3 trustees running for North Aurora village president

North Aurora trustees Dale Berman, Max Herwig and Linda Mitchell all say it is their love for their community that has inspired them to run for the top office in the village.

All three, along with challenger Mark Vogt, hope to succeed Village President John Hansen, who is stepping down, in the April 7 election.

Berman, Herwig and Mitchell recently sat down with the Daily Herald editorial board to discuss their qualifications and concerns.

All three say the hope to bring the village leadership they believe it lacks today.

Mitchell has served as trustee for four years, and spent the previous 12 years as North Aurora's village clerk.

"When I ran for trustee four years ago, I felt the village was moving quickly but getting nowhere," she said. "I feel that I have the ability to bring people together. I'm good at organizing. I like to listen to everyone before making a decision. People know that I'm fair."

Both Herwig and Berman said they believe the village has a serious communication problem.

"There is a major lack of communication between the village board, the village staff, and the residents," Herwig said, who has served as a trustee for 14 years, and was interim village president from December 2004 to April 2005. "Elected officials should consider the interests of the residents before making decisions."

Berman, whose experience in village politics includes 14 years as a trustee and a term as village president, said the problems go even further.

"It's deeper than a communication issue," Berman said. "There is a problem with leadership," Berman said. "The incumbent (John Hansen) is out of town a lot. He doesn't lead.

"A village president needs to reach out to developers and be at development meetings," he added. "I know what it takes to do the job, and I have the time now."

All three believe the village is in good fiscal condition, and they do not believe layoffs will be necessary. Each candidate sees a need to spur the village economy during the current recession, and Herwig said the economy is the single biggest issue of the campaign.

"Until it turns around, officials must control spending," Herwig said.

Berman favors continued fiscal conservation, a balanced plan for growth, and more jobs in North Aurora.

Mitchell said she would work closely with Community Development Director Scott Buening "to get out a message that North Aurora wants to work with quality developers." She favors more openness in the development planning process.

Berman and Herwig are retired. Mitchell is director of elections for Kane County.