Was Prospect Hts. endorsement connected to ad?

In filling out my absentee ballot for the upcoming April election, I went to your website to check your recommendations for the best candidates for the library, park and school boards. At the top of the page, I was surprised to find an advertisement urging the re-election of Dolly Vole as mayor of Prospect Heights just above your endorsement of her.

I understand that your suburban Dining Guide lists only those restaurants that choose to advertise in the supplement. That is a legitimate, if debatable, device to raise revenue. But I must question that method when applied to municipal elections.

And I also question your editorial judgment in saying that even though she has made some mistakes, she is entitled to a full term. To quote your endorsement, “In the past few years, there have been some businesses toying with coming to town only to settle elsewhere. There’s been a fire at city hall, ongoing water problems and debates and significant police cuts after an attempt at furloughs was found to violate the union contract.”

You further comment about her opponent, “We find (Nicholas) Helmer to be harsh in his criticism of city leaders.” Horrors! Harsh criticism! The fact is that in Mayor Vole’s partial term, Prospect Heights has fallen into its worst fiscal, infrastructural and police protection position since our incorporation in 1976.

Martin Robinson

Prospect Heights