Endorsements: Cosler, Covelli, McAlpine for Cary trustee

Voters in Cary will choose among six candidates to fill three trustee seats when they go to the polls April 2.

One-term incumbents James Cosler, Kim Covelli and Ellen McAlpine face challenges from newcomers Dale Collier Jr., Tim Ritter and Sean Wheeler.

Economic development is the dominant issue, as the candidates agree the village must do a better job of attracting new business to boost flat sales-tax revenue and offset state funding cuts to address rising expenses. Chief among them is a police pension fund shortfall - the village funding ratio is 57 percent, far short of the 90 percent required by state law by 2040.

Most candidates said the village needs someone who can focus on economic development full-time - something the current staff can't do - and the answer may be hiring a consultant on a contract basis to court quality businesses. Several candidates also urge a stronger relationship with existing businesses to address problems more quickly and help them to be successful.

Development around the new downtown Metra station and the future of a new park on a former Meyer Materials gravel pit are other important issues.

We support Cosler, Covelli and McAlpine, who have the most knowledge and understanding about the issues facing the board.

Cosler and Covelli, both of whom won seats as write-in candidates four years ago and have helped push the board to hold the line on expenses. They have led efforts to use social media and video recording board meetings to better communicate with residents.

McAlpine has strong ties to the business community and stresses the need for the village to do a better job of working with existing businesses and be more welcoming to potential businesses. She urges continued use of incentives to help businesses.

There have been reports of board friction that could disrupt progress. We stress that whoever wins must act professionally and respectfully and put the people's business first.

Collier, Ritter and Wheeler are passionate about the village and shared many of the same views as the other candidates. However, they didn't offer any significantly new ideas to warrant replacing an incumbent.