Leader enjoys Antioch's possibilities

With a budget due and multimillion-dollar development projects looming, Jill Velan didn't have a choice but to hit the ground running when she took over as Antioch's village administrator three months ago.

But she hasn't minded a bit.

"It's been very, very busy," said Velan, 37. "But it has been an exciting time."

Velan, of Evanston, spent 10 years as assistant village administrator in Lincolnwood before replacing Michael Haley in March. Haley retired in July 2007.

Mayor Dorothy Larson said the village board respects Velan and she feels they made the right decision hiring her. Velan was chosen from about 50 applicants.

"Jill has been hit with a lot of different things right away, and she is doing a fantastic job," Larson said. "She is trying to get to know the community and has had to make some hard decisions. We've got some real financial issues here, and she is doing a very professional job."

This year's budget process has not been easy for Velan or her staff.

The village will likely have to lay off 15 employees next week to help cover a $1.2 million budget deficit being blamed on stagnant housing and commercial development.

"It's been tough, but we'll get through this phase," Velan said. "In a few years things will get better economically, and I plan on staying as long as they'll have me."

What has surprised Velan most about Antioch is the participation of village residents.

At any given municipal meeting there are dozens of residents in attendance, something that didn't happen in Lincolnwood.

"We used to go several months without an audience," she said. "Whether people agree with what we are doing, or disagree, I think it is good they are passionate enough to come in and stand up for what they believe in."

Another surprise, and something that attracted Velan to Antioch, is how much open space there still is to be developed in northern Lake County.

"We have a whole unincorporated area here, and I've gotten a chance to work with so many different organizations because of it," she said. "There are just so many more possibilities here."