Endorsements: Bajor, Blackburn and Olson for Winfield village board

Last week, the Winfield village board voted to rezone the Roosevelt Road corridor to commercial in a controversial move that is the backdrop for a heated village election between two sides that have a hard time even agreeing to disagree. Both sides believe they have the best interest of the entire community at heart and that the other side doesn’t. It would be easy to recommend that the battling incumbents be ousted April 9 and new blood take the dais. But we believe the incumbents — one from each side — have much to offer Winfield. They should stay and figure out a way to work together. Jack Bajor, 64, has been a trustee for the last eight years and for four years in the 1990s. Jay Olson, 55, is seeking a second four-year term. Both are endorsed. For the third slot, there are four challengers. While all bring certain strengths, they also are very engaged in the deep political divisions facing Winfield. Our choice is Tom Blackburn, 42, who speaks less from the hip and more from a studied view of the issues. As a running mate with Olson, he does support the Roosevelt Road rezoning but he says his project management experience will help him bridge differences and foster collaboration in town. It will be a tall order. Also running are Charles Jacques, James McCurdy and Phillip Mustes.