Elgin needs farsighted leaders

I would like to publicly thank the City of Elgin, Mayor Schock, the city council, city staff, Police Chief Womack and her department for the purchase of the cobblestone house at 302 W. Chicago St. with the plan that it become the new ROPE house for Elgin's Near West Neighborhood. This is a wise move that will serve all the citizens of Elgin by reducing crime in this stressed neighborhood.

Crime and the perception of crime are significant problems in this old neighborhood. Existing residents must always be on the alert for criminals who pose a real threat. And it is the perception of crime that deters potential future residents from moving into our neighborhood to restore our beautiful old houses and making them their homes.

Councilman Bob Gilliam always asks, "What is the short-term solution, and what is the long-term solution?" In that light, I applaud the city for creating a ROPE house in our neighborhood as an excellent short-term solution. But what is the long-term plan to improve our neighborhood? What can be done to improve the quality of life that does not simply strive to suppress crime, but eliminate it?

Positive long-term change can be made through a series of farsighted initiatives. Discussions of this nature require support from our state and local governments. I have found strategic thinkers in our state government and have found people such as Mayor Schock and Councilman Gilliam who are willing to seriously listen to proposals for long-term improvements in our neighborhood.

As I struggle to decide who will get my votes for city council, one of the most important questions I will be asking myself is, "Who is willing to honestly listen and creatively engage in the long-term solutions to our neighborhoods' problems? Who can envision a positive future where others only see the present reality as hopelessly unchangeable?"

Chuck Keysor

President

Near West Neighbors Association

Elgin