Endorsements: Kolz, Catalano for Wood Dale City Council

With a history of maintaining a healthy reserve fund, Wood Dale is one of the few communities that was prepared to absorb the blows from an economic downturn. Its stable tax base allowed the city to take a managed approach to big projects such as the $23 million water treatment plant. The city, though, has its challenges, and flood control remains an issue in many neighborhoods. The potential growth of the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway extension is also key to the city’s future. In the race for a four-year term in Ward 1, incumbent Joseph Kolz, a retiree, has been a steady contributor to stability and growth since his election in 2001. His steadfast involvement on committees, along with his voice of reason, earns our endorsement for another term. His challenger, Peter Jakob, is worth strong consideration for his work on several commissions, as well as his community involvement. His call for the city to be more decisive on the many studies it funds is a step worth taking. In the Ward 3 race, where two new candidates are seeking a four-year seat, we side with the experience of Antonino “Tony” Catalano over Stefan Stevic. While both would bring new ideas and energy, Catalano’s experience as a tax specialist and his involvement with the Streetscape and Economic Enhancement Committee give him a decided edge.