Endorsements: Gaffino, Lowery and Sparks in North Aurora

Voters in the village of North Aurora have four candidates to choose from for three four-year seats.

Clearly, the two incumbents in the race are deserving of re-election. Mark Gaffino has been on the board for 12 years and is committed to helping continue the efforts to bring economic development to town. Michael Lowery, finishing his first four-year term agrees, saying North Aurora already has seen tremendous progress and with a new branding campaign - "The Crossroads on the Fox" he wants to continue those efforts.

With no opposition claiming the current board is doing a poor job, it's hard to argue with Gaffino and Lowery that the village is operating at a high level. Lowery points out the finance department gets recognized as outstanding each year by the Government Finance Officers Association and Gaffino says the police department is second to none.

The one area they both agree needs attention is the Route 31 corridor. It's a long-standing discussion in town that this area needs focus to provide a better-looking entry to town along the Fox River.

One of the challengers may be able to provide some input from a neighboring community that has dealt with similar issues. Garran Sparks is a former alderman for more than nine years in Batavia who moved to North Aurora a couple years ago and now wants to give back to his new community. Sparks is not critical of anything the current board is doing - he just believes he can help in future decisions given his experience in Batavia.

The fourth candidate is Tao Martinez, who has unsuccessfully run for Kane County coroner twice. He too sees more potential for North Aurora and wants to give back to the community where he is raising his children. But we believe Gaffino, Lowery and Sparks are the best choices for North Aurora and they earn our endorsement. Current Trustee Chris Faber is not seeking re-election.