Winfield village board

Daily Herald Editorial Board

Winfield continues to be a town divided. The disharmony that characterized the election two years ago continues today, as five candidates vie for three four-year terms for village trustee.

Two of the five ran two years ago: Tony Reyes for village president and Tim Allen for trustee. Both say the village is poorly run and has missed vital opportunities for development.

The other three candidates, all backed by the Winfield United organization, are incumbent Glenn W. VadeBonCoeur, Plan Commissioner Chairman Cliff Mortenson and Riverwalk Committee member James Hughes.

All five candidates are worthy of consideration and have a sincere commitment to the good of Winfield. The split is over how the village board spends money and goes after new business and development. Reyes and Allen want to more aggressively open up the village to residential and commercial development. VadeBonCoeur, Mortenson and Hughes want to concentrate on the town center and Riverwalk now and revamp the comprehensive plan, with consideration given to other development opportunities.

Frankly, both approaches have some merit -- and potential problems. We endorse VadeBonCoeur, Mortenson and Hughes with the goal of allowing the current board to successfully see the projects on the table through, and look for opportunities for sensible development.