Endorsements: Zambetti, Farrell, Allen for Gilberts village board

Four candidates are running for three vacancies on the Gilberts village board.

Incumbents Guy Zambetti and Nancy Farrell are joined by newcomers Dan Pace and Jeanne Allen. All are longtime residents of Gilberts and all agree that the village is on solid footing financially, despite limited opportunities for retail growth that many of their neighboring villages enjoy along the Randall Road area.

Zambetti is seeking his fourth term as a trustee on the board and has helped oversee the growth in a way that enables Gilberts to maintain its small-town feel. He and Farrell, who is seeking her third term, tout commercial and retail additions that include Wesco Distribution, Sub-Zero Group, Shell and Dunkin' Donuts. Both point to these additions and the successful growth of community events like Gilberts Days as signs that the village is on the right track.

Pace and Allen look to provide new voices. Pace, a 28-year resident of Gilberts, believes the village can do more to involve the community in the decision-making process including video recording board meetings for web broadcast. "I listen a lot," he says. "As an elected official, it doesn't really matter what my feelings are, but the feelings of people that elected me."

Allen, a 13-year resident, says she regularly attends board meetings and will bring a positive approach to the board. "Unlike other people who are angry they don't get their way, or have a special self-serving agenda, I promise to do what is best for the majority," she says.

The incumbents on the board have helped oversee steady and responsible growth while maintaining well-regarded services and quality of life. Of the newcomers, Pace brings good ideas about involvement and transparency, but we think Allen can provide a more positive impact. Zambetti, Farrell and Allen are endorsed.