Endorsement: D'Astice in Rolling Meadows' 6th Ward

Two familiar faces will square off for councilman in Rolling Meadows' 6th Ward. John D'Astice, the longtime officeholder in the ward that lies south of Central Road, is competing against longtime city employee Tom Trapani for election on April 4.

D'Astice, director of sales and marketing for a hotel company, is finishing his fifth term as councilman, with a break in the middle to accommodate both the city's term limit law and an unsuccessful 2007 run for mayor. Trapani, now retired, was the longtime code compliance inspector for the city, a 32-year Rolling Meadows Park District board member and a former plan commission member.

Both men have a focus on economic development, with D'Astice suggesting the city "broker a deal" for the vacant former Dominick's site, buying the 11-acre site and immediately selling it to several developers interested in smaller projects. Two have expressed interest, he says.

Trapani advocates hiring a full-time economic development staffer who's evaluated on the number of businesses brought into town.

We give the edge to D'Astice, whose experience on the council has served the city well.

D'Astice supports a plan to move both fire stations to improve response times in neighborhoods mostly in the 6th Ward without building a third station. Among other initiatives, D'Astice, co-chair of the city's 60th Anniversary Committee, suggests the city encourage more block parties and community events to foster hometown spirit.

D'Astice is endorsed.