Mundelein MainStreet again without a leader

The woman recently tapped to be Mundelein MainStreet's new executive director isn't taking the job, village leaders said, leaving downtown merchants uncertain about the group's future.

MainStreet officials announced earlier this month that local resident Joanne M. Horton, formerly with the GLMV Chamber of Commerce, was to take over the organization, which promotes downtown businesses.

But during MainStreet's monthly meeting on Wednesday, officials announced Horton had changed her mind because of personal issues.

On Thursday, Horton said she hasn't worked full-time in 11 years and decided the job wasn't a good match for her.

Terry Skriba, the group's part-time office manager, will oversee operations while the MainStreet board searches for a new director, President John Acklam said.

"We have every confidence in Terry's ability to take care of what needs to get done," Acklam said.

Horton's sudden departure worried downtown merchants who already are concerned about the abundance of vacant storefronts in the area.

"They need somebody back in that office to get the businesses involved," said Brian Waugh, owner of the Sack Lunch restaurant on Park Street. "I was really hoping (Horton) was going to take the job and start doing something."

Lonnie Summers, owner of Summers Carpet & Tile on Seymour Avenue, was philosophical about Horton's exit and the group's prospects.

"If you don't have a head, won't the body fall?" he asked. "You've got to have somebody in charge."

MainStreet has been without a director since Marian Rodriguez quit in April. She was the group's second director, replacing John Maguire in 2003.

In addition to representing downtown businesses, Mundelein MainStreet organizes a few annual civic events, including the summertime Park on Park car shows and the Santa's Cottage activities.

Mundelein Trustee Terri Voss, who also operates Tres Bone Bakery & Boutique on Seymour Avenue, questioned if MainStreet can survive these personnel changes and effectively handle its community programs.

"More turmoil for MainStreet is not a good thing," Voss said.

Roland Samkus, owner of Samkus' Barber Shop on Route 45, doesn't have much faith in the MainStreet group and didn't think Horton's exit will matter.

"If they were doing something, they'd have these stores filled," said Samkus, referring to the vacancies on his block and elsewhere in town.

Acklam insisted the group is stable and in better financial shape than ever before.

"The organization is not close to being dead," he said. "We're in a period of renaissance at this point."