Name: Christina Tia Aagesen

Position for which you are a candidate: Elgin City Council

 

Why are you seeking this position?

Elgin needs bold and forward-thinking leadership to ensure we meet the goals of our strategic plans and priorities in a way that is sustainable and responsible. My experience in environmental advocacy, local government, social services, non-profit, and private industry make me a great candidate who understands the diverse needs and cooperative efforts that will be required to create successful outcomes for people, planet, and the economy.

We need to change our actions and challenge old ways of thinking to elevate Elgin to the position of a leader, not just economically, but socially and environmentally too. By ensuring that we as a government take care of our people and places around us, we strengthen our community for the future. I aim to be an advocate for Elgin and its people, leading with experience and a proven track record for creating positive change.

 

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

I bring a unique perspective as someone who has successfully advocated for ordinance changes within my community and also served as a commission member who made those recommendations to council. Those experiences have given me a well-rounded understanding of the process and what barriers or successes folks encounter in trying to create change or engage with their government. Within my time as commissioner/chair, we accomplished a number of successful recommendations to council, held several community events, and furthered the completion of the Sustainability Action Plan. I have spent years in community service in a number of volunteer roles, including as a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem (CASA/GAL) and local food pantries in a number of capacities. Professionally, I have worked for several years in social service nonprofits that address food insecurity. I hold an AS in Culinary Arts and Hospitality, a BA in Political Science, and am working toward a MS in Organizational Leadership and am a graduate of the Elgin Area Leadership Academy.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

One will include improving the processes, policies, and procedures for our city’s boards and commissions, which are often our citizen’s first point of contact with their government. There are a number of ways in which we can increase access, decrease barriers to participation, improve engagement, and create greater transparency for these critical features of our city government.

Another will be to further incorporate tenets of social and economic sustainability into our decisions. As a frequently siloed component of Elgin’s strategic planning, we need more advocacy, support, and oversight from knowledgeable stakeholders to ensure that our choices today will lead to a bright future for all. A number of decisions will be made over the next few years, including the re-evaluation of our waste hauler contract. Choices like these have a direct impact on our health and safety and will require public feedback and understanding to inform and successfully execute.

 

 

Will you be attending the Candidate Night?  Yes

 

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