Tatooles deserves another term in Inverness, major projects loom

Inverness' biggest initiative in years is looming, with its brand-new police force set to take over on May 1.

The village is also embarking on a major roadwork program. So it's in residents' best interest to see that the leader who spearheaded these initiatives, Village President John "Jack" Tatooles, be kept in office during this critical time. He has helped put Inverness in a strong financial position to weather the economic downturn - Inverness got a rare AAA rating for its roadwork bond sale and borrowed the money when it was relatively inexpensive.

Tatooles has helped keep taxes in check and maintain the village's aesthetic standards and works seamlessly with his board.

There are reasons to be skeptical about the police force saving taxpayers money in the long run - or, for that matter, making Inverness any safer. But overcoming that skepticism requires continuity and leadership by someone who understands and is fully invested in these initiatives. Tatooles' opponent, Nanci Staten Robinson, seems bright, has done homework on local issues and would bring skills from her insurance background.

But with no experience in public office, a platform based on skepticism and having shown little interest in municipal issues until she decided to seek the village's highest office, she is too much of an unknown entity. Tatooles has done a good job and is endorsed.