Name: Anthony Ortiz

Position for which you are a candidate: Elgin City Council

 

Why are you seeking this position?

I am campaigning for Elgin City Council because I want to help move Elgin forward. I will accomplish this by reinforcing public safety, improving city infrastructure, and bringing more programs for our Seniors and Veterans. For my entire adult life, I have been a public worker giving back to my Country as a US Marine, our State by being a former member of the Illinois Veterans Advisory Council, and our County by working at the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. Now, I want to give back to our beautiful City.

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

I am a long-life resident of Elgin, IL. I graduated from Larkin High School in Elgin. After graduation, I enlisted into the US Marine Corps signing an infantry contract. I completed a combat deployment in Afghanistan from 2010 to April 2011. During this deployment, I was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon and the Purple Heart Medal for wounds I sustained during a ground patrol. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, I started my college education at Elgin Community College. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree at Loyola University in Chicago. I continued my education at DePaul University, where I received my paralegal. I am currently employed as the Director of Operations at the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. In addition to my employment, I am the Chairman of the Elgin Police & Fire Commission. I also have served as a member of the Illinois Advisory Council.

I strongly feel that my past life experiences make me the best candidate for Elgin City Council. Being a father and a lifelong member of Elgin, I am invested in the future of this community.  As the Chairman of the Elgin Police & Fire Commission, I have had an active role in finding the individuals who protect and defend our city. With my current employment, I am involved with the County Board, submitting the agenda items, drafting RFP documents, and managing staff. This government experience helps me hit the ground running once elected. As a United States Marine Veteran, I embrace the values of courage, strength, and an uncompromising code of personal integrity.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

My first priority would be increasing public safety. Every resident should have access to clean and safe drinking water.  Elgin needs to focus on replacing the lead water lines in the city at a faster rate. Elgin can help homeowners reduce the burden with the replacement of the water lines on their side of the shutoff box. My second priority is reducing crime.  Elgin needs to focus on keeping our streets safe. Research has shown increasing street lights can deter crime. This can be accomplished by partnering with ComEd to provide more lighting in the inner city neighborhoods. Third, many roads within our city are in desperate need of attention. We need to focus on the repair and maintenance of our arterial roadways. Fourth, we need to really look at the redevelopment of our downtown. With Elgin’s downtown having waterfront access we can work to secure State and Federal grants to help with the cost of beautifying, developing, and restructuring this area.

 

Will you be attending the Candidate Night?  Yes

 

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