Carpentersville trustee candidates discuss development, taxes during forum

To continue the progress of Carpentersville's current public officials, or to bring in fresh eyes and new ideas?

That's the decision with which voters will be faced when they cast their ballots April 4 for one village president and three trustees to sit on the village board.

During a public forum Wednesday night, two of four trustee candidates - incumbent Kevin Rehberg and newcomer Diane Lawrence - made a case for why the more than 30 people gathered in the Carpentersville village board room should choose them to sit on the board.

The other two trustee candidates, incumbents Ginger Stephens and Pat Schultz, were unable to attend the forum, which was hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area.

Rehberg, who has a background in auditing, said he will use his experience in the private sector and on the village board to improve government transparency, maintain a balanced budget and lower the tax burden on residents - goals he set and has built upon since he was first appointed, and later elected, to his post more than four years ago.

"All that blended with my passion for small government, for a defined scope and for professionalism on the board - I think that's a pretty unique combo I can bring to the table," he said.

Lawrence, on the other hand, said she would be a breath of fresh air. She wants to attract a wider variety of companies, lower the village's 9 percent sales tax rate and work with the public to bring in more community events.

"What's needed the most is to bring the passion back to Carpentersville - that is, new ideas, a new perspective," she said. "I'm looking for a different approach on how to tackle different things."

Both candidates oppose Kane County's Longmeadow Parkway project, which would pass through Carpentersville, and both believe the village should protect its residents from potential negative side effects.

Both want to see more diversity in the village's economic portfolio. Rehberg pointed to attracting different types of retailers, while Lawrence stressing a need for technology and manufacturing companies, as well as senior housing developments.

They both also believe it's the village board's responsibility to fight for and represent the residents of Carpentersville.

Stephens and Schultz echoed several of those sentiments in questionnaires, saying they'd like to see more economic growth and community involvement.

Village President Ed Ritter, who is seeking re-election, also provided an opening statement during the forum. However, he was unable to answer questions because his opponent, retired fire Chief John Skillman, did not attend.

Skillman, a lifelong Carpentersville resident, has said in previous interviews that he, too, believes new ideas and a fresh perspective are needed in the village's top seat.

But during the forum, Ritter, a two-term incumbent, pointed to all the progress Carpentersville has made over the last decade - lower crime rates, an improved economy, a more professional and accountable government.

"Why would you change horses in the middle of the street?" he said. "Things are looking up all over. I don't want to give up on that. I want to stay and keep working on that."