Endorsement: Poynton for Lake Zurich village president

The race for Lake Zurich village president pits incumbent Thomas Poynton against political newcomer Alex Samoila.

The candidates have defining views on a couple of key issues.

On downtown, Samoila, 36, who works in the financial services industry, questions whether the village board has a true vision, and says the village must add retail first to attract residents.

Poynton, 70, a retired sales and marketing executive and former small-business owner, says the market drives downtown development and developers believe retail follows rooftops.

On communication, Samoila says the village hasn't kept pace with how people get information on different platforms and by being more interactive.

Poynton points to the transparency awards from good government groups as evidence of strides made to communicate with residents.

Voters are free to choose the approach that appeals to them most, but the fact is Lake Zurich has made broad progress under Poynton, who has served the village since joining the village board in 2007. During his first term as village president, the village has revamped and expanded communication efforts, including online and with live broadcast of village board and committee meetings.

It has restructured the administrative staff, strengthened its financial position to receive a AAA bond rating, outsourced some duties to save money, and created several popular downtown events.

It has created a multiyear strategic plan and updated downtown development plans. Some old downtown buildings have been demolished to create shovel-ready properties.

Samoila is a thoughtful candidate who offers some good ideas. However, overall village gains under Poynton have earned him another term.