Fantus, Towne and Sheldon for Mettawa village board

Tim Towne pretty much sums up how all four candidates vying for the Mettawa village board see their small Lake County hamlet: "We're a gem of open space in an asphalt jungle," he says.

Horse farms, large home lots and trails give Mettawa a rural feel, and all four candidates want to keep it that way. The mission is such an integral part of the village that the vote to annex W.W. Grainger last summer included buying 114 acres of the company's land with the goal of keeping it as open space.

Vying in the April 2 election for three seats are incumbent village board members Towne, Jan Pink and Pamela Sheldon and village treasurer Pam Fantus. They share similar views about development and the preservation of open space. They stress their desire to avoid tax increases and continue with rebates, and they only show their differences when talk turns to tweaking village ordinances or communication methods.

All four are experienced and in tune with village issues. That said, a bit of new blood in the form of giving Fantus a vote would be a positive step, and her familiarity with village finances is a plus. We like Towne's business background and experience as chairman of the public works committee, which is important as Mettawa works to make Lake Michigan water available to more residents. Sheldon's emphasis on parks and recreation is also a great fit.

We endorse Fantus, Towne and Sheldon.