Libertyville: Harger for mayor; Peron, Lukens, Moras for board

For the first time in recent memory, incumbent members of the Libertyville village board face a challenge in a local election. Mayor Jeffrey Harger is opposed by attorney Terrence Weppler, and incumbent trustees Robert Peron, Luke Lukens and Barry Reszel face James "Jay" Justice, Richard A. Moras and Todd Gaines for three, 4-year terms. The opponents did not file as a formal slate, but are loosely aligned with Weppler.

Challengers say the opposition surfaced because the business community believes village officials micromanage projects and government is unresponsive. Also cited is a bureaucracy that forces long delays for new businesses trying to set up in town and for existing businesses involving signs and other issues.

Incumbents argue that's untrue. High standards are demanded by the community, they say, and the board is enforcing laws on the books. New business projects that meet the standards, move quickly through the process.

Despite the criticism, the village board's record indicates it has devoted considerable time and resources to local business.

A new downtown parking garage under construction, work with business owners in the Route 137 corridor and the hiring of an economic development coordinator are examples of important, proactive decisions.

The village board also has addressed the affects of the recession and declining revenue by trimming unnecessary expenses, eliminating overtime and plans to cross-train employees to do multiple jobs.

We believe it is a veteran group that has made enough right moves to return to office. We endorse Harger, Peron and Lukens. We also endorse Moras over Reszel, who was appointed in August, because Moras' corporate management and planning background could be a valuable asset once the economy strengthens.

We urge the board to consider the criticisms raised by challengers about bureaucracy and strengthening relationships with civic groups, and determine if change is needed to streamline processes and be even more business friendly without compromising valued standards.