Figueroa says goodbye to Elgin council

Tuesday's election results are still "unofficial" and new Elgin City Council members won't be sworn into office until April 29.

But that didn't stop Elgin City Council member Juan Figueroa from saying farewell at the end of Wednesday's council meeting.

He congratulated the winners and said it was an honor to serve.

"It has been the people of Elgin that made my service unique. Your passion, dedication, and commitment to a better quality of life reminded me that you expected the best of me," said Figueroa, who served since 1999 but had a prior commitment on April 29. "I leave with no regrets. Every decision I made was in the best interest of the community."

Figueroa and John Walters, a council member since 1987, were two incumbents who lost re-election bids this week to newcomers Richard Dunne and John Prigge, each with 4-year terms.

Mike Warren also was elected to serve a 2-year term of a seat that was vacated last year when Mike Powers retired.

Robert Gilliam, a council member since 1973 and the lone incumbent re-elected, said he enjoyed serving with Figueroa and that he always put the interests of the city first.

"We're a better council because of you," Gilliam said.

Mayor Ed Schock said Figueroa served with integrity.

"It isn't always easy identifying what the interest of the community is. We're a large city with many interests and balancing them can be very difficult," Schock said.

"(Figueroa) has always strived to bring those interests together to try and find some common ground. It's a difficult thing to do and he's done it well and it's been my pleasure to serve with him."