Three incumbents, three challengers seek Antioch village board seats

Newcomers calling for a fresh perspective are facing incumbents running for re-election as six candidates seek three 4-year seats on the Antioch village board.

Incumbents Scott Pierce, a field service engineer, is seeking a fifth term; Ted Poulos, a retired finance officer, is running for a third term; and business owner Jerry Johnson is pursuing a second term.

They are challenged by Bob Burke, a retired management consultant and president of the 350-member Antioch Senior Center Council, Jeremy Lohman, who is involved in investments, and Christina Wojciechowicz, a self-employed mother of two.

Burke said he is running to represent seniors, who constitute up to 20 percent of Antioch residents.

Current officials are dedicated, but someone with a new perspective and fresh ideas would be valuable, he said.

Seniors "require and have earned" representation on the village board, and many older residents want to stay involved. Senior volunteers in various roles could contribute at no cost to the village, he added.

"I think it's their turn," Burke said.

Johnson was on the Antioch parks and recreation board before being elected trustee in 2013. He said he would continue to be conservative with village finances but aggressive on development opportunities.

"I will work with landlords of commercial buildings to help them create and offer incentive plans to perspective tenants," he said. "This is a great way to attract new business."

Lohman said he has been attending board meetings for about three years and feels the board is out of touch and a rubber stamp most of the time.

High property taxes are causing residents to leave town, Lohman said. He suggested freezing water rate increases that have been rising at 3 percent per year to cover costs of new facilities.

He said he would thoroughly review the village budget once in office but hasn't done so as yet as it is "very cumbersome" to review.

Pierce said he has been a strong proponent of business, and there are multifaceted steps in place to keep the downtown vibrant and attract business to corridors.

He said his experience and perspective are key in facing issues such as reductions in property values or downtown stagnation. Taxes are high due to other taxing bodies, he added.

"The best thing Antioch can do is bring in additional commercial and industrial businesses to help relieve the need for the village or other taxing bodies from relying upon residential property taxes," Pierce said.

Poulos cited economic development as a priority. The village has a good mix of fees, property taxes and sales tax, Poulos said, adding that he supports an annual review of all taxes and fees.

The village needs to focus on increasing business opportunities to generate more sales-tax revenue and recently approved an economic development plan to help with that, Poulos added.

Wojciechowicz says the village needs more family-oriented businesses and affordable after-school programs. She also suggested a monthly event, such as coffee with a trustee, to connect with the community.

Wojciechowicz and Lohman have pledged to freeze tax and fee increases. Taxes are too high, she said, because of overspending. She suggested a forensic audit as a way to streamline the budget.