Mark W. Smith: 2025 candidate for Elgin City Council

Bio

Office sought: Elgin City Council (Vote for 4)

City: Elgin

Age: 57

Occupation: Regional security specialist

Previous offices held: Committee level seats

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the current council members for their efforts in addressing the homeless issue in Elgin. However, it is essential to recognize that the attention this matter is receiving now should have been prioritized much earlier — well before the recent fires necessitated an emergency response.

Moving forward, I propose a long-term approach that emphasizes collaboration with social service agencies and other nonprofit agencies. My plan includes establishing a dedicated brick-and-mortar location that will provide co-located services for employment counseling, training, and placement, alongside essential medical and mental health resources.

By creating a comprehensive support system, we can better equip our community members to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. This proactive strategy will not only address immediate needs but also foster resilience and empowerment within our community.

Together, we can build a stronger foundation for the future, ensuring that any homeless have access to the resources they need to thrive, and put a solid foundation back under their feet for their long-term well-being.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

I consider the current state of Elgin’s finances to be good, which positions us well to tackle pressing issues, with homelessness being a top priority of mine. It is crucial that we allocate dedicated funds to effectively address this challenge.

While grants can be a valuable resource, they are not a reliable long-term solution for funding.

My plan includes establishing a dedicated brick-and-mortar location that will provide essential medical and mental health resources. This comprehensive approach will ensure that individuals facing homelessness have access to the support they need to rebuild their lives.

As a city, we must work toward forming partnerships with local agencies to co-fund our local solutions. While we may never completely eliminate the root causes of homelessness, we can come together to provide the best services available in our city.

To achieve these goals, we will need to take a hard look at future spending and prioritize funding for homelessness initiatives until we see meaningful progress. This may require us to curtail nonessential projects temporarily, but I believe that investing in our community’s most vulnerable members is a top priority.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

I recognize the importance of revitalizing our historic downtown area. I will strive to secure increased grants for property and business owners as part of a comprehensive program aimed at rejuvenating this vital part of our community. This revitalization will be a top priority, incentivizing private investment not only to preserve our historic buildings, but also to create modern spaces.

Additionally, a dedicated brick-and-mortar location that will provide essential medical and mental health resources is needed. This comprehensive approach will ensure that individuals facing homelessness have access to the support they need to rebuild their lives.

As a city, we must work toward forming partnerships with local agencies to co-fund our local solutions. To achieve these goals, we will need to take a hard look at future spending and prioritize funding for homelessness initiatives until we see meaningful progress.

This may require us to curtail nonessential projects temporarily, but I believe that investing in our community’s most valuable and vulnerable areas is a top priority.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

With over 22 years of military leadership, I bring a wealth of experience and commitment to community service. My diverse background includes significant roles that allowed me to make a meaningful impact, particularly as the Commander of a local veterans organization, where I prioritized outreach and support for veterans in crisis.

In my role as a commissioner on the Elgin Image Advisory Commission, I had the privilege of positively influencing community development through various recognition initiatives.

Additionally, as president of the Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association, I orchestrated multi-location Memorial Day events to honor our fallen heroes, fostering a sense of unity and respect within our community.

I pride myself on being an engaged policymaker, dedicated to reaching common ground with others. My collaborative approach ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to well-rounded and effective solutions. I am well-prepared to serve on the city council, where I can contribute to our community’s growth.

I am passionate about creating a vibrant, inclusive environment for all residents, and I am committed to addressing the challenges we face together.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I firmly believe that effective governance is rooted in careful policy-making and strategic planning. As a dedicated member of our community, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges we face and the opportunities that lie ahead.

My experience in leading and collaborating with diverse teams has equipped me with the skills necessary to serve our community effectively as a city council member.

I understand that our community is made up of individuals with unique perspectives and needs, and it is my commitment to represent those voices in our local government. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, I aim to create policies that reflect the values and aspirations of our residents.

I am passionate about addressing key issues such as affordable housing, public safety, and sustainable development. I believe that by working together, we can develop innovative solutions that not only meet the immediate needs of our community but also lay the groundwork for a prosperous future.

As your city council member, I will advocate for responsible fiscal management, prioritize community engagement, and strive to enhance the quality of life for all residents

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

I propose doing quarterly or semiannual town hall style meetings with the citizens of Elgin so we can have transparency and open communication about all issues impacting the city. This format will create an environment where residents feel valued and heard, fostering a sense of community ownership and involvement.

In these meetings, we can address pressing topics such as local infrastructure, public safety, education, and other community concerns.

By directly engaging with the citizens, we can gain invaluable feedback that reflects their opinions and preferences. This will not only help keep council members informed about the community’s feelings and needs, but also encourage a dialogue that bridges the gap between local government and the residents we serve.

By prioritizing citizen engagement and feedback, we can make more informed decisions that truly reflect the needs and desires of our community. Together, we can work toward a brighter future for Elgin, ensuring that every voice is heard and every opinion is valued.