Antioch mayor prevails in bid for third term
Antioch Mayor Larry Hanson prevailed in his bid for a third term, fending off a challenge from Trustee Jay Jozwiak, the man he appointed in 2014 to fill a vacancy on the village board.
With all 13 precincts reporting, unofficial results show Hanson topping Jozwiak 1,497 votes to 1,135 votes.
Hanson attributed his victory to hard work over the last eight years and fiscal responsibility that resonated with voters who appreciated public officials who ran a fact-filled campaign.
"People want to see honesty, facts ... that's why I succeeded," he said. "These positions are not owed to us. We have to earn the respect of the people."
Economic development, including the addition of Lovin Oven Cakery into a long vacant downtown building, spending cuts that trimmed $12 million from the budget in the last eight years, an improved bond rating and a 32 percent increase in sales tax revenue were among the accomplishments he touted.
A lifelong Antioch resident, Hanson, 57, managed a downtown clothing store for decades until the owner's recent retirement. He served 14 years as a village trustee before he was elected mayor in 2009.
Jozwiak, 62, a technical account manager, served four years on the board but lost a re-election bid in 2013. Hanson appointed him to an opening in 2014. He was elected in 2015 and will return to the board to serve the remainder of his term.
"The town is moving forward. It's not a ghost town, it's an active town," said Hanson, who wants to bring new business to the Route 173 corridor and downtown to help offset local property taxes.
Still, Hanson suggested challenges remain.
"Now we will roll up our sleeves and work hard for the next four years," he said.