For Fox River Grove board: Knar, Schiestel, Colletti, Blohm

By The Daily Herald Editorial Board

A controversial $3 million plan to build a new public works facility, combined with the specter of costly infrastructure improvements down the line, has brought out a field of seven candidates vying for four open seats on the Fox River Grove village board. Five of the candidates seek one of three four-year terms available.

While all have something to offer, a few stand out. Incumbent Steve Knar has a clear understanding of the village’s problems and a measured, thoughtful approach to dealing with them. Michael Schiestel, a longtime member of the village’s Planning and Economic Development Commission, knows the town’s business community and its needs. He would serve as a vital connection between business leaders and village government. Joanna Colletti’s professional experience as a civil engineer would be useful to a village board that will face significant infrastructure issues in the coming years.

Also running are political newcomers John Gagliano, a golf professional, and letter carrier Chester Olencheck.

Seeking an unexpired two-year term are the seat’s current occupant, Suzanne Blohm, and political newcomer Michael Olencheck. A 27-year-old firefighter/EMT in the village, Olencheck has an obvious enthusiasm for his hometown and his eagerness to serve the community in more ways than one is noteworthy. We also applaud his forward-thinking approach on the village’s public works facility. But he’s lacking experience at a time when the village needs seasoned leadership to tackle serious woes. Blohm has served as a trustee for six years, has chaired the board’s finance committee and has a track record that includes helping the village set up a reserve fund and finding new revenues. Her experience with municipal finances helps earn her our endorsement.