Making Democracy Work

Voters' Guide for the 2011 Consolidated General Election

The LWV of the Elgin Area sent three questions to all candidates certified for the 2011 Elgin Mayoral Position, Elgin Council Council Positions, and Trustee Positions for the U-46 Board of Education, Elgin Community College, and the Gail Borden Public Library District. Candidates were requested to limit their response to 150 words in total, and we would not edit their answers. All candidates are listed in alphabetical order. The following are their replies.

Mayoral Candidate David Kaptain

1. Why are you seeking this position?
The Villa Olivia annexation issue and other important issues I felt were not being properly addressed led to my final decision. I believe the people of Elgin deserve a choice of qualified candidates to lead their city.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I was a Co-founder and President of the Eagle Heights Residents Association, Chairman of the Steering Committee of Elgin Community Network, and it's Executive Director for the past 10 years. I currently serve as Chairman of the Advisory Committee of NHS of the Fox Valley and on the Board of Directors of NHS of Chicago. I served two terms on the Planning and Development Commission before being elected to the City Council in 2005.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Elgin's existing neighborhoods are more at risk today than they were 10 years ago because of the high number of vacant and foreclosed homes. The City Council needs to change its focus from bringing higher income residents to Elgin to helping people and businesses who already live and work here.

Mayoral Candidate Ed Schock

1. Why are you seeking this position?
While Elgin has made substantial progress in all areas of city life in the past twelve years, new challenges and opportunities await us. Meeting those challenges and taking advantage of those opportunities will require experience and leadership I can provide.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I firmly believe that progress is a product of leadership. As Mayor these past twelve years I have demonstrated the ability to not only listen to the concerns of out residents, neighborhoods, and businesses; but the ability to bring people and organizations together to address their issues and help our residents fulfill their aspirations for a better Elgin.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
The greatest challenge facing Elgin is the impact the recession has had on our citizens, our neighborhoods, our businesses and our city in general. Unemployment, foreclosures, and reduced city revenues are all products of this recession. In spite of these challenges I have no doubt that Elgin's best days are ahead of us.

Elgin City Council Candidate Michael Curtin

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I decided to run for city council so that I could improve neighborhood stability. I believe the best way to accomplish this is by decentralizing some of the city's programs and offering customized solutions to each neighborhood.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
My training and work experience is in research biology. I hope to provide much needed oversight and quality control to the studies that the city funds. To better understand my qualifications visit my website.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Remaining patient. It is only natural to want immediate results from a program or decision made by council. However, those issues that are most important will require longterm progress.

Elgin City Council Candidate Manfred W. Czymmek

1. Why are you seeking this position?
Because I see a lack of leadership and courage in dealing with and solving major problems facing Elgin.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
As a soldier, athlete, soccer coach, and as a manager of production and testing, I developed an understanding of the positives and negatives of group dynamics, patience, time management and budgeting.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
The greatest challenge I will face is in forming a coalition of like thinking council members that have the courage to make the hard decisions in order to solve the major problems facing the City of Elgin instead of offering excuses instead of action.

Elgin City Council Candidate Thomas L. McCarthy

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I feel the citizens of Elgin concerns are not being dealt with and its time some one runs for council with the people of Elgin 1st on their mind.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
Graduated from W.I.U. with a B.A Political Science in " 82 " was a Intern for IL. Gov. Jim Thompson Office in " 83" work on Sen. Percy campaign in "84 " help out on many other campaigns through out IL. , since "84 " . I lived in Elgin since " 96 " and followed the issues of Fed., State, and local issues on a daily basis ...

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Keeping a balance budget, and stop the spending that is getting out of control....I will not vote to raise any ones taxes with out cutting the wasteful spending first.

Elgin City Council Candidate Anna Moeller

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I am running for City Council because I want Elgin to be a sustainable, diverse and vibrant community where people enjoy living and working. The City Council cannot address every problem or concern; but it can take on directly many of the challenges Elgin confronts today. These include managing our strained financial resources while holding the line on taxes and fees, creating jobs and furthering economic development, greater support for our neighborhoods and a citizen-focused City Council that addresses the needs and concerns of residents and neighborhoods.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I am an experienced public administrator with 12 years working in local government planning, economic development and budgeting. I also have several years of civic involvement on the Elgin Planning and Development Commission, as Vice-President of the Northeast Neighborhood Association, Human Relations Commission and the Literacy Connection.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Holding the line on taxes and fees while balancing our budget during these challenging economic times.

