Endorsement: Auger, Dianis, Spella for Algonquin village board

This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

Five candidates are competing for three seats on the Algonquin Village Board.

Incumbents Maggie Auger, Brian Dianis and John Spella are being challenged by Deniz Namik and George Nwogu.

When asked what the biggest issue is facing Algonquin over the next year, the candidates agreed that the village's infrastructure, specifically the more than 160 miles of roads, are a chief concern.

Namik agrees with importance of infrastructure projects but says the communication with the residents about projects needs to be improved by talking with residents in person and via social media rather than relying on the village website to provide updates

The Randall Road corridor is another issue facing the village with the news that Best Buy is leaving.

Spella says the village has no control over Best Buy leaving, but he is excited about Coopers Hawk, Raising Cain's and other stores that will be coming soon and states the corridor is strong.

Auger echoes Spella and is excited about the plans the new owners of the Algonquin Commons have as well.

Dianis agrees, saying he's sad to see Best Buy go but the new businesses will attract people to Algonquin.

Namik wants to closely monitor the changes to the Randall Road corridor but wants also to make sure village leaders do their best to attract small businesses.

The village's finances are in very good shape and they currently have a AAA bond rating, the candidates agree. The current board has had a lot to do with that success.

Challengers Deniz Namik and George Nwogu have good ideas and should work to be involved with the board, but because most things in the village are moving in a positive direction, we endorse incumbents Maggie Auger, Brian Dianis and John Spella for another term.