Endorsements: Pruyn for Itasca village president

Thomas Pawlicki openly acknowledges that were it not for a proposal to build a data center at the Itasca Country Club near his house, he likely would not be mounting a campaign to run the village as president.

If the location of the data center were the only issue facing Itasca, Pawlicki would be a formidable candidate. He is knowledgeable, persistent and passionate about issues at the core of what could become a growing controversy. To his credit, he has made strides to strengthen his understanding of budgetary and other matters, but even so, he cannot match the long years of direct involvement and clear commitment evident in incumbent Jeff J. Pruyn, who began his tenure in local government as a planning commissioner in 1993, served 14 years as a village trustee and is seeking his fourth term as village president.

Pruyn is prepared to manage issues involving the golf course property, but at least as important and probably more so, he also has insight and a thoughtful vision for economic development involving the entire village. His broader and deeper background will be an important asset as Itasca steps up efforts to promote diverse economic development and emerge from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pawlicki is smart and passionate. Itasca government would benefit by having him more involved. But for the important position of village president, Pruyn is the candidate with a more well-rounded understanding of government operations and a deeper well of experience from which to draw. He is endorsed.