For Crystal Lake District 47: Fetzner, Gonsiorek, Farrell

Daily Herald Editorial board

Unlike some of its neighbors in southeastern McHenry County, Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 has managed to avoid difficult choices about program cuts and teacher layoffs thanks to its strong financial position. Though serving a relatively affluent community with a large commercial property base helps in that regard, district leaders also deserve credit for managing their money conservatively in the good times to prevent crisis in the bad. Because of their roles in this wise financial stewardship, we endorse incumbents Robert Fetzner and Nancy Gonsiorek for two of the three board seats at stake in the April 5 election. Gonsiorek, a CPA, has a financial background the board will continue to need, and Fetzner, an attorney, has shown a commitment to balancing the budget. For the third seat, Ryan Farrell, an attorney, gets the nod over Carlo Agnello, a technology consultant. Both newcomers are qualified and capable, but Farrell’s experience in leadership roles with several community organizations gives him a slight edge.