Ruffulo, Lynam, Skillicorn for East Dundee

East Dundee is generally weathering effectively the financial storms battering most Illinois towns these days, but uncertainties are always looming. So, the village needs a board of trustees with an effective blend of experience, hometown appreciation and critical thinking. That mix is best reflected in the candidacies of incumbents Michael Ruffulo and Jeff Lynam and newcomer Allen Skillicorn. Ruffulo has served on the village board for 12 years and his resume of public service in town dates even earlier than that. He is sharply conversant in the village budget and all other issues facing the town, and shows a willingness to work collaboratively even with critics. Lynam is seeking his second term and has a particular interest in making the board more responsive to the public. Skillicorn comes to the race practically with an incumbent’s intimate familiarity of village processes and finances, and offers the possibility for fresh yet positive scrutiny of financial and other activities in town. John E. Cichowski has served well in one term on the board, but Skillicorn shows more interest in and commitment to the village’s most-serious challenges. Newcomers Dan Selep and, especially, Patrick Clarke offer fresh ideas and sincere energy, but the lineup holding the most promise for East Dundee’s future is Ruffulo, Lynam and Skillicorn. They are endorsed.