Endorsements: Aiani, Latoria, Madaras for Itasca village board

Itasca village board member Frank Madaras insists the town is “on the right road,” and the transportation reference is fitting. That’s because the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway expansion and O’Hare modernization will have a huge impact on Itasca. Madaras, as well as fellow incumbents Jeff Aiani and Mike Latoria, acknowledge that they can’t stop the changes headed their way, but they understand that Itasca needs strong leadership to safeguard residents’ interests and, as a team, they believe they are well-prepared to provide it. The incumbents are clearly in sync — and challenger Patrick Wartan believes too much so. He has a point. Elected boards sometimes need new blood, and Wartan offers a good mix of passion and practicality. That said, the combined experience of the incumbents, their team approach and their deep knowledge of the issues at hand make them best able to steer Itasca down the rocky road ahead. We endorse Aiani, Latoria and Madaras.