Daily Herald endorsement: Smentek, Tyson-Dunne for DuPage Forest Preserve board

Voters for the DuPage County Forest Preserve Board pulling a Democratic ballot will choose between two passionate candidates in District 1 who share a love of nature and a desire to protect the county’s natural resources. Both have backgrounds that would make them assets to the board.

Roselle’s Quinn Fulmer, who currently serves on the Roselle Elementary School District 12 board, got his degree in wildlife ecology and has put that to good use managing habitats. He shares his knowledge and enthusiasm working with Lake Park High School’s Earth Club and volunteering with the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors.

Susan Smentek of Elmhurst is a certified park and recreation executive and an Illinois Master Naturalist. She serves on the Elmhurst park board and works at the Glen Ellen Park District, where she manages sponsorships and community relations.

Both would make excellent additions to the board. We love Fulmer’s energy and ideas, but we lean toward Smentek, who has more familiarity with issues facing the district as commissioners balance preservation ideals with practicality in the management of historic structures on district land.

Smentek gets our endorsement for District 1.

District 2 voters will face a similar challenge: two strong Democratic primary candidates and only one open spot.

Actually, voters have three candidates to pick from, but one — Jacalynn “Jax” West — did not respond to multiple attempts to contact her about her background or the issues. That’s disappointing in a candidate whose website pledges transparency and accountability.

Fortunately, though, the two other candidates, both residents of Lombard, have much to offer voters in both their experience and commitment.

As an incumbent, Tina Tyson-Dunne has the broadest grasp of district issues and finances, though challenger Dana Moreau would be a good fit as well as a former Lombard trustee who chaired the village’s environmental concerns and community development committees.

Tyson-Dunne’s push for an animal grazing program is appealing, as is her experience. We endorse Tyson-Dunne.