Endorsements: Davies, Jarvis and Waldenstrom for Grayslake village board
It's hard to argue with the facts, and by most accepted measures, the village of Grayslake is a well-run government. The village has been without debt since 2009 and the board has passed more than 20 consecutive budgets with balanced operating funds. Not many communities of Grayslake's size can boast that.
Without having to pay debt service, the village has more money for real projects in real time, like incentivizing business facades, roadway improvements, green space and planning for more development along Route 83 — all things that make the community attractive to both potential residents and businesses.
But what it also says is that the past and present village boards have not given in to the temptation to spend unnecessarily. And as rumblings continue to come out of the governor's mansion about proposed cuts to municipal income tax receipts, this is a very good time for a municipality to find itself not unduly burdened by debt.
Can Grayslake go on this way forever? No. Necessary or desirable roadwork, bridge repairs and other infrastructure projects will inevitably appear and have to be dealt with. But knowing when to spend the money is as important as knowing when not to, and we have faith in the present village board. Ron Jarvis and Kevin Waldenstrom have been trustees since 2007 and 2009 respectively, and have had a hand in Grayslake's enviable financial position. Elizabeth Davies was appointed to the board only in 2014 but we have been impressed with her work so far and find her to be of the same mindset.
The two challengers have good community credentials and good ideas. We would like to see both Quin O'Brien and Mary Klees continue to be active in the community and to raise their profiles.
On April 7, though, we recommend votes for Davies, Jarvis and Waldenstrom.