No endorsement in Rosemont for mayor, trustees

The village of Rosemont has always been somewhat unique. It focuses on its entertainment and convention industry and reaps the benefits of that in its village coffers.

It was run by one man for five decades and when he died the reins were turned over to his son. And, for many, the way the town operates is just fine.

But in the first election since the death of longtime leader Donald E. Stephens, a faction in town has stepped up to challenge the status quo. How big that faction is remains to be seen.

Stephens' son Bradley, 46, was appointed mayor after his father's death, a move up from his role as a village trustee for 18 years. And he has taken on that role with ease and vigor, seeing no need to change what his father created. Joseph Watrach, meanwhile, is seeking to oust Stephens, saying Bradley pales in comparison to his father.

We disagree with both of them. Watrach, 34, owns a parking business that had done work with the village for many years as a subcontractor. He lost that business a year ago. He says he's not a one-issue candidate (rid Rosemont of no-bid contracts) but he does not have enough experience in our view to take on the role of a village president.

But Stephens would do well to listen to and address some of Watrach's complaints. Many of Stephens' relatives work in or profit from the village. Perhaps they are the best people for the job or for a contract, but he doesn't acknowledge even the potential for conflict of interest.

Stephens also says he sees no need for more transparency in village operations. Yet they hold meetings once a month during the day. They don't videotape or post minutes online.

We make no recommendation in the village president race for those reasons and because Stephens also is running unopposed and will keep his job as Leyden Township supervisor. This paper does not endorse candidates who plan to hold two or more elective offices.

For trustee, there are four candidates. Two incumbents and two newcomers. We endorse no one as they all declined to participate in our endorsement process.