Schock says there's more to be done for Elgin

Elgin Mayor Ed Schock isn't new to the city's political scene. He spent six years on the Planning and Development Commission and six more on the Zoning Commission before running for city council in 1993. Now he's in his 12th year as mayor, running for re-election because he thinks there is more to be done.

“I think as far as we've come ... we've scratched the surface,” Schock said. “I think we have so much untapped potential yet.”

Schock points to great strides during his time in office from western expansion to riverfront development to crime reduction. And he thinks he is still the man to get the job done in achieving ever greater things in Elgin.

“To reach that potential takes someone pushing,” Schock said.

Schock got involved in politics after a career that started in teaching and ended as the principal of Coleman Elementary School on Elgin's northeast side. But his interest in politics has roots running all the way back to his undergraduate political science degree from Bradley University.

Schock said he decided to run for council because of two main issues discussed by the Northeast Neighborhood Association, of which he was a part. First, the lack of a code department at the city level meant plenty of houses were left in poor condition with no one to answer to. Second, houses that had been converted to rentals were owned by what Schock called absentee landlords who didn't screen tenants or take responsibility for the condition of their properties.

Once Schock was elected, a code department was in place within a year and a rental licensing and inspection program was instated shortly thereafter. He said his focus early on was almost entirely at the neighborhood level.

Since he was elected mayor, he said, he has pushed heavily to develop the riverfront and help draw people to the downtown area while also advocating western expansion. Schock said advocating for The Centre of Elgin also was a pet project of his.

Though all of those things were opposed by some, Schock said it was his strength and conviction that helped the city accomplish what he thought was best for residents.

Part of that perseverance was instilled in him as a child by his father who often said not to complain about things, but rather do something about them.

“I see my involvement as an opportunity to make as positive impact,” Schock said.

A goal-oriented person and politician, Schock said he is driven by results. And he is passionate about Elgin.

Schock grew up in the city, went away to college and came right back. He married and raised three daughters here, and said he probably will die here.

Though much of his life is dedicated to his service, Schock said he does enjoy the arts — spending time watching shows at Chicago's Lyric Opera House or Goodman Theatre, as well as performances by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra or local theater groups.

You can find him on Facebook by searching for “Ed Schock for Mayor.”