Endorsements: Schmidt, Maritato for Glendale Heights Village Board

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

Twelve years of experience on the board, more than 40 years of community involvement and a willingness to work collaboratively have served incumbent H. William (Bill) Schmidt well as trustee for District 1 in Glendale Heights.

His top priorities include finding a way to bring the board and village president together on key issues, including addressing aging infrastructure (street maintenance and improvements), stormwater mitigation and upgrading the water mains and sewers. Attracting new businesses to the village, such as a general family restaurant, and creating a farmers market at Camera Park are also goals. As a proven steward for the village, Schmidt is endorsed.

District 1 challenger Monika D. Bialik did not participate in our endorsement interview.

With 20 years of experience on the board, incumbent District 4 Trustee Pat Maritato also wants to focus on bridging the disconnect between the village president and the board. His goals are to incentivize new businesses and restaurants to open to help keep taxes down; upgrade roads and sidewalks; address the water, sewer and treatment plant infrastructure issues; and update and renovate parks and facilities, including adding a tot area to the GH20 Aquatic Center.

Challenger Christopher Epstein would focus on upgrading roads and sidewalks, curtailing what he deems is a bloated payroll and hiring a professional to turn around the district golf course and restaurant.

Maritato has the experience to see his vision through to the finish both for the city and for the ward. He is endorsed.