterpreted and that he has complied with village codes that require he only cook for friends and family.
The issue will be tackled in the Rolling Meadows courthouse Thursday.
"I don't want Mr. Enad to think the village has a vendetta," Lang said. "We want to be able to have an open-door community."
He said he's fielded a variety of calls and e-mails from as far away as Texas and California. The incident has also been the topic on various blogs and radio shows, on which Lang has declined to appear.
"At the core, this is a court case," he said. "This is strictly about safety and health."