Endorsement: Suess for Wheaton City Council, North District

In the contest to represent the Wheaton City Council North District, incumbent Philip Suess deserves to be re-elected. Suess has been on the council since 2005 and his financial expertise is an important asset. He has been part of a board that has worked to bring several new businesses into the city, and he recognizes that streets, sewers, sidewalks and flooding are always front-burner concerns. In talking with residents, small business owners and downtown merchants Ted Rodgers, a 25-year resident of the district, has his ear to the ground on what’s important to the North District. His emphasis on improving communication should be heeded. Lawyer J.T. Del Alcazar also advocates infrastructure and revitalizing downtown, but he seems a little fuzzy on some budget details. Alberta Adamson, president of the Wheaton Historic Preservation Council/Center for History, champions a stronger economic development plan by using tourism to draw people into town. Adamson has floated the idea of a food and beverage tax as a revenue source, but says she has not consulted with any bar or restaurant owners. She also says she doesn’t see a conflict with being a council member and president of the center. We disagree.