Endorsements: Mahony, Lynam and Hall for East Dundee village board
Early on, it appeared there would be as many as nine challengers running for the three seats up for election on the East Dundee village board. But when it came down to it, Scott Kunze remained the lone challenger to incumbents Jeff Lynam, Kathleen Mahony and Alan Hall.
The village of East Dundee has seen its share of ups and downs. Following years of large businesses shutting down or moving to a neighboring community, the village board is trying to take a positive look at future growth.
But challenges remain. The former Dominick's grocery store sits empty across Route 25 from the empty space left when Walmart moved to Carpentersville. And the Haeger Potteries building is empty.
Kunze, by his own description, hopes to bring a skeptical mind to the group. He has expressed a need to bring some sense of urgency to dealing with these issues. The 14-year East Dundee resident's ideas are in step with those of other members of the village board, but they have valuable experiences to bring to the table at a critical time.
Longtime trustees Mahony and Lynam also understand the urgency. They have a plan that favors responsible growth. Lynam, a three-term member of the board, and Mahony, who has been appointed to the board multiple times, are part of a board that has the village moving in the right direction. They are confident the Route 25 properties will be filled as the downtown continues to attract businesses.
Hall, who is completing his first term on the board, considers himself a champion for seniors living in East Dundee. When the cost of garbage pickup was put back on the residents, a burden that had been covered by the village for years, Hall spearheaded an effort to implement a discount for seniors.
East Dundee appears to be on the verge of turning a corner. Summer festivals, including Motor Mondays, Wine Down Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, have been a success for the budget after a rough start, and are well attended by residents.
The incumbents bring experience and compassion to their leadership roles.
We endorse Mahony, Lynam and Hall for East Dundee village board.