Vote for Murray, Howard, Sepe, Croutier

Mayor Francis X. Murray, Deputy Mayor Nancy Howard and Trustee Michael Sepe, along with Village Justice William Croutier, are all up for re-election, and are all running unopposed.

Though they are unchallenged, it is still important for residents to go to the polls next Tuesday and show their support for the candidates and the work they’ve done.

The four incumbents, all members of the RVC United Party, have done an admirable job of maintaining the village. The three board members have worked well with their colleagues from different parties. Too often, boards can be divided by partisan bickering, and we’re glad to see that hasn’t happened over the past few years.

Four years ago, we endorsed Murray, Howard and Sepe because we believed they would be able to work with the other board members to lead the village through the difficult economic climate it was facing at the time. It seems they have.

Murray has upheld his campaign promise to secure sources of outside revenue for the village. Many projects — some of them, like the Maple Avenue repaving, much needed — have been completed without the use of a single taxpayer dollar. That is a commendable accomplishment.

The village is on sound financial footing. Businesses continue to flock here — which exacerbates the ever-present parking problem. We hope to see village officials take a more proactive approach to parking, because it isn’t going away. It’s time to start looking for real solutions, like purchasing property to expand the village’s lots, or even building a parking garage.

Howard brings a calm and reasoned voice to the board — something much different from the past. She is fair, and makes sure everyone’s voice is heard.

Sepe brings his legal acumen to the board, and is a valuable resource. However, he sometimes uses his seat as a bully pulpit. We don’t think it’s appropriate to criticize those who can’t respond.

For his part, Justice Croutier, who ran unopposed four years ago as well, has proven to be a fair and impartial adjudicator. He hands down well-thought-out rulings, and the people of the village respect him for that.

Despite the lack of challengers, we urge residents to get out and vote on Tuesday, and show all four incumbents that they approve of the way they are running the village.