Elgin mayor says city's image best in 50 years

The city of Elgin needs to create a handbook detailing all locally manufactured products, and businesses should hire more interns and participate in strengthening the education system.

Those were among the key points Elgin Mayor David Kaptain made Thursday morning during his annual “state of the city” address during a meeting organized by the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce.

The handbook idea came from U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, who said she'd like to share it during her trips abroad, Kaptain said.

Three goals were identified after Elgin's first education summit held last spring: Strengthening early childhood education, reducing the high school dropout rate, and giving students opportunities for vocational education, Kaptain said.

He challenged the nearly 80 business and community leaders who attended the meeting at Elgin Community College to hire more interns.

Bob Malm, director of the Elgin Development Group, said about 10 young people participated in the group's internship program in partnership with Elgin businesses this year.

The city intends to focus on fostering diversity among staff members, contractors and subcontractors, Kaptain said.

“We want to make sure the demographics of the people we hire reflect the demographics of our community,” he said.

Minorities represent about half of new homebuyers in Elgin, Kaptain pointed out.

“They are the engine that is driving the home sales within the community and pushing us forward,” he said.

Kaptain also touted Elgin's AAA bond rating and lowest crime rate in 40 years.

He pointed to a couple of projects that will enhance the quality of life downtown: The upcoming completion of Riverside Drive along the Fox River, and the possible renovation of the Elgin Tower Building by Gorman & Co.

He also hailed the success the downtown Elgin Artspace Lofts, which offers affordable housing for artists and their families, plus commercial space on the first floor.

“Many of the critics who said that would not be a successful program have been proven wrong,” Kaptain said.

Also, the city is working with Grand Victoria Casino officials on a plan to hold regular entertainment events at Festival Park, he said.

“In my opinion, the image of our city is better today than it has been in over 50 years.”

Joe Maslanka, owner of Hy-Tech Carstar on Route 19, said there's a “downward trend” among businesses on Route 19. Woody Buick GMC closed in July and Elgin Toyota will be moving to Streamwood next year.

The city should consider creating business districts along Elgin's entry corridors, including Route 19, so those businesses can be eligible for things like building improvement grants, Kaptain said.

The mayor also said there are “storm clouds on the horizon” stemming from unfunded state and federal mandates and cuts to social services funding.

Jennifer Shroder, who is part of an initiative to establish a food co-op in Elgin, said those are important points.

“He (understands) all the concerns that we have,” she said. “There are practical reasons (to help those in need), like the crime rate goes up if you don't keep your neighbors in their houses and eating.”