Why not let voters decide?

Due to the anticipated rise in population after the results of the recent census, Elgin will add two more seats to the city council. This would increase Elgin's council from six to eight members plus the mayor by 2013.

Councilmen David Kaptain had asked the council to place an advisory referendum on the April 2011 ballot that asks Elgin's voters if they would like to change the way councilmen represent the city. This is a nonbinding vote intended to allow the voters in the city of Elgin to express how they feel.

What Kaptain was proposing is a mixed ward/at-large system that offers the best solution to ensure fair representation to all areas of Elgin. What this means is that four of the eight council seats to be voted into office to represent specific geographic districts within the city.

Residents in each of these four districts would vote for a council person to represent their specific interests as well as the interests of Elgin as a whole. The other four council seats would be voted in “at large.” This new format could give Elgin voters a real voice about what happens in their neighborhoods. It could assure that the unique issues and interests of these four districts are considered along with the broader issues facing the city as a whole.

Mayor Schock and Councilmen Mike Warren, Robert Gilliam, and John Prigge said no to Kaptain's proposal. These four refused to allow Elgin voters to decide. Why? What are these four afraid of? Elgin voters are crying out for change and better representation on the council especially about issues in their neighborhoods.

After the word got out they these four voted down Councilmen Kaptain's proposal, a group of Elgin citizens are now going out with a petition to get the signatures needed to have this proposal placed on ballot for the April election. If you would like to sign this petition or have a petition sent to you please e-mail lfgibson@computerwiseguy.net or dskaptain@wowway.com.

Let's let Elgin voters decide.

David White

Elgin