Baumer, Harper, Moinuddin for Streamwood village board

Streamwood is officially a melting pot. In 2010, according to the U.S. Census, Streamwood’s Caucasian population was 50.8 percent. Of the rest, Hispanics were 28 percent and Asians, 15 percent. More than 48 percent of Streamwood residents speak a language other than English at home. This election, voters have a rare opportunity to add a voice to the village board who reflects the diversity of their neighborhoods and who has a strong background in local government. Khaja Moinuddin has been on the Streamwood Zoning Board of Appeals since 2009. Although the Streamwood Village Board works productively and the three incumbents whose seats are up are seeking re-election, Moinuddin would bring a new perspective, give minority residents a voice, and for that matter, be the board’s only engineer. Streamwood has managed its finances well, and its village board has operated in a spirit of cooperation even when members disagree. The three trustees running for re-election — William Carlson, William Harper and Mike Baumer — deserve credit for their part in creating that environment, but at least two have been serving since 1989, just a couple of years shy of a quarter century. Now, history is knocking. Experienced trustees are immensely valuable, but so is representation. For a mix of candidates that best takes advantage both of the opportunity to represent the growing diversity of the community and the strong guidance and experience already represented on the board, we endorse Mike Baumer, William Harper and Khaja Moinuddin.