Rose Martinez: 2023 candidate for Elgin City Council

Bio

Town where you live: Elgin

Age on Election Day: 62

Occupation: Retired

Previous offices held: Current city council member, seeking a third term

Q&A

Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

A: There are three issues: police and fire pensions, water sewer separation, and lead pipes into homes. These are all unfunded mandates required by the state and federal government.

While we need to address these issues, we still need to maintain our infrastructure and keep delivering core city services. We need to be very prudent in our spending. Being cautious and frugal will help us get through these uncertain times, prioritizing on our spending will help us to get through this.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: Year after year, we've maintained a Triple-A bond rating which reflects how well managed our finances are. When needed this has helped us borrow money for large projects at a very low interest rate. Fortunately, our staff is progressive, forward looking and broad-minded.

Recently, one of our departments bought equipment at todays prices knowing that by the time it is available prices will have greatly increased. The supply chain issues have negatively impacted us as a city, and I'm thankful for staffs dedication and efforts. Many departments look for grants that'll match half the cost of their projects. I also give thanks to our chief financial officer who has saved us so much money by being fiscally conservative, and knowing the money is in the bank, not just promised or expected, before spending it.

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: We have to sustain the core services we deliver. at the level expected by our residents. We must address the state mandates listed in answer one.

Upcoming capital projects: the Kimball Street and Chicago Street bridges and the redesign of the Summit Street and Dundee Avenue intersection (without a roundabout), this project should start this year.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: At one point Elgin received $30 million from the Grand Victoria Casino and now we are down to $10 million. Fortunately Elgin did not use those funds for day-to-day operational expenses, but rather for capital expenses.

We keep this in mind every year when the budget is reviewed. This is why we need to curtail special interest tasks. The city spent half a million dollars reviewing one department, spending $250,000.00 on a facilitator that was ineffective and uninformed. This could have been done in a more economical way that would have been more productive had the council members not intervened and tampered with the process the way they did.

Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

A: Both the Chicago Street and Kimball Street bridges need to be a priority. I don't think I could select any of the infrastructure projects we have planned to put on a back burner. They are all very important. In the 2021 Community Survey, the residents were very clear, and I agree, that infrastructure, enforcement of codes & ordinances, and the quality of our police and fire departments are what is most important. That's where I will continue to focus my efforts and support.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

A: I know that I can work with anybody when given the opportunity. I am always thinking about how our decisions will impact everyone involved. When I consider items, I like to review the long-term and the short-term expenses. I listen to everything and then work together to make a plan that meets as many of the needs as possible.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: We all have different titles, life experiences, and backgrounds. Being a lifelong resident of Elgin I bring representation to a very large demographic including veterans, women, Latinos, public servants of our city. I'm not driven by political aspirations. I want to do the right thing while I humbly serve this community that I love.

My life and experiences put me in a position to give back as much as I have been given. Nonpartisan politics is the only way this city can be served. I offer an open mind, and with my experience on the council I know I can continue to serve Elgin well.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

A: I would like to tap into the established groups that are working to highlight the things in Elgin that bring positive energy and actions to the city.

Our award-winning library, the great school district and all it has to offer, our colleges, in addition to all that the city can bring to the table with our community policing model, Collaborative Crisis Service Unit, technology advancements, community development, engagement efforts, and so much more.

We need to have ambassadors in the community working side by side with elected officials and staff to drown out the negativity and provide an accurate picture of our city and all it has to offer.