Endorsement: Bisesi for alderman in Rolling Meadows' Fifth Ward

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

Just because Arlington Heights could be the Chicago Bears' next home doesn't mean it won't affect Rolling Meadows directly.

Rolling Meadows wraps around the south, west and part of the northern boundary of the former Arlington Park International Racecourse property, which the Bears have purchased for a new domed stadium and entertainment village.

Though Rolling Meadows' Fifth Ward doesn't border the property, it's the only contested race for city council.

Both incumbent Jon Bisesi and challenger Stefanie Boucher say they feel the Bears' project could be a benefit to Rolling Meadows, but both are mindful of the fallout of more traffic, noise and strain on services such a redevelopment would bring.

Bisesi, a first-term alderman, also sees the potential for the Bears project to bring more restaurants, a hotel and additional entertainment to Rolling Meadows.

Boucher, a project manager at Motorola Solutions and former PTA president, said that sort of spillover development is crucial for Rolling Meadows to help offset a strain on city services.

Where the two candidates contrast most is in their view of the state of the city today. Boucher says there doesn't seem to be a plan for community development. She feels the city must be aggressive in luring restaurants and unique businesses.

As she said in an interview with the Editorial Board, she doesn't want Rolling Meadows to be a place people pass through on their way to somewhere else.

For his part, Bisesi notes there is a plan and there are things in the works, but they don't come overnight. He said the city council can do only so much to persuade businesses to make his city home.

While we feel Boucher could be a quick study, Bisesi has four years under his belt and even that amount of experience could be helpful in ensuring Rolling Meadows' interests are protected as the Bears project moves forward. Bisesi is endorsed.