Endorsements: Hacker, Kojzarek and Corbett for Gilberts village board
Gilberts has seen a lot of growth through the last decade.
A recent development the current village board can take credit for is the Conservancy, a subdivision set to add nearly 1,000 homes to the north side of the village. The construction project includes an upgrade and expansion of the wells that provide water to the village - a benefit to all residents.
Three seats on the board are up for grabs in the April 2 election. Incumbents Louis Hacker, Elissa Kojzarek and Dan Corbett are challenged by Dan Pace and Tom Wajda.
Pace, a retired union carpenter, could bring that professional experience to discussions with developers of future projects in the village. Wajda, a former Gilberts trustee who served as board president from 2004 to 2008, could bring government experience and, as he says, get the village moving again.
But now is not the time to upset the apple cart.
Hacker, who has served two terms, has an eye on the Conservancy development with a regard for the impact the population increase will have on the village. He was part of the foresight that provided funding for repairs to the wells without an increase in property taxes. The board also is looking forward with the creation of a road-upgrade plan to having all the village's streets repaired within the next few years.
Kojzarek, completing her first term on the board, is cautious about future growth as the Conservancy project gets rolling. She says Gilberts has to have a plan for growth and be careful about which businesses and developments the village supports. She feels it is important to maintain a small town feel.
Corbett, a software developer with eight years experience as a trustee, says the infrastructure needs to keep up with the village's economic growth. He feels the time to plan for road repairs in now while the budget remains strong.
New developments in Gilberts are going to bring changes that will challenge the village. Residents need to be confident the leadership has the experience to navigate the future.
Status quo is the right move at this time. We endorse Hacker, Kojzarek and Corbett for Gilberts village board.