Minding the stores a priority for Vernon Hills candidates

With a massive commercial base, Vernon Hills is in better financial position than some communities.

Business provides more than half the village's money for day-to-day expenses but with sales tax down, protecting and expanding that base has become a priority for incumbent village board members and challengers.

Five candidates are seeking three, 4-year terms. Longtime incumbents Thom Koch Jr. and Barbara Williams want to extend their tenures, while Jim Schultz is seeking a second term. They are challenged by newcomers David Smith, an IT sales consultant, and Michael Rochow, a mechanical engineer.

All agree being tight with expenses and protecting the investment in the commercial core is a necessity.

The village recently hired a consultant to study the market and offer suggestions of how to strengthen Vernon Hills' position. An ad hoc retail committee also is in place.

The village also has organized a consortium of towns, and used lobbyists to fight a streamlined sales tax initiative at the state level. That proposal would shift sales tax revenue from its origin to its destination, which could divert millions from village coffers.

A vibrant retail base has been instrumental in allowing the village to maintain balanced budgets and a large reserve fund, Koch said.

"We've done that without a (village) property tax and the goal is to keep it that way," he said.

Projects in progress, such as the Gregg's Landing commercial area, need to be finished and held to high standards, he added.

Williams said the village will face hard decisions in the coming months and years.

Aside from working closely with operators in existing shopping areas, the village needs to develop remaining open areas, she said.

"We must keep a vigil on what we have and what we need to do to maintain it," she said.

Schultz says it is imperative to explore ways to increase the village's revenue from current sources.

He says convincing Westfield Hawthorn mall to make improvements will significantly increase revenues and provide an opportunity to improve shopping and dining options.

He added the market should determine what comes to town, but supports a quality grocery store, upscale clothing stores, an upscale auto dealership and another high-volume wholesale club.

Rochow, a member of the ad hoc retail committee, says the village needs a "downtown" as a focal point.

He suggested Hawthorn redevelopment, coupled with connections and improvements to neighboring areas, could create a shopping, dining and entertainment destination.

"Having a dynamic and exciting district will draw more people to spend their money in our village and will help Vernon Hills maintain its dominance as a major retail hub," he said.

Smith cited business attraction and retention as a priority.

"I would prefer not to institute a property tax to offset a downturn in revenue," he said. "We all know that once it is put in place, it will never go away and will most likely increase over time."