Endorsements: Bancroft and Gaugel for St. Charles alderman
Among St. Charles' five wards, two have contests in the April 7 elections. In one of those — the Fourth — longtime Alderman Jim Martin has decided not to run for re-election, and two men are running for his seat.
Third Ward: Bancroft
Incumbent Alderman Todd Bancroft faces a challenge from Naomi Bosko, who is president of the St. Charles North High School volleyball team and has been involved in some grass-roots petition efforts. Bosko cares deeply about her city and has sensible ideas about issues facing it. She said St. Charles doesn't have enough entertainment options to attract young adults. If the city closes all the bars at midnight, that will drive out what young people now spend their money here. Bancroft, who was appointed two years ago, is high on the city's tax incentive program to draw more business to the city. Both candidates are enthusiastic and qualified, but we would like to see what Bancroft could do with a full term in office. Bancroft is endorsed.
Fourth Ward
Steve Gaugel is a member of the plan commission and was a member of the comprehensive plan task force. He also coaches football, baseball and softball in town. He is keenly interested in developing the city's economic incentive program as well as keeping the city competitive, noting its sales tax is a half-percentage point higher than Geneva's. He also favors making the downtown riverfront a vital part of the city's entertainment draw. He said the city needs to focus on the outdoors as well as night life. Discount Tire & Service owner Matt Dowling is the other candidate for the Fourth Ward. Dowling, strongly focused on finances, also points to the school district and library district as engaging in wasteful spending. We urge him to run for one of those boards instead.
Gaugel is endorsed.