Endorsement: Marshall, Kritzmire and O'Reilly for Long Grove trustee

Long Grove is at a crossroads. Historically made up of single-family homes on large lots surrounding the quaintest of downtowns, Long Grove is struggling with the need to boost its tax base while responding to changing retail habits. The village board members elected April 4 will help steer that metamorphosis, one reason why the race has drawn five candidates for three open seats: incumbent John Marshall and challengers Anne Kritzmire, Rita O'Connor, Bobbie O'Reilly and Patrick C. Tode.

We endorse Marshall, Kritzmire and O'Reilly.

Marshall, a general contractor and the lone incumbent, will bring experience to the board. He is running independently, an important balance at a time when the Voice of Long Grove slate will hold the village presidency as well as at least three trustee seats.

That's not to disparage the Voice of Long Grove's platform, which includes the solid goals of diversifying revenue while avoiding instituting a village property tax, rejuvenating downtown and communicating more closely with businesses and residents. All of its candidates - Kritzmire, O'Connor and O'Reilly ­- are knowledgeable and personable.

We give the edge to Kritzmire, an MBA and managing director at Nuveen whose financial skills will serve the village well, and to O'Reilly, a former member of the Buffalo Grove village board and Lake County Board whose downtown Long Grove real estate office gives her a window to the community. Her love for the village's heritage provides a good perspective in a time of change.