|
Daily Herald Endorsement
West Chicago mayor
West Chicago reacts badly when there is negative news
about the city. All because it has had to deal with a
negative image that is not deserved.
For a while, the city brought ridicule upon itself with
quarrelsome politics, lack of progress in economic
development and failure to address negative things such
as building code violations. But matters began to
improve under progressive municipal leadership provided
by former Mayor Michael Fortner, who is now in the state
legislature, and city council members like Michael
Kwasman, who is now the acting mayor seeking to have
that provisional label removed on April 17. Former West
Chicago alderman Wayne Woodward is also running for
mayor.
Kwasman is endorsed.
He was a very good councilman and has all the skill,
experience and vision to be a very good mayor. Much more
so than Woodward, who has not made a strong case for
election.
Kwasman has been instrumental in guiding economic policy
that has seen a growth in needed retail development. We
are sure he will work to continue this trend.
As councilman and acting mayor, Kwasman has been
determined to crack down on landlords who let their
properties fall into disrepair, or allow occupancy
beyond legal limits. We are confident he will continue
to lead the effort to rid West Chicago of this blot on
the city�s landscape and threat to public safety.
Kwasman also showed an ability to tackle tough problems
in bringing an end to last year�s strike by city public
works employees.
We are disappointed Kwasman has not been very clear in
explaining why the city�s police chief has been off the
job for months and when that situation will be resolved.
When the top law enforcement officer is on a long leave
of absence, residents should know what is going on.
But Kwasman is the best choice for mayor in continuing a
positive trend of improved services, balanced
development, respect for property and making life better
for West Chicago residents.
|
