In the race for DeKalb mayor, the clear-cut and best choice is to elect Greg Sparrow to a third term.

Sparrow has the experience necessary to continue to lead DeKalb towards economic growth. He has demonstrated a willingness to work hard for the city. He has been involved in the Illinois Municipal League, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Northern Illinois Mayor’s Association and has used these connections to lobby for DeKalb’s interests.

Sparrow’s accomplishments as mayor include low property tax and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. He supports a mall in DeKalb which would result in further growth for the city. He also has been active in efforts to revitalize downtown.

Sparrow stands out above the other candidates. Nick DeGraffenried would need more experience in DeKalb government to be an effective mayor. DeGraffenried was a member of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce board of directors and chairman of the Spring Show committee, but if elected, mayor would be his first elected position in the city.

Adolph Miller shows a genuine concern for DeKalb but is not prepared to lead DeKalb into the future. Sparrow has accomplished a lot in his two terms, and it would be harmful to change leaders in mid-stream.

Mark Powell has continually berated and insulted other alderman and city officials in his almost year-old campaign for mayor. His proposal to allow 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds lacks support from the rest of the council and the city’s bar owners. The alderman is not employed in DeKalb, but works as a field auditor for a Downers Grove research company. Although he has not missed regularly scheduled council meetings, he has frequently left the 7th ward with no representation at specially called meetings.

On April 4, the best choice for mayor is Greg Sparrow.