Endorsements: Gutierrez, Porter and Kunkel for Hanover Park village board

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

Hanover Park residents will choose three trustees from a crowded field of candidates in the April 4 election.

Two slates of candidates are running to represent residents.

The Hanover Park United slate features incumbents Liza Gutierrez, who won a two-year seat in 2021, Herb Porter, seeking a third term, and former trustee Jon Kunkel.

The Hanover Park Rising Together slate includes challengers Grace Kahn, Belinda Mustafa and Manish Shah.

Gutierrez, Porter and Kunkel all point to improving infrastructure as an area the village should focus on during the next four years.

Khan wants the village to develop a long-term economic strategy that promotes growth and attracts new businesses to town by offering incentives.

Shah would like the village to create a downtown area where the community can come together for events.

Mustafa did not complete a candidate questionnaire or take part in the endorsement interview.

Hanover Park has done a great job of creating a board that reflects the community. Both slates of candidates would continue that.

The village is in good shape right now, and we see no reason to change course

Gutierrez, Kunkel and Porter are endorsed.