Stith, Nowak, Jackowiec for District 304 board

Daily Herald Editorial Board

In Geneva Unit District 304, incumbents Mary Stith, Leslie Juby and Kelly Nowak want four more years. Robert Cabeen, George Jackowiec and Michael McCormick would like to take their places. There is room for three.

There exists a perception among some residents that communication and transparency could improve, that basic information such a board packets and officials' e-mail addresses are not readily available. Juby, in fact, would not provide answers about general contract matters and pensions, leaving voters to guess about her specific positions on such important issues as pay raises that boost pension benefits of an employee approaching retirement.

Stith has been a dependable board member since 2003. We like Nowak's stance that success is “an ongoing process of review and sometimes outright revision.” They are endorsed. Jackowiec is the strongest challenger. The board will benefit from a plain-spoken voice as it moves forward. He is endorsed.