Endorsements: Rosenthal, Williamson, Ludvigsen for Prospect Heights

Ward 2: Rosenthal

In the Second Ward, challenger Larry Rosenthal offers interesting new ideas, including increased use of volunteers to supplement the city's modest workforce, while 12-year incumbent John Styler deserves his share of the credit for the progress the city has made in addressing its financial problems.

In the Daily Herald campaign survey and in his endorsement meeting, Styler made a big deal out of what he said was the $13,000 cost of fulfilling "nonsensical" Freedom of Information Act requests related to a dispute over the water bills for Rob Roy.

This concerns us in several regards: it seemed an attempt to smear Rosenthal, who said he was not the primary mover in the condo association's effort to get the information; it ignored that there was no direct cost for many of the people as they were already on the payroll; and it seemed to indicate a lack of appreciation for the importance of government accountability and of the FOI Act.

Rosenthal, given the chance to take offense over the personal attack, refused to do so. His levelheaded demeanor and his ideas would be a welcome addition to the city council.

Ward 3: Williamson

In the Third Ward, challengers Marcia Jendreas and John Mondala present interesting contrasts in style and substance to incumbent R. Scott Williamson. Both have prior experience with the city's government. Mondala was health inspector for nine years, doing code enforcement and license checks, leaving during pay cuts brought on by the city's financial problems. Jendreas was alderman from 1991 to 1994 and has held a wide variety of volunteer posts with the city. Both seem knowledgeable and qualified, especially Jendreas. Policy differences between the three candidates are minor, though Jendreas is a bit more conservative on government's role. But Williamson, who has held the office the last four years, has helped right the city's financial ship, is doing a sound job and has the benefit of being up on the issues by virtue of incumbency. Williamson wants to maintain low-cost government while increasing the emphasis on public works and code enforcement. Voters should give him the chance to work on those goals.

Ward 4: Ludvigsen

In the Fourth Ward, incumbent Patrick Ludvigsen is an easy choice over challenger John (Doc) Rana. Ludvigsen, running for his fourth term and who once filled in as interim mayor, has helped right the city's finances, which once were in dreadful shape, and has navigated the city's sometimes divisive politics without being dragged down by them. He knows the issues and promotes fiscally responsible ways to address them. He says he still loves the work, and it shows. He cares deeply about the city. Rana didn't cite any significant policy differences with Ludvigsen, and lacks his knowledge of the intricacies of city government. He said that he wanted the chance to serve his community, which is commendable, but not an adequate reason to switch horses.