Endorsements: Triphahn, Newby, Blum for Round Lake village board

In a community whose population has grown by more than 350 percent in the past decade, Round Lake leaders are faced with even more challenges than typical towns confront in this recession-wracked economy. Generally, though, the community has weathered the changes adeptly. Financial matters need to be watched carefully, but they are far from precarious, and services seem to be managed well. Perhaps the greatest area of concern, and it is no small one, is the slow pace of progress on some key economic development and roadwork projects. Fortunately, the field of candidates stepping up to help lead the village is solid to a person, and features an appealing blend of experienced incumbents and energetic newcomers. We find the best combination in incumbents Susan Triphahn and Donald Newby and challenger Michael Blum. Triphahn is active in numerous projects in Round Lake and passionately offers well-thought-out ideas about the future. Newby offers a long tenure on the board with valuable institutional history, and Blum, whom we endorsed in his unsuccessful 2011 bid for re-election, approaches village business with thoughtful common sense. Incumbent Sonia Sandoval also is seeking re-election, and both challengers David White and Henry Frye offer intriguing options for service that we hope the village will find ways to take advantage of if they are not elected. But the best combination for vision, energy and experience on the village board at this time is Triphahn, Newby and Blum.