Endorsements: Adams, Garrity and Connell for Libertyville village board
This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
Libertyville is a Lake County suburb with a lot going on. The village at last has an agreement to sell its indoor sports complex to the company that has been operating it and ultimately can take its costs off the village's hands, while the surrounding area has been approved for warehouse-style redevelopment. The village has thriving car dealerships and other businesses bringing in sales tax revenue, but it also has a downtown with smaller businesses and a few vacancies to deal with. Big strides have been made on flood control, while the town fends with development and retail competition from surrounding suburbs like Vernon Hills and Mundelein.
Among the trustees overseeing the success Libertyville has had in this environment for the past eight years are Scott Adams and Pete Garrity.
Adams is the president and CEO of the GLMV Chamber of Commerce and former Main Street Libertyville chairman, and he naturally is keen on drawing businesses to the village and helping them get up and running in the downtown and elsewhere.
Garrity is a retired business leader who lists continued funding of the police and fire departments and the flood control work as priorities, as well as bringing in revenue.
Newer on the board is Jim Connell, president of his own marketing firm who was appointed two years ago. He lists as priorities not only helping businesses but infrastructure improvements and recreation programming, while also wanting to enhance art in public places.
Running for first terms are Brian Enochs and Alejandra Dominguez.
Enochs, an executive for a health care nonprofit, cites the need for Libertyville to differentiate from surrounding villages but also emphasizes sustainability and green spaces.
Dominguez, who works for the Department of Labor, wants to support small businesses, create more affordable housing and boost community engagement and input.
Adams' and Garrity's experience and knowledge of the village are worth keeping. As a new trustee, Connell has some experience with village operations but also brings new ideas to the table.
Enochs and Dominguez also bring fascinating ideas and energy; we'd love to see them gain more experience in the village government's workings such as by being on commissions or committees.
Adams, Connell and Garrity are endorsed.