Endorsement: Werfel for Lake County Board Dist. 6

The two Republican candidates vying for the District 6 seat on the Lake County Board agree on the issues far more than they disagree. Tim Powell, a retired 30-year sheriff's employee, and Jeff Werfel, a marketing consultant and 10-year Grayslake village board member, are vying for the position held by Democrat Pat Carey, who is leaving office. Both Powell and Werfel aim to spur development to keep property taxes in check, place a high priority on roads and value conservation in the county (board members double as forest preserve commissioners). But Werfel would be more capable of keeping the county in shipshape, and he has the track record to prove it. His role in the tight management of Grayslake's finances has been key to the village's lack of debt. Werfel also likely will be more accessible to constituents, as Powell had no email address and was difficult to reach even for an interview - though he later stated he has plans to get online. In addition, Werfel's four-year stint in Springfield as a full-time aide to state Rep. Sandy Cole has given him personal contacts and knowledge about state government that would serve the county well. Werfel has earned our endorsement.