Antioch teen campaigns instead of relaxing on the beach

While many 18-year-old kids head to Florida this week for spring break, Erik Peters will be trolling for votes in Antioch.

With the election just days away, the high school senior is planting campaign signs and knocking on doors in his quest to become the next mayor of his hometown.

Peters, a write-in candidate, will face incumbent trustees Bob Caulfield and Larry Hanson in the April 7 election.

"This town can do so much more," Peters said Monday. "I believe I can make a difference."

A latecomer to the campaign, Peters said he decided to run after attending a village board meeting last month. Having a hard time deciding whether to vote for Caulfield or Hanson, Peters went to see them in action.

"I disagreed with their vote on the 1 percent tax on the Antioch Market Place," Peters said. "The board is very divided and members seem to vote more on their own feelings than what's best for Antioch."

Peters has created a buzz at Antioch Community High School where his story is featured prominently on the school's Internet home page. He's made two TV appearances on Fox News in Chicago, and has the backing of current Antioch Mayor Dorothy Larson who is not running for re-election.

Larson, who has been at odds with trustees Hanson and Caulfield for some time, denies her endorsement of Peters is a political statement against the incumbent trustees. She says Peters is the best qualified person. "I'm voting for him because he is a bright young man who has come a long way in a short time," Larson said. "He has a vision for balanced growth for this town. I wouldn't endorse him unless I really believed he was far and above the best choice."

Hanson admires Peters' political enthusiasm, but has concerns about his age.

"I commend him on his involvement, but there are very serious issues facing the town at this time," Hanson said. "We're facing a budget shortfall and I just don't think he has enough life experience to know what to do."

Caulfield doesn't think Peters has what it takes to be mayor.

"Kudos to him for running, but it's hard to believe he has the relevant experience to lead this town," Caulfield said.

Creating a positive image for Antioch will be one of Peters' top priorities if elected.

"This town looks exactly like it did in the 1950s," he said. "We need to modernize and make Antioch more attractive."

Calling himself a "moderate Republican," Peters has participated in political events at his school, and most recently played the role of Sen. John McCain during their mock election in November.

If Peters loses, he'll head to Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. If he wins, he'll take classes at College of Lake County.

Regardless of the outcome, Peters says, he believes he has already made a difference.

"Even if I'm not elected, I've stirred the pot," he said. "A lot of people are getting energized about local politics that might not have if I didn't run."