Endorsement: Ritter for Carpentersville village president

When it comes to people deciding where to live, a town's reputation might not be everything, but it's in the team picture.

What's my tax bill, how good are the schools and what does the village have to offer are also front and center.

It wasn't too long ago the village of Carpentersville had an image problem. That problem, largely, has been vastly diminished. "Our gang problem is gone," Village President Ed Ritter said in an editorial board interview, then clarified by saying the scourge has been, essentially, greatly abated. Ritter wants another four years at the helm.

Challenger John Skillman, the retired fire chief, said it's time for a new vision and fresh ideas. Skillman, 54, was born and raised in the village. He and his wife raised their two children in Carpentersville and never left.

He says village leaders should have concentrated efforts the past several years on economic development of vacant spaces with an eye toward reducing residents' tax burden. He said those leaders "have gone out of their way to alienate local businesses, driving funding away to neighboring communities at Carpentersville's expense." He's not pleased the village authorized a one-year $50,000 deal to an Alabama company to attract new businesses, primarily big-box retailers.

Ritter, 68, has been a calming influence the last dozen years, eight as president. The village had a rocky relationship with some workers, notably firefighters, but that relationship has improved. Tough decisions have also been made. The staff has been reduced from 230 to 170 resulting in a $1.4 million savings. Bond refinancing has created nearly $2 million in savings. Wal-Mart arrived and should pump about $1 million in taxes into the coffers, to say nothing of 150 jobs. Wal-Mart has equated to more businesses becoming interested in moving to town. Spring Hill Mall is on the upswing.

Skillman is upstanding, has excellent ideas and is passionate about the fate of the village. There can never be too many of those types of people wanting to pitch in. Ritter knows perfection is elusive. Many areas of town still need help. Vacant stores still need tenants, and the new economic development director will help. There is no denying Ritter has guided the ship on a more serene course the last eight years. Blemishes remain but significant progress cannot be ignored. Ritter is endorsed.