Richardson, Struck, Mitchell, DeJesu in Lake Barrington

What a difference four years has made in Lake Barrington. In 2005, Dorothy "Connie" Schofield retired as village president, enthusiastically handing the reins to Kevin Richardson. Trustee Jean Vonder Haar ran for re-election, with Richardson funding her campaign.

Now Richardson is running against Vonder Haar for president and Schofield is back in the fold as a trustee candidate - with her main goal to help Vonder Haar defeat Richardson.

The two women say Richardson has politicized the office. They rightfully criticize his push to hire PR consultants when Jesse Jackson led protests against a local gun manufacturer.

But many good things have occurred in the village in the last four years that outweigh that, and for which Richardson deserves much of the credit. Lake Barrington embarked on an open-space initiative, developed a comprehensive plan, vastly increased its fund balance and stood by its smart-growth vision by luring in businesses like the Lake Barrington Field House that should help it maintain a good, balanced tax base and weather the economic downturn. Richardson is endorsed.

He's aligned himself with two worthy trustee candidates: incumbent Paul Struck and newcomer Christopher Mitchell. Both keenly understand the issues, and Mitchell particularly shows an independent streak that's refreshing.

Of the other trustee candidates, longtime incumbent Lauren DeJesu stands out for standing above the fray. Her even-handedness and understanding of residents' needs and wishes will provide needed continuity.

Schofield served the village well but now seems more motivated to oust Richardson than serve again. The other two trustee candidates, Javier Suarez and James Jarvis, both seem well-intentioned, and hopefully the village can tap into their interest to serve in other capacities.

For trustee, Struck, Mitchell and DeJesu are endorsed.