Schielke for Batavia mayor; Frank, Miller for trustee

Batavia Mayor Jeffrey Schielke often talks of the history of the town he's led since 1981. His challengers, Alderman Alan Wolff and MainStreet Economic Development Director Britta McKenna want to talk more about their town's future. It sets up quite a challenge for the April 7 election and voters will want to do their homework before going to the polls.

Wolff is impressive in both vision and approach. On the board since 2003, he wants to invigorate economic growth, transportation improvements, and "outside the box" thinking during challenging times. He also vows to push for that much-needed second bridge.

McKenna, has helped spur economic development downtown and seems best-suited for that role.

Schielke, a Realtor who is synonymous with Batavia, stands on his laurels which have been plentiful in his three decades of service. His experience should stand his town well during these challenging times. He says he'll work to manage city government to maintain quality city services despite the economic downturn as well as continue to work to revitalize downtown and spur economic development.

Schielke is endorsed.

In the race for Batavia City Council, challenger Stephen Frank gets our endorsement for First Ward alderman to replace Jodie Wollnik, who is not running for re-election. He previously served on the city council in 2005 when he was appointed to fill a vacancy and says the city's economic viability, the city's tax base and revenue generation are key issues. He currently manages a budget of more than $25 million as vice president of Oce North America, Inc. in Chicago. Frank favors a second bridge for Batavia, primarily "to help with downtown development."

Incumbent Linnea Miller gets our nod over Joanne Gustafson in the Third Ward. On the council 13 years, she remains a vibrant, willing-to-learn advocate for her ward. She is very practical, pointing out the city needs to have a place where young people can afford to live, and that apartments and duplexes aren't necessarily "bad" things to have in a city. Miller has been responsive to her constituents and having lived here since 1978, knows the area - and its needs - very well.