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Endorsements: Rehberg, Schultz, Stephens for Carpentersville village board

The village of Carpentersville has, for the most part, watched its star rise the last several years. Gone is the occasional circuslike atmosphere at village board meetings and in are an increased tax base, park renovations, stable finances and village board members who get along.

Incumbents Kevin Rehberg, Pat Schultz and Ginger Stephens would like to maintain that upward trend with another four years on the village board, while newcomer Diane Lawrence would also like a seat at the table.

Economic interest in the village is on the upswing thanks to several factors, not the least of which is an economic development director and an investment of efforts toward bringing in more big-box retailers.

According to the village, the value of taxable property will approach $512.5 million this year, the highest it's been since 2011. The community development department's slogan, "Get to yes!" has a nice ring to it.

Rehberg, chairman of the audit and finance committee, would like to see increased tax revenue go toward property tax relief. He knows that to increase the odds of property tax relief, the sales tax base needs to expand. Rehberg, perhaps the most effective incumbent, has the smarts when it comes to budget issues and village finances. He's also active on social media and responsive to residents' concerns.

Schultz, shooting for her third term, is chairman of the parks/special events commission. When it comes to community engagement, she leads the parade. She'd like to see continued infrastructure improvements and the widening of Huntley Road. She encourages fiscal responsibility and transparency, and is vociferous when it comes to public safety.

Stephens, also a member of the special events commission, says bringing people together is important, and that includes staging events such as the Community Yard Sale, Civil War Reenactment, band concerts and Movies in the Park.

Lawrence, involved in Special Olympics and National Night Out, would like to offer incentives to rehab properties such as Meadowdale Mall, Huntley Square and the former Dominick's. She said providing tax relief to residents is an important issue to address.

The village has good people running it and good people who want to continue the trend. Because of so many checks in the win column the last four years, incumbents Rehberg, Schultz and Stephens are endorsed.

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