Harger to run again in Libertyville

While months of give and take between politicians finally will be decided Tuesday, Libertyville Mayor Jeff Harger is looking further ahead.

Harger, 54, recently confirmed he'll seek a second term as the village's top elected official, saying there is unfinished work.

"We're just making it official, that's all," said Harger, president of HLP Systems Inc., a locally-based lightning protection company.

He has been involved with village government since 1995, serving two years on the plan commission before being elected to two trustee terms, then mayor in 2005.

He ran unopposed then with the support of former mayor Duane Laska. Harger likely will have competition in April, however.

Local attorney and former village trustee Terry Weppler, who also has a long-term involvement with the Libertyville Days festival, has taken out nominating petitions for the post.

Weppler acknowledged the bid Monday but declined to discuss specifics, deferring until the general election has passed. Nominating petitions with signatures for local posts must be filed between Jan. 19 and Jan. 26.

Like other communities, Libertyville is having a tough time economically. Sales tax revenue could fall $500,000 short of expectations, and the board already has begun to consider budget cuts.

Harger said economic development, which was his priority four years ago, is "even bigger now." The village has been trying to diversify its commercial tax base, which for decades relied mainly on auto sales.

On the business front during Harger's tenure, the village hired Heather Rowe as its first economic development coordinator, created the Shop Libertyville program, and approved redevelopment of Greentree shopping center along Milwaukee Avenue.

Several large distribution facilities, including Medline Industries', have replaced corn fields on the village's northwest side.

Condell Medical Center is proceeding with a major building plan, and talks continue with developers for a project near the downtown Metra commuter station.

"We're working on being more business friendly," Harger said. "We really work with people to get their projects through."

The village also is planning a special event this month in support of downtown merchants, some of whom are struggling to make rent payments.