For Rolling Meadows council: Bisesi, Buske, Larsen

Ward 3

Alderman Larry Buske, running for a third term, and former economic development director Rodney Blane are the candidates here. Blane, a department head for 28 years, has an excellent command of economic development and finances, and a nearly lifelong residency in Rolling Meadows. Buske, meanwhile, shoots from the hip in meetings, often before he's in command of all the facts, and he isn't much of a concensus-builder. At the same time, he's an excellent steward to his Ward 3 residents. He's in frequent contact with them and offers quick responses to their complaints. Buske needs to tone down his rhetoric, but having that kind of connection with his ward is hard to beat. We endorse giving him one more term before he has to retire on term limits.

Ward 5

With Alderman Glenn Adams bowing out, the difficult choice is between Robert Banger and Jon Bisesi. Both men exhibit a clear commitment to the city and realism about its financial condition. In an extremely close call, Bisesi gets our endorsement because of his experience working with local government — he has been a plan commissioner for eight years and has chaired several Fourth of July parades, including the 50th anniversary event.

Ward 7

In his first term, Alderman Jim Larsen has shown he is studious and thoughtful. He isn't the first to speak to an issue, but when he does, it is after consideration and he offers reasons with his opinions. That kind of alderman is an asset, and while we like first-time candidate Jim Suchecki very much, and appreciate former alderman Rudy Balek's willingness to give it another go, we see no reason for Larsen to be replaced.