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Endorsements: Leonard, Goodman for Warrenville City Council

In the aldermanic races in Warrenville, challengers Michael Hoffmann and Thomas Sherlock — both longtime City Council observers — complain there is a disconnect between the city and its residents.

Hoffmann, challenging incumbent Daniel Leonard in Ward 3, says he wants to bring “common sense” to the council. Meanwhile, Sherlock, opposing incumbent Leah Goodman in Ward 4, says he feels he isn't heard when he speaks at council meetings and that he's “frustrated by the amount of information dumped in (his) lap” when he asks questions of the village staff.

However, Leonard and Goodman are not symptoms of a communication problem but examples of solutions to such issues. Leonard, a former city police officer and volunteer firefighter with 10 years on the council, has extensive connections in the community that he taps to help make decisions. As the city explores options for reconfiguring the offset intersections of Batavia and River roads with Warrenville Road, Leonard initially supported a proposal to build a traffic roundabout. He talked with residents of his ward and discovered most were opposed to the plan. While he personally still favors the roundabout, he is representing his constituents' views and officially opposing the plan.

Like Leonard, Goodman has a lifetime of connections in Warrenville and draws on them as she forms her positions. After a community survey last year indicated residents wanted more communication, Goodman proposed Warrenville conduct telephone town halls periodically to share information on issues and gather residents' opinions, ultimately reaching residents who might not be regular participants in city government. Beyond that, Goodman, seeking her second term, has a deep understanding of city government and a strong command of the issues facing Warrenville. We recommend Ward 3 voters re-elect Leonard and Ward 4 voters retain Goodman.

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