Hellos, farewell at Elgin council

A new era began at Elgin City Hall Wednesday night as three new councilmen took the oath of office and a 22-year council veteran said goodbye.

"Twenty-two years is a long time. Yes, the job can be a stressful one. I have to thank my wife, Deb, and my kids for putting up with me," said outgoing council member John Walters. "Elgin needs policy, not politics. We all have a great future but never forget that we have to work together toward that future."

Juan Figueroa, a 10-year Elgin Council member and second that did not win re-election, said his farewells three weeks ago.

New are: John Prigge, Mike Warren and Richard Dunne, the leading vote-getter in the April 7 election.

Prigge and Dunne have 4-year terms along with Robert Gilliam, who with 36 years on the dais is the longest serving member.

Warren will serve the remaining two years on the seat that was vacated when Mike Powers resigned last fall.

"I appreciate the vote of confidence the community has given to me and my colleagues," Warren said. "I feel a great responsibility to make sure we do what's in the best interests of Elgin."

Prigge said voters took the courageous step to go out and vote for change on April 7 and the onus was on him now to serve them well.

"I'm ready to get to work. Thank you very much," Prigge said.

Dunne thanked family members and his supporters.

"That's really the best thing I can do right now, to thank everyone for their great support. Hold my feet to the fire," he said.

Gilliam said that incoming members should enjoy applause now because as soon as they start making decisions, they'll be under fire. On a serious note, Gilliam said he was honored to serve once again.

"I really believe in Elgin. It's more important to me than almost anything in the world except my family and the man upstairs," he said.