Daily Herald opinion: Billie Roth endorsed for Streamwood village president

Billie Roth has served as Streamwood’s village president for more than half of the town’s existence.

Streamwood was incorporated in 1957, and Roth was elected village president in 1989 after serving four years as village clerk and two as a trustee.

But she’s not ready to call it quits: This spring, Roth is seeking her 10th term.

Opposing her in the April 1 election is Asad Khan, a Poplar Creek Library trustee with a background in technology. He’s enthusiastic and brings a number of new ideas to the race, including boosting community interaction and improving online access. His passion would make him a natural for further village involvement.

That said, some of his thoughts on easing the burden on taxpayers and building Streamwood’s population, which has declined over the last decade, lack detail and focus, revealing the contrast in experience between the two candidates. It’s hard to compete in that realm against Roth, whose deep roots in Streamwood and decades of service give her a strong advantage.

The plainspoken village veteran has a firm grasp of Streamwood’s past, which she has helped shape, yet she talks of work to be done and goals for the future. We like her idea of a sort of Government 101 forum for residents and urge her to follow through. Roth has a full understanding of the issues at hand and a realistic approach to what’s needed. And we’ve been impressed by her financial stewardship over her many years in office.

There are those who will argue that 10 terms is too many, and they might want new blood for the board. But in our eyes, Roth has earned the right to remain at Streamwood’s helm and she has our endorsement for another term.