Antioch lobbyist makes case, keeps job

A newly hired Springfield lobbyist will stay on the village of Antioch's payroll for now.

Cheryl Axley appeared before the Antioch village board this week to give an account of her lobbying efforts with Illinois legislators.

Axley's visit was requested by Trustee Dennis Crosby during a meeting last month. The head of the village's finance committee and business owner, Crosby wondered exactly what Axley was producing for her $3,500 monthly pay.

Noting the recent layoffs of village employees and other cost-cutting measures, Crosby said people have been asking him hard questions about paying for a lobbyist when the budget is so tight. The village let go seven part-time and two full-time employees this year as it faced a $1.2 million deficit.

"The taxpayers in this town have a right to know what they are getting for their money," Crosby said. "I want to make sure we aren't pouring money down a hole."

Axley began her remarks with positive news. "The timing for an update could not be better," she said. She went on to explain that she's been making good progress on securing funds for Antioch's top priority project - the widening of Route 83.

Though she had no specific date when the money will show up, she said, "We are moving forward on that."

Crosby had questions about Axley's daily duties. "I keep hearing statements like, 'The bacon is frying in Springfield.'" he said referring to lobbyist jargon. "I have no idea what that means."

"It could be a myriad of things," Axley answered. "It could be meetings, working on a bill, working with labor or business or strategizing to get objectives met."

She defended her work by explaining that there is fierce competition among towns for available dollars. "The municipalities that have a presence down there will be in line before other communities without representation. We are an advocate for Antioch," she said.

Axley's answers seemed to satisfy Crosby for now. But he wants her to report personally to the village board every 90 days. This was her first appearance since she started six months ago. She has been submitting written reports.

She is on a monthly contract. At $3,500 per month, Axley would earn $42,000 a year.

"That's enough for a full-time employee," Crosby said. "We need to see tangible results soon."