Finances key in Antioch mayor's race

With the economy in the tank and no sign of a quick recovery, candidates in the race for mayor of Antioch are focusing on finances.

Efficiency, belt-tightening and fiscal responsibility are on the minds of Robert Caulfield and Larry Hanson as they campaign for the April 7 election. Both men are currently trustees on the Antioch village board. Current mayor Dorothy Larson is not running for re-election.

Running a campaign he calls his "fiscal fitness program," Hanson said the main reason he's seeking the job is to put the village's finances in order. "I'm running for this office to take strong steps to bring our budget under control," Hanson said. "We need to tighten the village's belt, be judicious with capital spending and make every penny count."

Hanson has served on the village board since 1989. He ran for mayor in 1993, but lost. He was elected as trustee 1999, 2003 and 2007. A life-long Antioch resident, the 49-year-old manages BJ's Fashion for Men in Antioch. He's worked at the store for 32 years.

Antioch has been struggling financially in recent years. Seven part-time and two full-time employees were laid off last August in the face of a budget deficit. And it's this situation that has Caulfield's attention.

He said he is deeply concerned about village finances. Caulfield said the budget was in much better shape when he became a trustee eight years ago.

"Back then, Antioch enjoyed a surplus of $1.5 million. Under the current management, Antioch is once again in a state of financial disarray," Caulfield said. "Our current fiscal condition is a result of poor judgment, poor leadership and the absence of accountability.

In addition to bolstering the village's financial status, Caulfield, 51, said he also wants to improve the services provided by the village.

"My focus will also be on public safety," he said. Caulfield said the village has not done a good job clearing snow this year and promises better service if he is elected.

Saying the village needs to operate more like a business, Hanson said he take evaluate how jobs are being done now.

"We have great people working for the village, Hanson said. "But I know there are ways to work more efficiently while increasing productivity," he said.

The candidates have voted the same on many issues over the years. Hanson and Caulfield say they friends and promise a campaign that focuses on the issues not personalities.

"I know that we'll take the high road," Hanson said.