Elgin council candidates tackle issues in Q&A

This is the first of a question-and-answer series for the six candidates vying for one, 2-year term on the Elgin City Council. If you're registered to vote in Elgin, you'll be able to cast a ballot for one of them. The four top vote-getters will survive the primary and continue on to the April 7 election.

Q. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what? What will be your main priority?

Al Fernandez: I am running so that I can help make sure that every citizen in Elgin is proud to say that they live in this community. This can be done by making Elgin more beautiful, more sage and less taxing. My main priority is to help develop a budget that would reflect all these areas and eradicate wasteful spending.

Emi Morales: I am running for this office because I care about the future and perception of Elgin. Elgin is a growing city where its people are diverse in so many ways which make Elgin one of a kind. It is because of its people that I want to serve as council woman to ensure a voice for all of its residents. If elected, I will be a voice for all of Elgin.

Mike Robins: My main priority in the council will be resident participation which is explained in detail on my Web site robinsforelgincitycouncil.com. My campaign pledge is to call residents back within a 3-day window after I receive a call or e-mail. This is not presently done with some of our current council members. I will gather as much input from residents as possible before casting votes in the council. You deserve to have your voice heard, I will never waffle on this which is sometimes done for personal gain. I will document and record the data I get from you and hold your opinions in high regard, I will be the people's choice. I have accepted no money from any individuals or groups as I do not want any conflicts of interest as your council member. You deserve to feel that you are part of the process and not part of a defunct system that does not consider the voters that place us into office. I will be your voice on the council. Regardless if I agree or disagree with you on a topic, your input will determine how I cast a vote for you without my personal agenda.

Brenda Rodgers: I am running for city council because I have always had a passion and a desire to help people improve their quality of life, realize the American dream of homeownership and prosperity, grow their businesses, and create a great community to live in and raise their families. A community where employment opportunities are plentiful, education is available to all that want it, and where all citizens are treated equally, judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. I want to work to build a community that is a safe haven for its citizens, where law abiding people work with law enforcement to reduce crime, and increase safety. A community where government provides the basic services it citizens require in an efficient, cost effective manner. As a substitute teacher and realtor, I have an opportunity each day to meet and talk with people from all walks of life; the homeless, victims of spouse and child abuse, the affluent, and business owners wanting to keep their dreams alive. I understand the challenges they are confronted with each day, and I want to work for all of them, to give them a voice in government, and to make sure they are heard, and their needs are concerns are met. I have a track record of community involvement, volunteering to work with children, senior citizens, and those that have faced personal losses due to natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. I have worked to help unite the community and create an environment of mutual respect among the people who live here.

I am running for city council because I want to bring a vision that will help shape our community and government for now and in the future. I have served on the city council in the past. During that time I worked collectively with business and industry to bring employment opportunity to the area for the citizens of Elgin. I worked to support social service agencies that provide much needed service to the citizens of Elgin. I fought for increased funding for these agencies because it was the right thing to do. I understand if Elgin is going to move forward and continue to be a vibrant community, all of it citizens must be included. The welfare of our residents motivates me. As a realtor I knew the direction our economy was headed in, and I voted that way. I always voted for the betterment of our city. There are many priorities that need to be addressed particularly those involving job creation, economic development, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, continued development of our older neighborhoods and enforcement of prevailing wages.

Charlene Sligting: Since coming to Elgin, over 6 years ago, I have immersed myself in the community, both professionally and personally, reaching out and forming partnerships with nonprofit organizations and city residents. Through my many contacts, I have found fiscal responsibility, safe neighborhoods, green initiatives, and transparency in city government to be of great importance to Elgin citizens. That's why I'm running for city council, and my main priority will be to devote my time and energy to dealing with these issues.

Mike Warren: I am passionate about Elgin's past, present, and future. I am a lifelong resident of the Elgin area, having attended U-46 schools and Elgin Community College. I believe in the city of Elgin and choose to raise my family here. I am a product of this community. I have both owned and have been employed by family businesses serving Elgin since I was 12 years old. I have developed the skills to understand financial statements which are required to run a successful business. Operating those businesses has provided me with the needed experience and leadership to be an effective city councilman. During these uncertain economic times it is imperative that we roll up our sleeves and make the tough financial decisions needed to keep Elgin on the right track. I have a hard work ethic, the financial knowledge, and the business experience needed to successfully navigate this city through the tough times ahead. If elected, my main priority will be to utilize my professional experience to ensure the city of Elgin best uses its financial resources to maintain its roads, fund public works, protect its citizens and strategically plan for future growth and development. We need to apply business practices to city planning to ensure all core services are maintained while scaling back expenditures in these troubled financial times.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=271480">Elgin council candidates Q&A</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=272181">Elgin hopefuls differ on layoffs</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>