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Lake Zurich mayoral candidates describe leadership styles

Lake Zurich's two mayoral candidates each say their leadership styles have qualities that would benefit the village if they win next week's election.

Incumbent Thomas Poynton faces newcomer Alex Samoila in the April 4 election for a 4-year term as the village's top elected official.

Samoila, 36, said he believes in situational leadership, meaning the same approach cannot be used for everything. He said it's a leader's job to inspire people to work together in the service of something greater than themselves.

"I believe in a leadership style that is inclusive and empowering," said Samoila, who works in the financial services industry. "People need to know that their opinions are valued and listened to. Some of the best ideas come out of collaboration and debate. I have always empowered my team to come to the table with ideas and action regardless of their tenure or title."

Poynton, a 70-year-old retired sales and marketing executive and former small-business owner, said he's led by being actively and democratically collaborative. As a visible and accessible community member, he said he seeks feedback from Lake Zurich residents and businesses on almost every issue.

"I look for input from the best professional staff that we have ever had in the village of Lake Zurich," he said. "These staff members with specialized knowledge and expertise create a more complete basis for better decision-making. As a result, the board and residents receive the best, most complete information in the history of this village. My style of leadership has led to more effective and better decisions."

Samoila is running for the mayor's office as an independent candidate. Poynton is heading the Lake Zurich Proud political slate which includes trustee candidates Mary Beth Euker, Jim Beaudoin and Greg Weider, as well as Village Clerk Kathleen Johnson.

Poynton had been in the middle of a 4-year village trustee term when he defeated then-Mayor Suzanne Branding and first-time candidate Mary Black in 2013.

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