Endorsement: Gresk for Wheaton mayor

Michael Gresk, completing his first term as Wheaton's mayor, faces a challenge from city Councilman John Prendiville.

Gresk points out that during his term, Wheaton has ridden out the tough economic challenges all communities have faced. Its finances are in good shape because the city had to bite the bullet and impose layoffs the past two years.

On the issues, a major distinction between the two is Prendiville's support for seeing the Wheaton Park District acquire the shuttered Hubble Middle School. It's a not unworthy idea, but we prefer Gresk's pragmatic belief that the property needs to be developed and returned to the tax rolls.

There is debate between the two about the value of that, but even if the net to the city coffers turns out to be, say, only $100,000, Gresk notes, “One hundred thousand dollars buys a whole lot of sidewalk.”

Good point. Gresk is endorsed.