Endorsement: Wilbrandt, Anderley and Alopogianis for West Dundee village trustee
Five people are seeking election to the West Dundee village board, but just two incumbents are in the hunt for three seats.
That means at least one newcomer will be elected. And that's what we recommend.
The village is a well-run operation led by a solid village president. But like many municipalities today — and during a pandemic — it faces the challenges of a changing economy, a regional mall that's lost much of its 20th century luster and is in need of a big change in focus and streets in need of repair.
Incumbent Dan Wilbrandt, an attorney, has served two terms. He is smart, provides a steady hand and appreciates the role a village government plays in the grand scheme of things. His was good counsel during a pandemic in which he held the village cannot exceed the authority of what the state gives it — that its role is to be a sounding board for the community and to do what it can within its power to ease residents and business through the difficult time.
Wilbrandt would like to see — as we emerge from the pandemic — more events in the downtown to draw more people to the Riverwalk, the restaurants and shops.
Incumbent Cheryl Anderley — one of two women on the board — also impresses.
One goal of hers is to encourage smaller houses built on the south end of town so that Baby Boomers like her have a place to stay in town instead of getting squeezed out when it's time to downsize.
Cheryl Alopogianis is our third choice.
She brings with her experience with the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce and the village's planning and zoning commission.
She likely would be a friendly face to the business community. And she would add another female voice to a male-dominated dais.
She favors beefing up utilities in the Route 31 corridor to make it more attractive to business.
Also running are Bob Sample, a businessman and onetime candidate for village president who moved to West Dundee 43 years ago, and Pam Carr Hagerman, a digital and e-marketing professional.
Wilbrandt, Anderley and Alopogianis are endorsed.