Fiscal responsibility and economy topped Mount Prospect trustee race

In the race for three Mount Prospect village trustee seats, finances took center stage Saturday during a candidates forum.

All four candidates for the three, 4-year terms discussed the economy _ Trustee Michael Zadel, who is seeking his third term, Trustees Steve Polit and John Matuszak, who were appointed to the board, and newcomer Matthew Stankowicz.

Matuszak said the top issue is maintaining fiscal responsibility and noted that the village is in a good position financially compared to many other towns. He said store vacancies were down, even though the overall economy is struggling.

He said he worried about residents, adding that imposing new taxes was simply not an option for village trustees. "We have families in our town who are struggling financially who simply can't afford any more taxes," Matuszak said.

Polit said that keeping people motivated in a tough economy should be a focal point for trustees. Communication was the key to this goal, he said. Echoing Matuszak, Polit said while the economy is struggling in general, the village appears to be doing well. For instance, sales tax revenue was up by about $1 million from last year and more commercial and industrial space is being rented out this year than last.

"One of thing that I did was have the integrity to move forward in a proper way - to try to educate as many people as I could to the subject and bring the subject to the forefront for everyone to understand," Polit said. "I think the most important thing in regard to facts is that people have them."

Stankowicz, 22, said he knows that his youth and inexperience are on many voters' minds. But what was on his mind was the financial stability of the village.

He was not so optimistic about the village's financial condition, pointing to vacant condominium space in village's downtown and businesses that appear to be struggling.

Armed with a financial background from working at the Chicago Board of Trade and as a young person who will be a part of the village for many decades to come, he said he would be a good investment for voters.

"It's one thing to say you are going to do the best for the next generation and it's another thing to be that next generation," Stankowicz said.

Zadel was quick to point out the accomplishments of the board, including working on the redevelopment of the Randhurst Shopping Center and approving a community outreach center on the village's south side.

Continuing the level of service to residents will be a challenge because of the unpredictable economy, but the village appears to be in good shape and he wants to keep it that way, he said.

"I mentioned some of the accomplishments and I want to emphasize we were able to do some of those things because we have a very diverse revenue base and some very healthy businesses in this community," Zadel said. "I am very happy to be part of that and very much look forward to be part of that future."