In St. Charles: Lemke, Bell-LaSota, Martin, Malay

Daily Herald Editorial Board

For Ward 2: Lemke

Arthur Lemke and Rita Payleitner want to hold the line on all taxes while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Lemke was an alderman from 1993 to 2005 and Payleitner has never held office but has been active in the school district. Payleitner would like time to assess the big picture impact of the Stearns Road Bridge before committing to the Red Gate Road Bridge, while Lemke supports the Red Gate Road project. Payleitner wants to listen to any proposal that “might reverse the momentum” of Charlestowne Mall, along with encouraging the city to do a better job promoting the mall to residents. Lemke favors development both in and around the struggling mall. Payleitner seems enthusiastic, but her views on how to fix some of the city’s problems, such as trimming the budget and the need to attract business and development, aren’t especially detailed. Lemke is endorsed based on his previous tenure with the council.

For Ward 3: Bell-LaSota

Ward 3 features a new cast of political hopefuls in Lars Michael Henriksen, Vanessa Bell-LaSota and Raymond Rogina. Henriksen cared enough about his candidacy to defend himself during a challenge of his petitions, but we haven’t heard much from him since. Bell-LaSota and Rogina are both very active candidates. They are also both very well versed in the issues the city faces. They’ve both gone the extra mile in putting their actions where their thoughts are in trying to create positive change in the city even before winning a spot on the council. Ideally, there would be a spot for both of them. Rogina, a longtime educator, is torn on his support for the Red Gate Road Bridge, and he says he is neither for nor against mixed-use at Charlestowne Mall. Bell-LaSota has been a strong advocate for the ward, very involved and acknowledges a spot on the council will be a full-time challenge. We like her get-up-and-go attitude, and Bell-LaSota is endorsed.

For Ward 4: Martin

Incumbent Jim Martin is one of the longest-serving members of any city council in the area, and he faces a formidable challenge from Steven Gaugel, a political newcomer. Despite the experience gap, Gaugel and Martin share many similar views. The thoughtful Gaugel is clear in his positions, and he would be a solid city council member. Martin, with 32 years of perfect attendance, has a vast library of knowledge and business experience. He is a walking road map of where the city has been, and that knowledge should prove valuable as the city embarks on its future. Martin and fellow Alderman Jo Kreiger frequently vote as a block with eyes toward local senior citizens. The problem is they represent the same area of the city with views that may be a bit outdated at times. We like Gaugel for the future, but Martin is a voice the city still needs, and he is endorsed.

For Ward 5: Malay

Ward 5 features appointee Maureen Lewis and challengers Kim Malay and Jotham Stein. Appointed by Mayor Don DeWitte, Lewis clearly shares some of his views, but in her short time on the council, she’s done her homework on issues and demonstrated she can act independently. Malay, a former 14-year city employee, is familiar with the ins and outs of city processes and approaches to problems and has been a mainstay at council meetings. She asks questions and challenges the status quo when need be. She’s a community organizer who can rally a significant section of her ward on key issues. Like Malay, Stein has been very active in the community for several years, and he is not afraid to stand up to the entire city council and the mayor if necessary. He asks the tough questions, yet voters have rejected him in previous races. Lewis favors constructing the Red Gate Road Bridge while Malay, who commends the city for being proactive and saving for the bridge over several years, is not in favor of incurring additional debt until the economic climate improves. Malay says she “wants to empower the people” to have more of a say regarding the city’s future, and while Lewis has shown some early promise, we think Malay could show equal dedication and insight and at the same time provide a reasonable counter balance among board members. Malay is endorsed.