Antioch mayoral candidates cite their strong points

It might be difficult for Antioch voters to choose between mayoral candidates Bob Caulfield, Larry Hanson and write-in candidate Erik Peters on April 7.

Caulfield and Hanson are veteran board members who have historically agreed with each other on most issues. They tend to vote the same way and have similar political ideas. Peters is an 18-year-old Antioch High School student with no political experience, but is a fresh face who has received backing from current mayor Dorothy Larson. Larson is not running for re-election.

Hanson and Caulfield touted their strong points during a recent Daily Herald interview. Peters could not be reached for comment.

The manager of BJ's Fashion for Men in Antioch, Hanson has served on the village board since 1989. The 49-year-old was elected as trustee in 1999, 2003 and 2007. He said one of his distinguishing points is working for unity on the board.

"I am more capable of working with all of the board members to gain a consensus on what is best for the village, even though I may not agree with them," he said. "I am better able to leave the past in the past and focus on the present problems we face."

Caulfield, 51, has been a trustee since 2001, the professional photographer said one of his strongest traits is decisiveness. When others might hesitate to act, Caulfield said he will always step up.

"A lot of issues have come before the board because of action on my part," he said. "I've never been shy about asking tough questions and making the tough decisions."

A former chairman of the village's finance committee, Caulfield also said he has a proven track record of improving the bottom line.

"I took the lead when nobody seemed to be focused on the issue in those days," he said. "The village went from red to black under my leadership."

Peters was late in getting his name into the mayoral race. He attended a board meeting in early February and found he simply didn't agree with Hanson and Caulfield on several issues and decided to run. Larson has said she'll vote for Peters, and called him "insightful and thoughtful."

Whatever happens, Hanson said, he and Caulfield have a mutual respect.

"I considered Bob a close political ally and he will be my friend after this election is over, regardless of the outcome," Hanson said. "I know he feels the same."