Elgin City Council Candidate Shane Nowak

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I'm seeking this position because I have a deep love for this city and its rich history. I believe that this city is a good place to live and raise a family, but could definitely benefit from change to improve upon the current assets Elgin has going for it. Elgin does have numerous strengths and offers great potential for the future, however these strengths need to be developed and efficiently utilized to benefit the city as a whole. I think the current council members are not governing in a fashion that does that.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
Having lived in Elgin all of my life, I know the city very well. Being a member of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce I had the good fortune of meeting many of Elgin's many different business owners.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
The greatest challenge will be to change the current mind set of the council to be more pro-business

Elgin City Council Candidate Tish Powell

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I have a passion for public service and was encouraged by many residents to run. As a mother, I understand the needs of working families and the importance of ensuring that the entire community is represented. I feel that I would bring a new vision and fresh perspective to the city council.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I believe that my master's degree in public administration and sixteen years of local government management experience make me uniquely qualified for this position. I have served as president of the College Green Homeowners Association (on the west side) for the past six years, chair the Recycling & Waste Management Work Group on the Elgin Sustainability Master Plan Committee and have served on the U-46 School District Citizens Advisory Council.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Managing the negative impact that the slow economy has had on the City's revenue stream, unemployment and housing foreclosures will continue to be a major challenge for Elgin.

Elgin City Council Candidate Michael J. Robins

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I want to bring a new voice to Elgin. I want to represent people who feel that they have lost their connection to local government. I learned a great deal in running a spirited campaign for city council two years ago. It was a grassroots effort, which led to my meeting thousands of Elgin residents. I have a real handle on what the average person wants in terms of core city services.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I have worked in the Cook County court system for years. I know the importance of establishing positive relationships with a diverse population, including seniors and those who feel disenfranchised. I have dedicated most of my career to service. I believe in community; I believe in Elgin.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
My greatest challenge will be trying to establish a city council consensus that benefits the people and neighborhoods of Elgin. We have to keep our neighborhoods strong.

Elgin City Council Candidate Toby Shaw

1. Why are you seeking this position?
Since the 2007 presidential race my interest in politics and U.S. history has greatly increased. Through this I realized that many of our early leaders felt it was their duty to serve and to be involved in civic matters. Hence, at this juncture in my life, I have both the desire and sense of duty to serve Elgin in the capacity of council member.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
The council member position requires a leader who is honest, discerning, hardworking, and a good communicator. I believe I possess these traits and will be able to leverage them to be a positive influence on behalf of the residents of Elgin.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Due to the size and history of Elgin my greatest challenge will be to quickly educate myself on past laws and decisions. I believe my fresh perspective mixed with the current experience on the council will produce an even greater end result benefiting the citizens of Elgin.

Elgin City Council Candidate F. John Steffen

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I am a lawyer with my office in downtown Elgin. I am married with four school-aged children. I am a thirdgeneration Elginite who grew up in Eagle Heights, lived for several years in the far west area, and now live on Elgin's near east side. I have been and continue to be involved in the community.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
Running for City Council four years ago and for reelection now allows me to continue to contribute to the betterment of Elgin on the highest level. I enjoy discussing city issues and working with people to solve problems. I want Elgin to create a city that is sustainable at all levels--financially, environmentally, and economically.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
a. to continue to deliver high-quality City services and programs in the face of decreasing revenues; b. to reduce the high unemployment and underemployment of Elgin citizens; c. to overcome the perceived and real shortcomings of our schools; d. to implement sustainable practices publicly and privately.

Elgin City Council Candidate Michael Warren

1. Why are you seeking this position?
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 have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and been involved with businesses that have provided me with valuable, real-world knowledge. It is my passion and experience that makes me an effective Councilman.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I have both owned and managed family-owned businesses serving Elgin. I have developed the skills to understand financial statements, build consensus, and be results driven. Operating those businesses has provided me with the needed experience and leadership to achieve results on the City Council.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
The greatest challenge facing Elgin is the economy. The city of Elgin needs strong qualified leadership to make the tough choices that will allow Elgin to stay strong during these challenging economic times. Keeping Elgin's neighborhoods informed, engaged, employed, safe, and empowered will also be a priority.

