Endorsement: Schock for Elgin mayor

In his 12 years as Elgin's mayor, Ed Schock has held a long view for the city: expand the industrial tax base, build higher-end homes to improve the property tax base and give people reasons to live and play in the downtown area again.

Elgin has rolled with the punches of this recession and is much the better for his stewardship.

Yes, there are still unemployment, poverty and gangs. But Schock has faced each problem head on. The city has sensible programs to help redevelop neighborhoods and retrain workers. The police department has done a good job of tackling gangs.

Dave Kaptain is an earnest and activist councilman, but we don't see things quite as damaged as he does.

Schock has put Elgin on track to be a better city. He is endorsed.