Endorsements: Kubiak, Dulkoski, Hirschbein for Pinegree Grove village board

Pingree Grove village government faces the challenges of evolving with the rapid growth of the village from a town of 100 to one of 5,000. Village hall is a double-wide trailer, the public works department isn't located in the village, the water works is inadequate to the town's needs and there's currently not a village administrator.

Of the five candidates for three 4-year seats on the village board, Amber Kubiak, Patricia Dulkoski and Joseph Hirschbein proved the most knowledgeable about the challenges, the most tied in to the community and the most ready to find workable solutions in a time of scarce resources.

Kubiak, who grew up in Hampshire, has been finance chair of the village events committee for five years. She recently toured the water plant to understand the issues and has time now that she is a stay-at-home mom.

Dulkoski is assistant business manager of a nonprofit and serves on the planning and zoning committee. Among her ideas are thoughts about improving signage and communication.

Hirschbein is on the events committee, has a useful background in the construction industry and wants to build up the Heritage District.

Of the other candidates, Raul Lemus' business and professional experience could be an asset, and real estate broker Kevin Allen also is running. But we find Dulkoski, Hirschbein and Kubiak best suited to help lead the village during a time of rapid transition and growth.