Endorsements: Cilella, Kase, Murphy for Villa Park village board

Two effective incumbents and two knowledgeable challengers are seeking three open seats on the Villa Park village board in the April 2 elections.

Donald Kase, 58, owner of a construction company, has served on the board since 2010, and his understanding of the issues facing the village reflects the insights of someone who plays a leadership role in addressing them. David Cilella, 58, was appointed to the board in 2017, and he has quickly come up to speed in taking on the role of a collaborative board member.

The men serve on a board that has managed village finances well and maintains an effective oversight relationship with village administration. Their re-election would help continue policies and practices that have helped shape what all four candidates agree is a comfortable and desirable quality of life in Villa Park.

Both newcomers would seem to fit smoothly into the community's leadership structure and would bring dedication, commitment, creativity and constructive energy to the board's work.

Kevin Patrick, 36, is a small-business owner who has served on the Villa Park Fire and Police Commission and the town's Cable Commission. Christine Murphy, 60, is retired and has experience serving her parish as well as with the Make-A-Wish foundation and leadership positions with the local Kiwanis Club.

Both candidates are familiar with the issues and share a deep appreciation for Villa Park. And each offers some diversity of experience the board could use - Patrick his relative youth and Murphy the chance to join just two other women on the seven-member board.

We lean toward Murphy, with the hope that Patrick will remain active in local affairs and be available for other opportunities that may arise on the board in the future.

Cilella, Kase and Murphy are endorsed.