Our endorsements for seats in Elgin, South Elgin
South Elgin village president: Ward
There is no doubting the passion South Elgin Village President Steve Ward's opponents in the April 4 election have for their community, or their strong belief that they are best suited to tackle its challenges.
Longtime village Trustee Lisa Guess and former Trustee Bill DiFulvio both care deeply about the village, and have sharp criticism for the way Ward, a first-term mayor, is leading it.
Guess, a trustee since 2013, says she'd be a stronger leader than Ward and dedicates more time to working in village hall.
DiFulvio pointedly disagrees with Ward's willingness to consider affordable senior housing near the village's downtown, and questions the hiring of an assistant village administrator.
However, under closer scrutiny, many of the criticisms of Ward either fall flat or seem much ado about nothing.
His opponents question the strength of his leadership, but offer no tangible examples of where he's come up short on a meaningful matter. They question his vision for downtown, but provide few clear alternatives for doing things differently.
Ward is running on his record, which includes the hiring of three new leaders of village departments, the completion of a new public works facility on time and under budget, and his work to bring the Illinois Department of Transportation on board with plans to improve McLean Boulevard.
We also like his idea of investing available village funds into infrastructure rather than building up excessive reserves. We endorse Ward for a second term.
For Elgin City Council: Dunne, Gavin, Prigge, Rauschenberger
Four 4-year terms are available in the race for Elgin City Council. Incumbents Richard Dunne, Terry L. Gavin, John Prigge, and Carol J. Rauschenberger are joined in the race by newcomers Corey Dixon, Brenda Rodgers and Brandon Yaniz.
On the topic of funding the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA), Dunne, Gavin, Rauschenberger and Rodgers all express interest in supporting the creation of a Special Services Area of taxation downtown. Dixon, Prigge and Yaniz do not support requesting such a tax at any level.
Of note, Gavin and Prigge urge caution on moving forward on any initiatives until a successor or plan is made for the replacement for the recently departed DNA executive director.
Every one of the candidates demonstrates knowledge of the issues based on research and contact with the community.
Every one of the candidates offers constructive and useful ideas for improving the funding model for the DNA moving forward with or without a new tax.
On the matter of a task force recommendation for expansion of the Hemmens Cultural Center, Dunne, Gavin, Rauschenberger and Rodgers all express interest in maintaining the iconic venue and keeping it viable in its present state while seeking private funding to make incremental improvements.
Prigge is not in favor of expanding the venue. Dixon would favor doing a cost-benefit analysis, and Yaniz would like to see expansion of the venue as part of a broader economic development plan focused on attracting clientele for Elgin's small businesses.
Incumbents Dunne, Gavin, Prigge, and Rauschenberger continue to demonstrate a knowledge of the intricate details of municipal government as well as an ability to see the ripple effects of critical decisions. For his part, Prigge offers the council a healthy dose of dissenting opinion. He would be well advised to select his platforms wisely, but otherwise we're confident the incumbents are best prepared to serve the city for the next four years, and they are endorsed.