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Endorsements: Gerlach, Beaudoin, Halen, Vander Weit for Lake Zurich Village Board

The next Lake Zurich village board must solve the stalled downtown redevelopment that has frustrated officials for years, but it faces other important issues, too, such as filling vacant storefronts and reversing a perception the village is not business friendly. The race for three 4-year seats features seven candidates, including one incumbent. Two hopefuls seek an unexpired 2-year term. We endorse incumbent Jeff Halen and newcomers Helmut Gerlach and Jim Beaudoin for 4-year seats, and newcomer Debra Vander Weit for the 2-year seat. Gerlach, an attorney, wants to move away from an all-or-nothing approach downtown, and he emphasizes generating revenue by boosting development throughout the village. Beaudoin, a business owner, has an extensive business background and knowledge of the restaurant and hospitality industry that would be an asset. Halen, whose background is marketing/product development, has been thoughtful and engaged on the board. He asks questions, does his homework and is an advocate for communication. Vander Weit, who has a financial consulting and real estate background, favors aggressive marketing and rehabbing existing structures to start development. Other candidates are Geoff Petzel, Todd Minden, Daniel Stanovich, Ildiko Schultz and Mark Loewes.

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