A record of success in Libertyville

Libertyville voters have a choice for their mayor on the April ballot. Our current Mayor Terry Weppler is challenged by former Mayor Jeff Harger (2005-2009). Both candidates for mayor have track records to run on.

Mr. Harger asserts in a recent candidate interview that the Weppler administration has been unwilling to block recent undesireable proposals for residential development. As quoted in the Daily Herald on Feb. 17, Mr. Harger states that village leadership "needs to learn how to say no to these developments." Really? Jeff Harger will protect us? Let the record speak. Harken back to Harger's administration in 2009 and recall that he said yes to permitting an industrial wind turbine stuck right next to a residential neighborhood. If ever there was a need for our mayor to say no, that was it. Mayor Harger said yes.

What followed was an extended conflict with the homeowners living in the shadow of the 126-foot tower. They and the taxpayers of Libertyville wasted a lot of money litigating the issue. A chapter in the history of Libertyville that might be titled: "Green Power Gone Bad." As to the track record of Terry Weppler, we see a vibrant Libertyville town center and an ongoing program of improving neighborhood streets. The Herald reports in its Jan. 5 Local Focus section: "Downtown Libertyville continues to flourish." Our new parking deck should help keep the uptrend going. Are we better off than we were eight years ago? Yes we are.

Libertyville residents can stay close to their government by taking advantage of internet access to meeting agendas and videos of village board meetings at Libertville.com. Terry Weppler has my vote.

John Snow

Libertyville