Vole, Armbruster in Prospect Heights

The issue in Prospect Heights this spring, as it has been for years, is leadership. In a town facing serious financial problems, infrastructure needs and difficulties promoting development, local government too often has devolved into factional squabbling and personality conflicts. The question is how to turn things around.

In the case of selecting an alderman for Ward 4, the answer is relatively simple. Attorney Jim Armbruster, has served on the city's water committee and is beginning to take on a leadership role as an appointed alderman. He fully understands the financial problems ahead and is committed to addressing the needs for better access to water and road improvements in all areas. Moreover, he demonstrates a cooperative approach to government. Mark Saulka, an independent businessman making his first foray into local government, also offers a common-sense, reasoned approach to city leadership, but he lacks Armbruster's intimate experience with Prospect Heights affairs. Former alderman Gerald Anderson also is running again, but it's Armbruster whose experience and personality offer the best hope for building a strong local government.

In the race to complete the term of Mayor Rodney Pace, who resigned for health reasons, the decision is not quite so clear, coming down to a choice between the local-government experience of alderman Dolores "Dolly" Vole or the strong business background of political newcomer Nicholas Helmer. We favor Vole, with some reservations.

Because of her sometimes turbulent experiences on the city council, we have been critical of Vole in the past, but she has worked hard for the city and matured on the council. Her extensive work on flooding and other issues has earned her respect from neighboring officials, and if she continues to grow and emphasize the team building and involvement from the public that her campaign stresses, she can help the council heal its interpersonal wounds. She should take heed, though, that if the next mayor doesn't address this critical aim, voters may well take a different view when the seat comes up for a full term in two years.