Endorsement: Lucassen for Round Lake Park village president

For Round Lake Park village president, two-term incumbent Linda Lucassen is being challenged by German Lopez Santiago, a 20-year resident and owner of a local plumbing firm.

Santiago, who is part of the You are the Village's Heart slate of candidates, is running on a platform to eliminate unnecessary village fees, such as the vehicle sticker fee, as well as to work harder on fixing flooding and infrastructure problems that they claim the village has ignored for years.

Lucassen, who leads the Unity Party of Round Lake Beach slate, counters that the village has been working on infrastructure improvements for many years, but there is still more to be done. She also notes that the village's financial health has improved to a point where the budget is balanced, adding the village has not had to reduce staff or services during the COVID-19 crisis.

Both candidates say a focus is needed on improving downtown and helping local businesses during the crisis. Lucassen notes the village has helped by waiving the application fees for businesses; Santiago notes the village should talk to local business owners to find other ways to help.

While Santiago brings some good ideas to the table - his plans for expanding events and celebrations in the village are especially worth noting - Lucassen has shown good leadership and fiscal responsibility during her terms as village president. She earns our recommendation.