Four running for trustee spots in Spring Grove
By KEVIN P. CRAVER - kcraver@nwherald.com
SPRING GROVE – Four candidates are running for three open village trustee seats in the April 7 nonpartisan election.
Voters will choose from challengers Patrick Mazzanti and Lloyd Simonson, incumbent Bob McMahon, and trustee Michael Lee, who was appointed two years ago to fill a vacancy.
Former trustee Pamela Kerpec had intended to run again, but died in February at age 63 after a 3˝-year battle with cancer.
Lee, a 15-year resident, said his experience in community service organizations and his time as chairman the village’s Economic Development Committee made him worthy of election. He was appointed in 2007 to fill the remaining term of Thomas Bychowski.
“I think Spring Grove is a great place to live, and I want to make a difference here, keep things good in the community, and grow the way we want to grow.”
Lee’s priorities include maximizing responsible retail and commercial development, maintaining a balanced budget, and keeping taxes from increasing.
Mazzanti, an 18-year resident, has been on the village’s planning and zoning commission for the past six years.
He called elected office his “next logical step,” and said many residents had encouraged him to run.
His priorities include finishing the village’s trail system and developing Route 12 into a business corridor, as designated under the village’s comprehensive plan.
“I’d like to obviously maintain the feel of Spring Grove, which is a big concern in everyone’s mind,” Mazzanti said.
McMahon, who is seeking a second term, has lived in Spring Grove for about 13 years.
He said he wanted to continue building on the village’s achievements.
“I want to continue on with the progress and programs that have already have been started in Spring Grove, particularly Thelen Park and the fish hatchery, which are a couple of my major projects,” McMahon said.
McMahon said his other priorities included continuing work on the village’s trail system but without using taxpayer dollars.
Lee, McMahon and Mazzanti support extending sewer and water lines to downtown.
Attempts to reach Simonson were not successful.
Village President Mark Eisenberg is running unopposed for another term.
