Endorsement: Lake County Board District 1 Democrat

District 1

Democratic Party voters in District 1 are fortunate to have three capable and competent people vying for nomination a seat on the Lake County Board. All three candidates, Peter Grant, Gene Kryczka and Steve Skinner, seem honestly committed to the pure ideal of public service. Each brings different strengths to their campaign.

But one candidate, we believe, stands above. The Daily Herald endorses Steve Skinner.

Skinner, an Antioch resident, comes to the table with a keener understanding of how county government works and offers specific remedies for problems in his district.

A former owner of a machine shop and now a Realtor, Skinner, 48, is focused on issues that have a direct impact on his constituents.

High and unexpected tax increases surprising some homeowners are the result of an outdated, complex assessment system that needs reform, he says. He promises a review of the methods.

He sees problems and solutions to the cumbersome ordeal of getting building permits. He believes he can reduce the cost of issuing permits by untangling a complex web of bureaucracy by centralizing the process.

Skinner questions the wisdom of county-owned golf courses at time when many courses, public and private, are struggling financially. He's also concerned about the possible abuse of county-issued credit cards for some of the employees and promises a review of the practice.

He has done his homework. Facts, figures and statistics about the problems in the county are on the tip of his tongue along with pragmatic remedies for each. He is articulate, confident and knowledgeable.

Opponents Kryczka and Grant are enthusiastic and motivated but Skinner inspires more confidence.

The winner will face Republican Linda Petersen on Nov. 4. District 1 covers the villages of Antioch and Old Mill Creek and portions of Fox Lake.