Antioch mayoral candidates each have experience in village government
Two experienced candidates running for mayor of Antioch cite economic development as a priority, but disagree over the success of efforts to date.
However, the campaign between two friends isn't expected to be a slugfest.
Incumbent Mayor Larry Hanson, who is seeking a third term, appointed his opponent, Jay Jozwiak, to fill a village board vacancy in 2014. They differ over the role of consultants in enhancing or attracting business downtown or to commercial corridors such as Route 173.
Hanson is a lifelong Antioch resident, who served 14 years on the village board before being elected mayor in 2009.
Bringing business to the community can shift some of the burden of providing services away from residents, the men agree.
Hanson said the village has long-term strategic plans that, "if funded properly, could boost Antioch into a regional powerhouse."
Jozwiak, a technical account manager, was elected in 2009 and served four years as trustee before losing a re-election bid. He was elected again in 2015 and is in the middle of his term. If Jozwiak defeats Hanson, a replacement would be appointed but if unsuccessful, Jozwiak will remain a trustee.
Jozwiak said some businesses are struggling to stay open and the mayor needs to develop a comprehensive approach to retain and attract new entities. His campaign slogan is "Building a Better Antioch."
"I think we need to slow down with the consultants and really understand what our vision is," Jozwiak said.
Just over a week ago, Hanson in a Facebook post used the slogan "Antioch: Open for Business" to introduce an economic development task force comprised of representatives from schools and libraries and various business sectors, such as auto, industrial. retail, commercial and leisure, to discuss ideas and identify problems.
In seeking re-election, Hanson said he has been "in the forefront of guiding the village out of the recession," and his record of balanced budgets and passion for the community speaks for itself.
Hanson said that during the past eight years, he and the village board have worked as a team to strengthen the village's ties with business and to seek and pursue development that fits with a growing community.
The village board about a year ago, approved a three-year, $140,000 contract with Alabama-based Retail Strategies for services such as retail analysis, identifying trade areas, marketing and recruiting. Recently, Business Districts, Inc. was hired for $9,000 to produce a plan to revitalize downtown.
Jozwiak said consultants have provided "great presentations" but results are needed.
"We never get an action plan back from them," he said. "They never follow through, but we never hold them accountable either and that's imperative."
Hanson said the village can't rely solely on consultants to boost business. Consultants can open doors, but more rooftops are the key to attracting business to the village, he said. An extensive website for business prospects, a menu of incentives and a strategic plan have been created and are the foundation as the economy improves, he added.
"I think we're in a good position," Hanson said.