Newcomer battles incumbents for Greendale Village Board

Greendale - The village's two incumbent trustees say they would like to see their work through, while a young challenger says it's out with the old and in with the new.

The April 2 election will have three at-large candidates competing for two seats. Voters will choose between the experience of incumbents Ron Barbian and Carl Genz, and newcomer Jason Cyborowski.

Trustees are elected to three-year terms at a salary of per year.

Village President John Hermes said the board has worked hard over the last three years and hopes the new candidates can continue to spur retail development to the area while protecting the village's historical designation.

"I think the voters will go to the polls either opting for the experienced or the inexperienced candidates," he said.

Barbian, vice president of operations at BMO Harris Bank, seeks his third term and said that residents are happy with the direction of the village.

He extolled the state of the village's finances and said he's always been cognizant not to waste any of the village's tax money, while maintaining the services that makes Greendale a great place to live.

"Anyone can lower taxes, but there's a price. We've been able to keep services - no furloughs, no reduction in staff - and keep a low tax rate. That's a very difficult accomplishment to do," he said.

Carl Genz, who is semi-retired after years in the construction industry, said he has more work to do.

"After my first term I'm finally getting the feeling that I know what I'm doing. Now I can hit the ground running," he said.

The incumbents stressed a need to stay focused on the 76th Street commercial corridor, the village's biggest tax base. They're hoping the revitalization of Southridge Mall will spur additional retail development to the area.

"I'm proud to say that I was part of the board that brought about positive change in that area. But we still got a ways to go," Genz said.

For 34-year-old newcomer Jason Cyborowski, this race is about bringing in a new vision.

"As a fiscally responsible local small business owner, I feel that I can make a great contribution to the growth of our community for many years to come," he said. "I feel it is time for our younger generation to take an interest in preserving and growing the community we live in."

Cyborowski, who is part owner of J&J Contractors, said two former trustees - who he wouldn't name - have been helping him put up signs and talking to voters on his behalf.

As he pushes through the last weeks of his campaign, Cyborowski said he has his one-year-old twin daughters in mind.

"I want this to be a place that my children want to start their families."