Saccomanno should continue to serve Wauconda as mayor

Wauconda is a small town.

It is the kind of place where hundreds turn out to welcome home returning veterans and where the chamber of commerce knows not only how many businesses are members but even has a complete list of how many are not.

And in such small towns, village boards can often be contentious places.

But in current Mayor Salvatore Saccomanno's administration, board members work effectively and professionally with constituents and each other. Saccomanno, head of the Wauconda First party, earns our endorsement for continuing to help shepherd the village through its transition into a modern, pro-business municipality that relies less on property taxes from its residents.

Mark Knigge of the Wauconda United party presents a strong challenge, though, as a trustee who understands the village - particularly water issues - very well. It is a shame the board could lose him after the election.

Candidate Roger Wojcicki has developed his core issues since a last unsuccessful run at trustee. But with little governmental experience, he cannot be recommended. Fellow challenger Thomas Larkin needs more meeting attendance and a more practical set of proposals under his belt.

Endorsed for the three, 4-year trustee positions are incumbent Cathy Scott of the Wauconda First party, as well as incumbent Lincoln Knight and John Barbini - both of the Wauconda United party.

Scott and Knight both boast records as hardworking and competent trustees, and Barbini's experience on the Wauconda Unit District 118 school board makes him a perfect fit for the open seat Knigge vacates. Mark Kwasigroch of the Wauconda First party made comments about Spanish-speaking Wauconda residents needing to learn English that could alienate Latinos.

Danielle Zimmerman and Pamela Wahl, of the Wauconda First and the Wauconda United parties, respectively, could offer a great deal in a future election, should they work to increase their governmental experience.