Endorsement: Knigge for Wauconda mayor

In his first term, Village President Mark Knigge has played a key role in the strong voter support of two tax increases important to the future of Wauconda. In the first, residents agreed to pay for fire service and, as promised, the board later reduced utility taxes to offset some of the cost. More recently, Knigge’s expertise in water matters was helpful toward gaining voter approval of a switch to Lake Michigan water.

We endorse Knigge, a retired health researcher, for his ability to lead the village in positive ways. He created the first strategic plan and has overseen a 25 percent staff reduction that has led to a budget surplus. As president of the Lake County Municipal League, he speaks out for his and other villages.

While our nod goes to Knigge, we are confident his opponent Frank Bart could have a good future in public service. He has wide-ranging business experience and recently completed three foreign tours with the National Guard, but at this point lacks the political seasoning needed to run a village.