Endorsement: Re-elect Darch as mayor of Barrington

The choice for village president in Barrington seems pretty clear.

Karen Darch for village president. She wins our strong endorsement.

Barrington isn't a town without problems and challenges. Every town has them. But the village is making progress, while maintaining Barrington's charm and unique ambience.

The downtown redevelopment plans are showing encouraging signs of success, major infrastructure projects are taking place, the local economy is turning around.

Since joining the village board in 1995, Darch has been a steadfast and dedicated advocate on Barrington's behalf, tireless and exercising good judgment.

She's a leader who's recognized not just locally but around the state, She heads the Illinois Municipal League and serves on the Illinois Bicentennial Commission.

Locally, she's been known for her active civic involvement even since before she became a local political figure.

Her opponent, carpenter Michael Kozel, is running an energetic campaign that centers around business community issues. His record of volunteerism in the community is exemplary.

But his criticisms of the village's financial position derive from misunderstanding. Barrington's fiscal record under Darch is, quite the opposite of how Kozel has portrayed it, responsible and even laudable.

We encourage Kozel to seek appointive office as a way to contribute.

We encourage voters to re-elect Darch.