District 1 hopefuls differ on economy
Candidates running for Lake County Board in District 1 agree the economy is the most important issue facing residents.
The best way to deal with the economy, however, is not as clear cut.
Peter Grant, 55, sees road improvement as the key to luring more businesses to the county.
Gene Kryczka, 36, and Steve Skinner, 48, say a change has to be made at county government level, although they differ drastically on what the change should be.
Grant, Kryczka and Skinner, all of Antioch, are vying to represent District 1, which covers Antioch and portions of Fox Lake, Spring Grove, Lake Villa, Lindenhurst and Old Mill Creek.
The winner of Tuesday's primary will face Republican Linda Pedersen in November for the seat left vacant by longtime board member Judy Martini, who is not seeking re-election.
The threesome met this week for a final debate held at Antioch Township Center in Lake Villa. It was moderated by Jim Parks, Democratic state representative candidate in the 61st House District.
"One issue I've been talking about that no one else is talking about is truck safety on the Route 173 corridor," Grant said. "It's a catch-22. We can't attract businesses without roads and services but can't pay for those services unless we attract the businesses. We need some help from the state level."
Kryczka proposes creating an economic development department to attract and retain businesses in Lake County.
"Wisconsin has one and has been cherry picking companies like U-Line," he said, adding that he believes county government is too lean.
"You have to spend money to make money," he said. "Businesses don't want to come here if there aren't enough sheriff deputies or prosecutors. I don't think the county spends enough money on services."
Skinner, who also cited the economy as his main concern, completely disagrees with Kryczka on this issue.
"We need to stop spending our money like it doesn't ever run out," Skinner said. "County government needs to clean house, reduce spending and bring in more jobs. We're facing the perfect storm. The recession is looming, and we need to tighten our belt."