Itasca in good hands with Pruyn

Itasca voters have two dedicated, passionate and intelligent leaders to choose from as they decide who should replace longtime Village President Gigi Gruber. Trustees Jeff Pruyn and Thomas Reynolds both have been a part of village leadership that has put Itasca at a place of envy for many communities: Ready to seize the moment once the economy returns to health, a shovel-ready plan in place for a new wastewater treatment plant and possible federal funding of a portion, national accolades for quality of life, and a history of cautious spending. Pruyn is the Daily Herald's choice to lead Itasca, in particular because he has been key to the fiscal planning that has put the village in good stead. We believe he also is committed to having an open government and to addressing residents' concerns.

The path has been laid for Itasca to seize the day once the economy rebounds, and residents can thank its village board for that. Yet flooding problems have sparked discontent among some residents. Whoever wins in April needs to make those concerns a priority.

With that in mind, as well as Itasca's envious position in myriad other areas, the Daily Herald endorses incumbent Trustees Jeff Aiani and Mike Latoria and newcomer Frank Madaras, over newcomers Jim Capone, Laura Valavicius and Marty Lundeen. We believe Aiani, Latoria and Madaras are committed to an open government where residents have a strong voice. We also believe they will do their best to address critical problems and make sure Itasca's voice is heard when it comes to expanding O'Hare International Airport and the resulting benefits and harm it could cause the village.

In the race for Itasca village clerk, we endorse Deputy Village Clerk Melody Craven. A lifelong resident of Itasca, Craven has the experience to step right into this job after having served as deputy village clerk since 1998.