Next term would be last for Barrington Village President Darch
Barrington Village President Karen Darch announced Tuesday that if she wins re-election in April her next term would be her last.
Darch began her Barrington political career as a village trustee in 1995 and was first elected village president in 2005.
"I look forward to continuing to work to ensure Barrington's bright future. We have made excellent strides, but we still have more work to do," Darch said in her announcement. "I hope to represent you for one final term, to see to completion many of the key initiatives we began over the past 12 years."
Mike Kozel, who is challenging Darch in the April 4 election, thanked her for her years of service but said the village can't afford a "lameduck" village president.
"In her own words Darch indicated that she understood the importance of 'fresh ideas and new perspectives,' and I could not agree more," Kozel said. "We will let the voters decide on April 4, 2017."
Darch outlined several goals for her final term, including infrastructure projects like the Route 14 underpass, an $8 million project to replace aging water and sewer infrastructure, and other work intended to increase safety and reduce congestion.
She said she also wants to finish the downtown redevelopment and use her position as regional and state leader to influence decisions that affect Barrington and bring benefits home. Darch currently serves as president of Illinois Municipal League.
She is running with four village trustee candidates as part of a slate called "Committee for a Thriving Barrington." The trustee candidates are incumbent Todd Sholeen and challengers Jeff J. Janssen, Jennifer Wondrasek and Ryan Julian.