Name: Diana Alfaro

Position for which you are a candidate: Elgin City Council

 

Why are you seeking this position?

I am running to increase representation and diversify skillsets on City Council. I completed a Latino/x leadership training about 2 years ago and a comment said to me has really stayed with me, “sometimes you have to take an opportunity because life has given you the privileges, skills, and opportunities to put you there. You take the opportunity to push the door further open for those after you.” I want to push that door further open for Latinos/as/x and women in Elgin. I have seen firsthand how Elgin has evolved from a population of 18.9% Hispanic in 1990 to today a population of 47.4% Hispanic. Although we have grown in population in Elgin, we have not grown in representation. As of today, Elgin has only elected 3 Latinos/x ever. Elgin’s population is about half women, yet women have NEVER held 50% of council seats at the same time. Never been done. I want to increase Latino/a/x and women representation on the council. I want to ensure they/we have a voice at the table. That the community has someone that is willing to listen to them and advocate for them. I have seen firsthand from my work why it is important to have people who are invested in the community in government. They have the opportunity to improve government, build trust with the community, and remove barriers. I have been able to make positive contributions at the state level and am looking forward to using what I have learned to serve Elgin more directly. As Councilmember, I plan on working on economic development and empowerment, inclusive community engagement, infrastructure, and keeping our taxes low.

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

Bringing a woman and Latino/a/x perspective are key perspectives, I also bring a wealth of professional experiences. I am a proven bilingual (English/Spanish) professional with over 10 years of experience in higher education, primarily federal regulatory compliance which gave me an understanding of how to implement federal guidelines and regulations. Over 7 years in community engagement which gave me an understanding on how to work with and build trust with the community. Over 3 years in state government and economic development. I dedicate my time to supporting marginalized businesses navigate state resources and work internally to remove systemic barriers. I have received 2 awards for my work in supporting businesses. In 2020, I was awarded Negocios Now Latinos 40 under 40. In 2021, was awarded the Latinx Community Award from Wintrust Community Banks. I was born and raised in Elgin. My mother single-handedly raised my sisters and me in Elgin’s eastside/Cook County area. She taught me to work hard, not give up, be self-reliant, and to remember to always treat people with dignity and respect. These values helped shape who I am today. I am an alum of U-46 who attended DePaul University, receiving a bachelor’s in Political Science & Latin American/Latino Studies & a Master’s in International Public Service. I am known to seek feedback from those I am serving to ensure I am serving them well. I lead my decision making with community input and participation, data – both quantitative and qualitative, and research. I am the only candidate running a fully bilingual campaign.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

Economic Development-A strong economy leads to more resources and a prosperous community. Investing in downtown Elgin along with the east & west sides of Elgin will be vital, all with community input and participation. I would work with business leaders, etc. to look for avenues to retain and expand businesses in all of Elgin. Infrastructure-A serious priority that needs more investment. Lead water service lines are a problem affecting our community and we need to continue tackling it. We need to deal with other physical infrastructure to ensure we are maintaining everything properly. We need to work on city government organizational infrastructure to ensure we have the proper staffing and support. I would work with organizations, city staff, experts, community residents, etc. to find solutions. I pride myself in soliciting feedback from others. Inclusive Community Engagement-Feeling a sense of belonging is important to increase community morale. We need to work on increasing accessibility, equity, and community participation. Fostering bridges between different neighborhoods in Elgin to increase synergy. Would work with neighborhood groups, organizations, community leaders, etc. to find avenues to create a more inclusive Elgin for all. Keeping our taxes low-We are feeling the effects of inflation which according to the Federal Reserve is at 6.5%. People are feeling the effects when they go to the grocery store, gas station, etc. This effect is affecting people’s economic livelihoods and making some people re-evaluate what they can afford and/or where to spend their money.

 

Will you be attending the Candidate Night?  Yes

 

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