Endorsement: Barnett for mayor of Downers Grove

Downers Grove has three fine candidates competing for mayor: Bob Barnett, Marge Earl and David S. Olsen.

All are experienced in local government and have long histories in and extensive involvement with the village.

The challenge for the winner became significantly greater last week when what looked like a done deal to sell village land to a developer for construction of a medical center fell apart. That money was to fund a long-sought new village hall and police station.

Now, the village is faced with starting over on finding a way to address its biggest goal, even as three of its four main revenue streams are in decline and pension costs rise.

Barnett, 49, is our choice to address these challenges because of his deep knowledge of the issues and long history of civic involvement.

He has been on the village council 10 years, after eight years of service on various village committees and commissions. He also has been an active volunteer with several community groups.

Barnett knows the importance of making sure all viewpoints are heard in the decision-making process. He'd like to improve services to vulnerable residents lost a decade ago when the Human Services Committee was dissolved during an economic downturn.

Earl, 54, has been on the council two years, following a decade of service on village committees and commissions. Olsen, 30, a council member from 2013 to 2016, former College of DuPage trustee and former state representative, also has been active with various community groups.

But we are swayed by Barnett's openness, vision and deep experience in Downers Grove municipal leadership.