Change is the buzzword in Lombard

Change was the buzzword of the past November election, and it still seems to be echoing loud and clear here in Lombard as election day nears - especially when it comes to the village president race. We all know that political signs don't vote but if they are any indication of the sentiment of Lombard voters it certainly seems that change is eminent. Rick Soderstrom brings an incredible amount of professionalism, experience and willingness to get out and meet with Lombard's voters - and the signs certainly show it. His downtown campaign office has been looked at by some as just a stunt, but in reality it shows his commitment to the challenges downtown businesses and property owners face. When "for rent" and "for sale" are more prevalent than "open for business" it is indeed time for change. As village president, Soderstrom will work with business and property owners, Town Center, community development staff as well as residents and other local taxing bodies to take all the past years of talk and turn it into action. Downtown has significant potential for improved commuter parking, new development at Main and Parkside as well as at St. Charles and Elizabeth, and major redevelopment along East St. Charles Road as the economy improves in the coming years. Under Soderstrom's leadership, downtown can evolve into a suburban destination for more than the seemingly too-prevalent service-type businesses. Soderstrom is committed to see our downtown shopping choices improve, dining destinations expand, and the arts blossom while keeping tax incentives like TIF under tight control.

Robert Biddle

Lombard