New business claim challenged in Libertyville

The Libertyville mayoral race generated some heat Wednesday with a disputed claim the village attracted 100 new businesses last year.

Local attorney Terry Weppler said no more than 54 new businesses came to town, far fewer than described in a published report by incumbent Jeff Harger.

Citing village records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, Weppler said even counting businesses that relocated or changed owners, the number was 68 at best.

"I think the information given to residents needs to be accurate," Weppler said. "I had probably half a dozen people call me on that story and say, `Where are these 100 new businesses?' "

Harger deflected the charge, saying 100 was an approximation and included relocations.

"We're splitting hairs. The bottom line is there are improvements being made in the community and jobs are being created," he said. "Whatever the number is, that's great. We're missing the point here."

In the campaign, Weppler has said village processes and attitudes can hinder new businesses. Current business owners, he contends, feel "marginalized or ignored" by the current administration and are reluctant to complain publicly for fear of further damage.

Harger argues those who follow established guidelines have no problems with the process, and he or staff are always available for assistance.

"Even a claim of 54 'new' businesses is based almost entirely on occupancy permits and not necessarily a result of village efforts to attract new business," Weppler charged. "Many of the 'new' businesses are service providers, such as doctors' offices, which do not generate sales tax for the village."

Harger disputed that contention, saying any business bolsters the economy because owners and customers spend money here.

"His attack on the service businesses is ridiculous," Harger said. He added that Weppler and his supporters are mud slinging.

"I'm not even going to get into numbers. I'm not going to debate this guy. They're trying to get under my skin and I'm not going to get down in the mud."

Weppler said an invitation to an annual business breakfast this week hosted by Harger went to an owner whose shop closed years ago.

"At best, this is an egregious example of a mayor who is out of touch with his constituency," Weppler charged.

"We have no idea what he's talking about," Harger replied. "Some glitch may have happened."

If elected, Weppler said, he would require tracking of business closings.

"If you know what closed and why they closed, maybe there's something you can do to change it."

Village staff say there is no formalized reporting method for business closing, but they try to follow up as they learn of them.

"If you're going to take shots at the incumbent, sometimes you've got to stretch if there aren't a lot of issues," Harger concluded.