Endorsements: Gilmartin, Hose and Pelloso for Downers Grove Village Council

Downers Grove is lucky to have six people who would make strong village council members running in the April 6 election. Each brings different strengths to the job.

Our choices are Greg Hose, Chris Gilmartin and Andrew Pelloso.

Hose, 39, an attorney, is running for his third term and his experience is a clear asset on a council that has functioned well in recent years in discussing village issues and coming up with solutions that its members could generally all support.

Chris Gilmartin, 48, founder and CEO of two businesses, is the strongest candidate among the newcomers, active on the Human Services Ad Hoc Committee and as a youth sports coach, responsive to inquiries and running an aggressive campaign.

Andrew Pelloso, 52, an environmental regulatory manager, also has been active in civic affairs and shows an interest in equity and inclusion for minorities and the LGTBQ community, issues whose importance was highlighted by events over the last year.

Tammi Karam, 42, a business owner who has been active in civic affairs, has lived on both sides of town and is especially aware of issues around the north-south divide.

Danny Glover, 33, has an impressive personal story, rising from busboy to ownership of a popular pizza place, but he hasn't had any previous involvement in village government.

Incumbent Margaret "Marge" Earl, 58, chose not to participate in the endorsement process. Given the strong field of candidates, we favored ones willing to engage with the press.