Wyss: Take time to ponder April 7 choices

April 7 won’t be “big” in political razzle-dazzle terms.

It’s not like we’re on the cusp of putting into the White House the nation’s first black president or female vice president.

But in scope? In sheer number of offices at stake? In terms of the potential to shape boards that directly affect your community’s quality of life?

In these regards, the April 7 election is huge.

Municipalities, townships, library districts, school boards, fire districts, and the Fox Waterway Management Agency all have candidates on the ballot.

Not all races are contested, unfortunately. But where they are, voters should pay attention, attend a forum, read, learn about the candidates. What viewpoints and talents do they bring? What’s their vision? Do they have relevant experience?

Is it important to be involved in governance at least at a committee or commission level before seeking the top elected spot, as is the case, for example, in Prairie Grove, Lakemoor and Johnsburg? Kurt Milliman, Ryan “Todd” Weihofen and Lori Filippone, respectively, seek the village presidency in these towns. None has held an elected or appointed office in their town.

In speaking with them during recent editorial panel discussions, a common theme emerged. Each was motivated by a desire to change the way important decisions transpire and open the lines of communication with residents.

It’s not the first time lightning rod issues provoked fresh faces to toss their hats in the ring.

In Prairie Grove, a proposed Route 176 corridor plan bred mistrust and anxiety that bubbled over during a recent public forum. Milliman, who is challenging Trustee Stan Duda, said people were so fearful of unwanted annexation they were crying.

In Lakemoor, Weihofen – running against longtime village officials Robert Koehl and Ralph Brindise – said he believes residents are thoroughly disengaged from and disgusted with how the village has been run. And in Johnsburg, a controversial special service area for sewer infrastructure prompted Filippone to challenge the old guard, Trustee Ed Hettermann.

Certainly, experience doesn’t always ensure a smooth run. Lakemoor’s Virginia Povidas had been a trustee for years before she won the presidency and plunged Lakemoor into a quagmire of accountant hirings and firings, allegations of financial shenanigans, theft of village documents, a failed polygraph, and bitter Village Board exchanges.

That said, were I a voter in any of these towns, it would give me pause to consider a candidate whose primary motivation was one polarizing issue, and whose background provides little idea about how municipalities operate.

What is definitely positive is having choices. To all who have taken the initiative to put themselves on the ballot, bravo. Now it’s up to voters to take some initiative, give their choices some thought, and vote.

• Cyndi Wyss is a Northwest Herald community editor. She can be reached at 815-526-4534 or cwyss@nwherald.com.