Tish Powell: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: ElginWebsite: www.powellforelgin.comOffice sought: Elgin City Council Age: 44Family: 1 sonOccupation: Sustainability Specialist and independent consultantEducation: Bachelor of Arts - Government, University of Notre Dame Masters of Public Administration- Urban Management, Northern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: City of Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, City Council Liaison College Green Homeowners Association, Board Member and Past-President City of Elgin Sustainable City Master Plan Committee- Work Group Chair U-46 School District Citizens Advisory Council - Representative Progressive Baptist Church - MemberElected offices held: NoneQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?With over sixteen years of management level experience in local government, I have both the professional and political experience to understand all sides of complex city issues. Furthermore, I have a record that demonstrates that I serve the best interests of all Elginitesâ#8364;brvbar;not just special interests or extremist groups. I am seeking a second term to ensure that Elgin remains a great place to live, do business and raise a family. I have fought for responsible, long-term financial management, which has allowed us to reduce property taxes by $8.9 million since 2010 and make $10 million in additional pension payments by the end of 2015. I have worked to make Elgin more attractive for businesses, which translates into jobs for our residents and additional revenue for our community. I spearheaded an ordinance requiring a minimum percentage of Elgin residents on city construction projects. I also initiated removing the business license fee for businesses already paying specialized fees, resulting in an estimated annual savings of $100,000 to local businesses. I led the effort to bring 4th of July fireworks back to Elgin and supported holding the line on residential garbage fees for 2015. I want to ensure that Elgin remains a safe, affordable community with a high quality of life, excellent city services and a sustainable future. I respectfully ask for your vote on April 7th.City Manager Sean Stegaall says that the city's property tax levy -- which is staying flat this year -- is projected to increase by 5 percent in 2016 and 2017 unless cuts are made to public safety. However, some believe public safety budgets are untouchable. What is your stance? Would you make such cuts? If not, what alternatives would you propose?Taxpayers expect elected officials to ensure that they not only receive essential city services -like public safety - but that it's achieved as cost-effectively as possible. When it comes to establishing budgets and projecting revenues, Elgin has typically been very conservative. If the economy continues to grow beyond our projections, it is very likely that additional revenue from sales and income taxes would offset any need to increase property taxes. However, if this were not the case, it would be incumbent upon this Council to evaluate how any proposed cuts would impact service and seek input from the public and labor unions to establish service priorities.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.Based on recent incidents around the country, there is a lot of concern about the use of deadly force by law enforcement when dealing with people of color. While it is an issue that extends well beyond Elgin's borders, we are certainly not immune. Creating a culture of transparency, trust and accountability are paramount for all law enforcement agencies in not only preventing these types of situations, but also in properly handling them when they do occur. I believe that Elgin's investment in community policing over the years has helped to build trust among our citizens and police department. I also support the proactive community dialogue that has taken place here in Elgin between our police, clergy, elected officials and community members. I believe that increasing the diversity of our sworn police staff to better reflect our community and ensuring that officers have access to training on how to de-escalate situations, could allow us take these measures a step further.The city of Elgin has invested resources into promoting arts and entertainment downtown, which Mayor David Kaptain and others believe can be a long-term economic engine . Do you agree with the approach? If so, why? If not, what would you propose instead?It is well documented how arts and entertainment help drive a local economy. Elgin is no different. People come to Elgin to see arts shows, enjoy entertainment and frequent local restaurants or stores while they are here. Many visitors return, creating a long-term economic engine for our community. People come to see the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, various plays and art shows or our signature event, Nightmare on Chicago Street. The arts not only helps drive our economy, but also improves our image and reputation. The outdoor concerts hosted in Festival Park by the Grand Victoria Casino last summer were extremely successful in bringing people from the surrounding area into downtown Elgin. As the city council liaison to the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, I support our investment and partnerships in these areas because I see first hand the positive impact that it has on our community.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I am interested in the possibility of developing a business incubator in Elgin. It would be focused on high-tech and/or green industry startup companies, in partnership with current local businesses and our higher education partners such as Elgin Community College and Judson University. I believe that this would be a unique way to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development in our community.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?As a board member and past president of my homeowner's association for over twelve years, I am keenly aware of the importance of maintaining safe and vibrant neighborhoods. I will continue to support programs such as the residential rehabilitation historic preservation grants that encourage neighborhood reinvestment and stabilization.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Malala Yousafzai is a human rights activist in Pakistan who was shot by the Taliban for attending school. I am inspired by her courage.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Life isn't always fair, but don't let that stop you from being just and fair anyway.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have chosen to study travel abroad while I was in college. I believe it's an ideal way to understand other cultures.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I loved my forensics classes and team competitions. I believe that it has benefited me by improving my self-confidence and my communication skills.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?The importance of having good character. It is about doing the right thing, even when you think no one is watching.