Harney, Braasch have done right in Dundee Township
Dundee Township residents who are happy with the township's roads, open space and stewardship of their money will find their April 7 ballot choices easy.
Township Supervisor Sue Harney proudly touts her efforts to bring more open space and develop it in this rapidly growing region where development has threatened to take over the serene rolling hills which attracted so many to this corner of northern Kane County.
And two-term Highway Commissioner Larry Braasch will eagerly tell you about the miles of township roads proudly maintained and other services provided by Dundee Township highway crews.
Their challengers tell a different tale on the campaign trail where Carol Mitchell, a candidate for supervisor says she would better service resident's needs.
David Reece, battling Braasch for the highway slot, contends there's been wasteful spending. He vows to stretch those township dollars and improve public safety.
Reece also says he'd be more available to the public. Well, we sure hope he'd be more available than he's been thus far to the press.
Neither Reece nor Mitchell participated in our endorsement process. In fact, Mitchell refused to come in and chat with us. And Reece did not return multiple calls. By itself, that shouldn't make a voter reject a candidate. But it should give you pause like it does us. If a candidate won't speak to the press before they're elected, can you imagine how accessible they'll be after getting the post? We don't take it personally - this isn't about us after all - but do strongly believe it's essential anyone holding public office be willing to talk with the media representing the concerns of the people.
We're always glad to see competitive races in any election. It offers voters choice and keeps even the best incumbents sharp to have competition. But in these two races, we'd say voters will be happy with the incumbents.
Harney and Braasch are running as Republicans and Mitchell and Reece as Democrats for the four-year terms.
Braasch vows to keep running the highway department within budget, seeking ways to stretch those dollars during these difficult times.
Drive along any township road and you'll see carefully maintained stretches of pavement. That was particularly true even during a difficult winter when a steady stream of storms challenged most road crews to keep up.
Less readily seen but as vital are water drainage efforts, easement mowing, tree trimming, fallen branch removal, etc.
Other than Braasch's mistake putting his name on the township garage in an election year - an error he quickly corrected - we think voters will find nothing to criticize and much to like about this highway man. Braasch is endorsed.
Harney has become synonymous with the growing tracts of open space in Dundee Township. She, like many public officials, has made an error or two along the way, including a failure to adequately communicate some land clearing efforts, etc. But she too quickly learned from those mistakes and has proved to be readily accessible since.
Harney, supervisor for eight years now, has creatively sought grants to cover improvements, stretching the township's capabilities and ensuring open space maintenance. She's lobbied for services for seniors like Ride-in-Kane transportation program, again using grants to supplement government monies.
And she's been a careful steward of Dundee Township residents' tax dollars, a particularly vital attribute as we go forward in a tough economy. Harney is endorsed.