The LWV of the Elgin Area sent three questions to all candidates certified for the 2011 Elgin Mayoral Position. Candidates were requested to limit their response to 150 words in total, and we would not edit their answers. All candidates are listed in alphabetical order. The following are their replies.
Mayoral Candidate David Kaptain
1. Why are you seeking this position?
The Villa Olivia annexation issue and other important issues I felt were not being properly addressed led to my final decision. I believe the people of Elgin deserve a choice of qualified candidates to lead their city.
2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I was a Co-founder and President of the Eagle Heights Residents Association, Chairman of the Steering Committee of Elgin Community Network, and it’s Executive Director for the past 10 years. I currently serve as Chairman of the Advisory Committee of NHS of the Fox Valley and on the Board of Directors of NHS of Chicago. I served two terms on the Planning and Development Commission before being elected to the City Council in 2005.
3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Elgin’s existing neighborhoods are more at risk today than they were 10 years ago because of the high number of vacant and foreclosed homes. The City Council needs to change its focus from bringing higher income residents to Elgin to helping people and businesses who already live and work here.
Mayoral Candidate Ed Schock
1. Why are you seeking this position?
While Elgin has made substantial progress in all areas of city life in the past twelve years, new challenges and opportunities await us. Meeting those challenges and taking advantage of those opportunities will require experience and leadership I can provide.
2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I firmly believe that progress is a product of leadership. As Mayor these past twelve years I have demonstrated the ability to not only listen to the concerns of out residents, neighborhoods, and businesses; but the ability to bring people and organizations together to address their issues and help our residents fulfill their aspirations for a better Elgin.
3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
The greatest challenge facing Elgin is the impact the recession has had on our citizens, our neighborhoods, our businesses and our city in general. Unemployment, foreclosures, and reduced city revenues are all products of this recession. In spite of these challenges I have no doubt that Elgin’s best days are ahead of us.