Endorsement: H. William Schmidt for Glendale Heights City Council in District 1.

The race for a Glendale Heights City Council seat in District 1 is a rematch of sorts between H. William Schmidt and Edward Pope. In 2011, we endorsed Pope - then a 10-year incumbent - over Schmidt, whose experience at the time was concentrated on school issues at Marquardt Elementary District 15.

Voters chose Schmidt, however, and he has continued to serve conscientiously and thoughtfully through two terms. He has been a part of such successes as cleaning up some eyesore business sites, facilitating delicate negotiations with the DuPage County Forest Preserve and overseeing a budget that is healthy and carefully managed. He nurtures a collaborative leadership style that he says is reflective of the general approach of the Glendale Heights board.

Pope has his prior experience to recommend him, but he did not return our candidate questionnaire for this election or participate in opportunities to discuss issues with our editorial board. Considering his absence from the board, it seems clear to us that Schmidt is the superior candidate this time around. He gets our endorsement.