Endorsements: Bruno, Clements, Seno, Singer and Warlick for Geneva council

The Geneva City Council largely operates like a well-run classroom. Aldermen do their homework, speak up and seem to get along.

Voters will elect five aldermen April 4, and incumbents are being challenged in Wards 1 through 4. Ward 5 has newcomers Douglas Warlick and Robert Swanson, one of whom will replace Tom Simonian, who is challenging Mayor Kevin Burns.

As with many governing boards, atop the candidates' priority list are taxes, the budget and development.

Incumbents Mike Bruno (Ward 1), Richard Marks (Ward 2), Mary Seno (Ward 3) and Ron Singer (Ward 4) are being challenged by Michael Olesen, Michael Clements, Becky Hruby and Jeanne McGowan, respectively. Here are our endorsements:

Ward 1: Bruno

Mike Bruno, an information technology consultant, spent many years on the Historic Preservation Commission and remains "very protective of the city's identity and character." Bruno, 57, acknowledges a shortage of single-floor, affordable homes for seniors. He is a proponent of long-term strategic planning so today's children and grandchildren inherit a city that maintains its solid reputation. He also says development of the riverfront should take on a broader public discussion. Olesen, 54, a local business owner, has a lengthy history of civic involvement, opposes the Places for Eating tax, and says more affordable housing could be a reality if the city considers repurposing or replacing older structures. He's also keen on involving more people in decision-making and "tapping into the wealth of knowledge we have living right here." We prefer Bruno because of his government experience and more well-formed ideas.

Ward 2: Clements

Michael Clements, 39, is a vice president of research and development. He's exceedingly well spoken, has a firm grasp on the issues and combines that with good ideas. He suggests the city "conduct a study, or perhaps develop a master plan, for the Randall Road corridor that would address ongoing tectonic shifts in retail." He lists the increase in online retail sales and the ongoing decrease in big-box and department store revenues as trends affecting sales tax revenue and, accordingly, the ability for a city to provide services if those trends aren't addressed. He favors the Places for Eating tax - which he said wasn't communicated well - with the caveat the tax could be rescinded if it doesn't prove favorable.

Richard Marks, a 56-year-old certified public accountant, has been an alderman since 2009. He wants the Places for Eating tax to be repealed and replaced with a fair sales tax. He says the city needs to work on communicating better with residents, and housing should be affordable for retirees, young families and students returning home after college. An interesting idea he has is "to capitalize on the train station to promote tourism in Geneva."

Clements, though, impresses us most because he's not only well-versed but also takes a long-term view on topics, notably concerning the need to examine how economic changes affecting the Randall Road corridor could affect city services.

Ward 3: Seno

Mary Seno, 55, a nurse, says the Places for Eating tax should be repealed and replaced with a one-half percent sales tax. She says residents are strongly opposed to the tax and that it's an example of City Hall not listening to citizens. She says the city needs more affordable housing to attract younger buyers and retain its seniors and, to provide tax relief, she says the city should make it a priority to develop the southeast industrial park.

Becky Hruby, 43, a small-business owner who also volunteers in schools and at the Anderson Animal Shelter, says the Places for Eating tax makes sense. She says the city should focus on how it can provide affordable housing "that allows our senior population to remain in the city they have raised their families in and/or called home for many years."

We like Hruby's enthusiasm but she needs a bit more seasoning to overcome the strength of Seno's experience.

Ward 4: Singer

Ron Singer has been alderman for 20 years. The retired teacher, who will be 85 later this month, says city government should have the mindset that it works on behalf of the residents, not the other way around. Singer is opposed to the 2 percent Places for Eating tax and believes if a tax is added, it should be a sales tax.

Jeanne McGowan, 42, has two children in the school district, has been an election judge and does a lot of volunteer work. She says she favors the Places for Eating tax, in part, because with Geneva being a non-home rule community, the town has limited ways in which to raise funds.

The voters keep bringing Singer back for a reason, and on depth of insight into government issues, McGowan is a bit overmatched. We favor Singer.

Ward 5: Warlick

Doug Warlick, 60, former president of the Geneva Lions Club and now its "We Serve" Foundation chairman, has "disdain for taxes," and that includes the Places for Eating tax. He says he could bring fiscal responsibility to the board. He's in favor of development, but says the city needs "to proceed in a manner that benefits the city at large and not some finite group."

Swanson, 54, is the former president, treasurer and a board member of the Geneva History Museum. He feels the Places for Eating tax is a reasonable compromise. He says the downtown business district, the continued development of the East Side State Street corridor and the development of the Mill Race Inn site "are critical to the continued success of Geneva."

This is a close call but Warlick gets the edge because of his stringent anti-tax message and his plain-spoken approach.