Endorsement: Herman for Oak Brook village president

This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

Public safety, technology, communication and infrastructure are the top concerns for two of the current Oak Brook village trustees - Larry Herman and Asif Yusuf - who are running for Village President.

While aligned on these ideas, Herman, an attorney and financial adviser, seems to take a more aggressive approach when it comes to fiscal responsibility. Public safety is his top priority, which he posits the village can improve upon by strictly managing finances, eliminating wasteful spending and expanding the use of technology (increasing the 2022 budget to add more license plate reading cameras being one example). Herman's other financial priorities include improving the village's investment strategy to meet pension obligations; more oversight of capital projects (such as replacing the aging water mains), with a focus on competitive bidding and funding; and proactively attracting more businesses, especially sales tax-generating B2B businesses.

With many years of trustee experience, Yusuf believes governing starts with setting the right tone of listening and collaboration. His goals include bringing in new businesses and marketing the village more aggressively to attract companies interested in a shared office spaces.

A third village trustee in the race, Suresh Reddy, did not participate in our process.

Herman is endorsed.