Endorsement: Hanson for Antioch mayor

Incumbent Antioch Mayor Larry Hanson faces two challengers in the April 6 election. Stay-at-home mom Stacy Ellis and attorney Scott Gartner also seek the top seat.

Hanson is committed to Antioch with 26 years of public service experience. He says the village has seen 11 years of balanced budgets, has $2.9 million in reserve funds, has welcomed new businesses and is providing business incentive grants and beautification and facade grants for downtown. He adds the village has saved $10 million by cutting expenses, reducing staff and competitive bidding over time.

Gartner would make a good leader. He is currently on the Antioch planning and zoning board and his experience as a lawyer would benefit the village. Gartner's campaign is focused on building the business base and increasing sales tax revenue to ease the tax burden on homeowners. He says he will treat people fairly, with respect, and is open to others' opinions and concerns. He contends that change in vision and leadership is a good thing and says that is why he is running.

Ellis says she wants to be mayor to serve the community and make Antioch a better place to live, work and play. She wants to work to keep taxes low and to retain businesses in town and says there is work to be done to improve government transparency and communication.

Because Antioch is financially sound and the incumbent wants to see current projects in place finished, Hanson's continued leadership makes the most sense right now. He is endorsed.