Endorsements: Shroka, Iftekhar for College of Lake County Board of Trustees

Each of the three candidates seeking two open spots on the College of Lake County Board of Trustees brings his or her own distinctive qualities and experiences to the race, and all are qualified, promising leaders.

Julie Byrne Shroka, 59, of Grayslake, was appointed to the board in 2017. She is a retired administrator from CLC, so she knows the institution literally inside and out, and she has a clear vision for what it is and what it can be.

Timothy S. Powell, 70, is retired from the Lake County Sheriff's Department and has not only been active in numerous civic organizations and projects, but has elected leadership experience going back to 2001 with the Avon Township Board, the local drainage district, the Grayslake Public Library board and the Grayslake Continuity Park District. He clearly knows how to work well in a board environment.

Vaseem Iftekhar, 71, is a retired Abbott Labs executive who has led the Islamic Foundation North for three terms, founded the Northern Illinois American Muslim Alliance and managed corporate projects of international scope. He knows what employers need from CLC graduates and has good ideas for moving the college forward.

All three candidates would make good CLC board members. We support Shroka for her direct experience with the college and Iftekhar for the business background and diverse points of view he would bring to board decisions.