Endorsements: Bocek, Johnson, Ottenheimer for Buffalo Grove Village Board

Three incumbents face a potent challenger in the race for three seats on the Buffalo Grove Village Board in the April 1 election.

Paulette Greenberg is an active and long-time volunteer on various commitees and commissions, including leadership roles with the Buffalo Grove Farmers Market and Buffalo Grove Days. She has an intimate familiarity with challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, including matters of infrastructure, finance and public policy. She offers creative ideas for cost saving, such as investigating the merits of outsourcing some work within the village.

She would make a good addition to the council.

The three incumbents, however, represent similar qualities and have the valuable advantage of direct experience.

Attorney Lester A. Ottenheimer has served on the board since 2011, so he has been part of a board that has consistently managed its finances well while respecting the concerns of taxpayers. He has a well-thought-out focus on development needs and issues, and his ideas regarding efforts to encourage more “empty nester” housing show a continuing level of creativity in identifying and reacting to issues.

Joanne R. Johnson has been a trustee for 10 years, with additional experience as vice president and treasurer of the Vernon Township Mental Health Board, planning and zoning commissioner and Buffalo Grove Days volunteer. Her variety of experiences is especially important, and she speaks with authority on topics ranging from the Lake Cook Corridor Plan to infrastructure upgrades and community transparency.

Denise Bocek, a project manager in real estate development, has served on the board since 2023, and she discusses the issues confronting the village board with the background and foundation of an engaged veteran. She obviously has fit into the board makeup effectively and shows every promise of continuing to grow in the job.

We like Greenberg’s candidacy very much, and we encourage her to continue to remain active in village efforts if she does not win election. But for the next term, we’re swayed by that the experience and dedication of incumbents Bocek, Johnson and Ottenheimer. They are endorsed.