Endorsement: Bruno for Geneva City Council, Ward 1

Alderman Sam Hill is retiring, so Geneva’s 1st Ward will get new representation but a familiar face to many in the city. Zachary Ploppert and Michael Bruno are the candidates. Ploppert, 22, is a part-time schoolteacher who has been involved in the community for several years with the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission, Geneva Community Chest and as a volunteer at the Geneva History Center. He’s run for council before and lost. He speaks well and has a good handle on what’s going on in the city. Bruno, 53, a technology consultant, has been a Historic Preservation commissioner for 11 years. He’s big on economic vitality and preservation. The ward is largely the historic district and the downtown area, which gives Bruno a slight edge based on his background. Ploppert says homeowners in the historic district don’t have enough rights. We’re impressed with Ploppert’s continued interest at a young age. Bruno seems to have a little better understanding of what makes Geneva tick, which includes its historic downtown. We hope Ploppert stays involved, gets a bit more seasoning and gives the council another try.