Endorsements: Yuscka, Price and Kembitzky for West Dundee village board
The next phase of West Dundee's downtown plan will continue to enhance the area while riverwalk improvements take advantage of what the Fox River has to offer.
Like any town, West Dundee has had businesses close over the past decade. But the village has made an effort to ensure those spots don't remain empty for long.
And the village is working to improve the area near Spring Hill Mall while waiting to see benefits of the $40 million renovation to the mall.
The village board overseeing this economic direction comprises a varied group of trustees offering different areas of expertise. Three board members - Thomas Price, Michelle Kembitzky and Andrew Yuscka - are running for reelection on April 2. They are challenged by resident Julie Fox.
The village has delivered balanced budgets over multiple years. Continuous local business has kept property taxes in check. The current financial situation should continue into the future.
But Yuscka, who has 20 years experience as a trustee, recognizes things may not always be as rosy as they seem now. He says the board needs to beware of being too confident in positive economic reports and must acknowledge there are empty stores and that other issues require the village to tread lightly.
Incumbents Yuscka, Price and Kembitzky have talked about keeping the focus on the downtown area, which is a mix of entertainment franchises and other business.
Price admits there is limited space to grow downtown but understands an investment in the area will attract residents of neighboring communities. Investment in the riverfront will bring in out-of-towners with money to spend in West Dundee.
Kembitzky says that with the business turnover in the area, an investment in the riverwalk, with new walking and biking paths, is key to bringing people from other communities into the downtown.
The next few years will show if the investments the village has made will pay off. The incumbents have background and experience to see it through.
We endorse Yuscka, Price and Kembitzky for West Dundee village board.