Endorsements: Chandramouli, Meier and Semple for Mundelein trustee

Mundelein voters are fortunate to have an abundance of qualified candidates for trustee at a time when the village's fortunes are looking up. The new Plaza Circle anchored by the Village Hall brings an updated look to central Mundelein, and the recovering economy has brought new residents and businesses.

But challenges remain, including tight finances, disparate downtown areas and vacant buildings.

Running for three seats are incumbents Dawn Abernathy and Ray Semple, former trustee Robin Meier, planning and zoning Commissioner Scott Black, and newcomers Karthik Chandramouli and Jeanne Cygnus.

We endorse Chandramouli, Semple and Meier.

Chandramouli stands out for emphasizing technology and accountability in working toward goals. A consultant and former Motorola employee, Chandramouli holds a master's degree in public policy from Harvard and volunteers with Livable Lake County and Mundelein Elementary District 75, where he co-founded the STEAM Foundation mentoring and innovation program for students. He is running on a slate with Cygnus, Meier and mayoral candidate Holly Kim.

Semple, a trustee since 1995, has both experience and a forward-looking demeanor, suggesting working toward a more regional approach to public safety and public works.

Meier seeks to return after a two-year break from village government. A two-term trustee and an unsuccessful candidacy for mayor in 2013, Meier says one of his goals is reducing Mundelein's sales and property taxes. She wins our backing over incumbent Abernathy, whose words - including a Facebook claim that opponents are backed by "Korean money," for which Abernathy has apologized - sometimes are counterproductive.