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It's typical to see a crowded local political race when controversy is brewing in a community.
Indeed, there has been some division among Niles council members lately, but frankly, it's far from what we would classify as serious "controversy."
The need for bicycle lanes on Hartzell Avenue to reduce speeding, along with wrangling over the procedure for getting into the city administration building are the biggest points of contention among Niles City Council members these days -- hardly topics of great discourse or worthy of filibuster.
Nevertheless, Democrat voters casting ballots May 2 in Niles will see a crowded field for three open council at-Large seats. Five Democrats are seeking the nominations. Incumbents Michael Lastic and Jimmy Julian are seeking re-election. Appointed Councilman Steve Papalas is not seeking election. Council members Doug Sollitto, 1st Ward, and Linda Marchese, 3rd Ward, also now are seeking at-Large posts, along with newcomer Lori Vlosich Hudzik.
So far, there is no opposition in the November general election. If it stays that way, the three primary winners will have a clear path to the posts in the fall.
We endorse both incumbents, Julian and Lastic, to retain to their seats on council.
The calm, level-headed approach that each takes -- particularly to growing animosity among council members -- is noteworthy.
Julian's approach was particularly admirable.
"We are not always going to agree, and that's a good thing. You need diversity on a public body," Julian said. "I will work with anybody. I just want to do my part to move the city forward."
During individual candidate interviews with this newspaper's editorial board, Lastic spoke of the importance of keeping the city fiscally sound and ensuring the city's safety forces are provided necessary new equipment, including advanced technology.
Julian noted with the aging population in the city, it is his goal to make Niles attractive to younger families. He would do this with upgrades to parks and attempts to secure economic growth and new jobs.
For the third open seat, we see the two ward council members, Marchese and Sollitto, as similarly qualified. However, they offer vastly different views. For instance, Sollitto believes city hall doors should remain unlocked and open to all. Marchese said, for security reasons, she has no problem with being required to ring a buzzer and be escorted into the building.
Marchese also expressed concern over what she called "bullying" tactics by some members of council.
Sollitto didn't characterize ongoing debate in the same way, but noted that elected city leaders must be firm and strong in their resolve to assist constituents. In fact, when going to bat for an issue that he supports, Sollitto said, "You should be strong. I would rather be told I am too aggressive."
We believe both have served their constituents nobly.
Given the choice, however, we endorse Sollitto.
We do not support the candidacy of Hudzik, the fifth challenger.
Hudzik expressed frustration with what she described as poor conditions in city parks and even tossed out interest in adding a new city swimming pool. The suggestion struck us as random, particularly considering the city only recently demolished the Waddell Park pool after it fell into disrepair.
She also said she would like to help analyze city finances, particularly mentioning utility costs which are city-owned.
Hudzik said her "strong financial background" would equip her to do that. She is an insurance agent and former Niles City Schools treasurer.
The board of education voted in 2019 to remove Hudzik from her treasurer's post, classifying it as a "voluntary resignation from employment via abandonment of position."
According to newspaper archives, Hudzik had requested leave, which was not approved by the Financial Planning and Supervision Commission overseeing operations because the district was in financial emergency status.
"There were accusations made about me, but I did nothing wrong," Hudzik said told the editorial board during her individual candidate interview.
When Hudzik failed to return to work, her employment was terminated.
Hudzik refused to discuss the matter during her political candidate interview, saying she believed it was unrelated to her candidacy for city council.
Given that both roles are positions of public trust, we strongly disagree. Undeniably, the public has a right to know.
We endorse Julian, Lastic and Sollitto for the Democratic nominations for Niles Council at-Large.
editorial@vindy.com