Gifford for Deer Park president; forward thinkers for trustee

With a new upscale mall to lure shoppers and a new community gathering place set in a pastoral setting, the future would seem one of prosperity and unity, even as village leaders must tackle road and drainage issues, development plans, budget trimming and more. Much of that readiness can be attributed to Village President H. Scott Gifford's leadership. Simultaneously, however, debate over myriad issues is contentious and some residents feel they are not being heard. Trustee Robert Kellermann, in challenging Gifford to lead Deer Park, has a long list of complaints, many of which have some merit. It would seem that the first goal should be healthy, rather than rancorous, debate so the village will be unified as it weathers this storm and plans for the future. In endorsing Gifford, the Daily Herald urges him to make it a priority to find a way for all residents to be heard and then direct the path to the future in harmony.

Much can be debated about Deer Park's Vehe Farm investment and whether road and drainage concerns have been properly addressed. No matter what one thinks of Vehe, it is nearly done and it will play a huge part in the village's future, if the village board has the vision. The next four years are critical to moving Deer Park away from an energy-wasting debate of the past and into a healthy debate about the future. With the in mind, we endorse Plan Commissioner William Koutsis and newcomers Joyce Trost Beattie and Dale Sands for trustee. We also believe Zoning Board of Appeals member William Michael, who is running with Koutsis and Beattie, offers excellent qualifications for the job. Yet, we believe Sands will give voice to residents who feel they have not had one, but also keep in mind that the village needs to move ahead, not backward, and work as a team to do so.