For Borden library: McCarthy, Bednar, Gross, Tepe, Iqbal

Daily Herald Editorial Board

The Gail Borden Library represents the best in Elgin. It’s beautiful, its programs are innovative. It draws people in to learn. So it might be surprising that the board that oversees it is, well, dysfunctional.

The source of the friction is Randy Hopp, an incumbent whose seat is not up. Hopp has ham-handedly sought greater transparency on the board and has been frustrated with a lack of enthusiastic cooperation from other board members.

That said, it’s easy to understand why fellow board members would be frustrated by him. And it is no reason to discard incumbents Rick McCarthy, a 20-year veteran board member and a force behind the construction of the main library; Jean Bednar, who seems knowledgeable and engaged; and Herb Gross, who volunteers at the library, too, and sees things from the ground level.

Challenger Verner Tepe surprised us. He appreciates the points Hopp has tried to make, without condoning his methods. But he also brings to the table a fervent desire to propel forward the library’s digital offerings that now are somewhat lacking. We endorse him over well-meaning incumbent Lisa Knight.

Also running for the four 4-year seats are Victor LaPorte and Richard Wallett.

For the lone 2-year seat we endorse Mohammad Iqbal over Penny Wegman.