Time for change in Round Lake

Only a comatose voter could miss the acrimony permeating the race for Round Lake mayor. Incumbent Bill Gentes and challenger James Dietz offer vastly different takes on what is right for this village of almost 17,000.

Gentes, who was caught lying about his job status in last year's editorial endorsement process in the state senate race, seems eager to set the record straight on many issues now. He appears frank and candid and somewhat frustrated at the personal allegations thrown his way both during that race and since. And now that the release of closed session minutes permits, he had an impassioned defense of a land purchase, noting no way could he or his wife, a Realtor, have gained financially from a transaction involving her firm. Even Dietz, who raised the issue, said he was satisfied with the explanation.

But another side emerged in our recent editorial interview when Gentes went on the attack, alleging Dietz has ties to people he said have ulterior motives that will harm Round Lake and take it back to the "days of Mayberry." He suggests Dietz wants the post to give relatives jobs and as payback for his wife's former employer.

Dietz, in a measured, low-key response, vowed he has absolutely no intention of appointing a relative to the police chief or any other post. And he, point by point, refuted Gentes claims then quickly turned back to the needs of his community.

A good leader rises above petty politics and focuses on the community. No matter who wins this race, we hope they'll do just that ... and help lead voters to do the same. Too much is at stake for Round Lake to continue the current destructive cycle.

That difference in temperament and response, combined with Gentes' troublesome lie in the senate race, prompts us to endorse Dietz.

Dietz is a professional land surveyor by trade and has a good understanding of the vital infrastructure needs of a growing community. He has a calm, reasoned approach we like and vows to focus on sound financial planning, addressing the town's bond debt, support of existing businesses and expansion of economic development to help offset the tax burden on homeowners. It's time for a change in Round Lake. We endorse James Dietz.

For Round Lake village board, selections should be based not on "change," but on who presents the most cogent and practical plans for improving the village. We believe those candidates are Alfredo Villasenor, incumbent Brian Brubaker and, to a lesser extent, incumbent Don Newby. We endorse all three.

Villasenor and Brubaker, both of the Round Lake United Party, have reasoned plans for dealing with the land acquired in the failed bid for a new hospital. Newby, of the United For Change party, has been critical of the purchase and wants to discuss selling the property.

Cynthia Haran of the Round Lake United Party and Susan Triphahn of the United For Change Party have yet to develop the experience required for the trustee position. We would like both to serve village committees and run in the future. Sonia Sandoval of the United For Change Party has not formed opinions on many important issues.