Kaptain holds ‘Listening Session’ in Elgin

In an effort to engage the community and increase transparency concerning the workings of the city of Elgin, Mayor David Kaptain addressed residents online and in person Monday.

In the first of what is set to be monthly “Listening Sessions,” Kaptain responded to questions and comments from members of a live audience as well as from online participants. He gathered with a handful of Elginites in a Sherman Hospital meeting room to start the discussion about pressing issues affecting the entire Elgin community.

“I think we have some important things that are facing our community and important issues that we’re going to need to address as a group,” Kaptain said.

Topics included the upcoming budget talks, alternative energy possibilities for Elgin, challenges with code enforcement, gambling legislation and annual events.

Kaptain said the two biggest challenges facing the city are communication — both within the government and between the city and its residents — and finances.

“My first six years on the council, our primary discussion was how are we going to spend the money we have. Now we have to look at the other side of the coin,” Kaptain said. “Where are we going to get the money to provide the services we have?”

The city will be accepting applications for a spot on the budget task force as it solicits help from Elgin’s residents. Those applications will be available on the city’s website as well as in the city manager’s office in the next couple of weeks.

As far as improving communication, Kaptain hopes to open the door with events like Monday’s session.

“When the public is part of the conversation, transparency is automatic,” Kaptain said.

The next online chat will be held July 25 at the Rakow branch of the Gail Borden Public Library. The first neighborhood meeting will be held July 11 at Cavalry Baptist Church on the city’s southeast side.

Information about these sessions and future ones will be available at cityofelgin.org/mayorkaptain.