U-46 Board of Education Candidate Maria Bidelman

1. Why are you seeking this position?
As a school board member, I have had the opportunity to impact the youth of my community through setting goals and establishing policies that will meet our District Vision, "Academic Success for All". As a 2nd term board member, I would like to have the opportunity to see "Destination 2015" come to life for all our students.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
As an active participant in the educational community, I have a strong investment in the public school system. I do this directly as school social worker and as a current member of the Board of Education. With an additional Masters in Educational Administration and over 60 additional credit hours of post graduate education, I consider myself life-long learner. I plan continue to bring my knowledge base of educational theories and research on best practice to the Board Room.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Our challenge continues to be making the impossible decisions when trying to achieve a balanced budget. As we recover from this economic nightmare (and I'm confident we will), I would like to see that we take the opportunity to evaluate and prioritize what will allow us to continue our mission in the most effective way possible.

U-46 Board of Education Candidate Traci O'Neal Ellis

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I love U-46. I'm a product of this district, both of my parents were long-time educators in the district, and currently, I have a child in U-46. Therefore, I have a long history and connection with the district. What better way to give back than to serve in the place that is largely responsible for my success?

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I have worked with nonprofits, both as a board member and legal counsel, so I understand the unique budgetary and regulatory environments in which they operate and the long-term implications of board actions. Additionally, I am an independent thinker, creative problem solver, a fair and objective leader, and can make decisions on issues with deep shades of gray.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
While making decisions, I must consistently maintain a singular focus on the District's mission that "U-46 will be a great place for all students to learn, all teachers to teach and all employees to serve..."

U-46 Board of Education Candidate Amy Kerber

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I'm hopeful we are emerging from the worst of the fiscal crisis so we can start having conversations around what we can do instead of what we can't do. Public education is facing serious challenges yet there's also incredible opportunity. I would like to continue serve and have a voice as we move forward.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
The most valuable experience I have is parenting 3 children through this system. The parental perspective on the board is vital. I've also lived in this community my whole life and graduated from U-46. In addition, I have a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction and began my career in teaching. The blend of my professional experience and my personal background help me consider issues from multiple perspectives.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
With the climate ripe for education reform, there will be many recommendations and innovations to consider. I believe the greatest challenge will be deciding which ones are the best fit for U-46 and will yield the best results for our students.

U-46 Board of Education Candidate Gary Percy

1. Why are you seeking this position?
Wanting to ensure a quality, 21st century education for my children, I volunteered for the Citizens' Advisory Council. By building on, and using, that experience, I believe I would be a huge asset to the Board of Education.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I've served on CAC for approximately 6 years. During my tenure, I've served as Legislative Committee Co- Chair & Chair; Enrollment & Facilities Committee Co-Chair; as well as CAC Vice-Chair. In addition, I served on former Congresswoman Melissa Bean's NCLB/Education Advisory Committee for 5+ years.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Funding, then prioritizing that funding, to achieve a college-ready student body, capable of competing in the 21st century global marketplace.

U-46 Board of Education Candidate Jennifer Schroder

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I have seen many problems at my kids's school and I want the school district to work better. That means I have to help. The district is deteriorating, and I want to ensure a quality education for all children.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I am currently president of Ellis PTE, a substitute teacher in U-46, member of the Gifford Park Association, Elgin Community Network newsletter publisher. In the past I have been: treasurer of Larsen PTO, both president and secretary of Channing PTO, on Citizens Advisory Council, Bilingual Task Force, ECN board, Bethlehem Lutheran Church board and Child Development Center board.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
3.What will be your greatest challenge if elected? Board communication with parents is a key issue. Parents coming to the school board with concerns should have a direct response from board members because they elect us. Parents participation in schools should be encouraged because data shows we are a major key to performance. Why then is our worst performing school locking parents out?

U-46 Board of Education Candidate Mary VanSlyck

1. Why are you seeking this position?
Public education is where my passionate interest and knowledge are focused. I want an excellent education for all U-46 students to become employed, successful adults. As the service history of my family suggests, I was raised to feel that public service is part of my civic responsibilities.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I served 12 years on the Larkin Center board including 2 years as president. I have been a member of Citizens Advisory Council for the past 10 years and chaired multiple committees including, Academies, Curriculum, and Graduation Requirements. I was employed for 10 years as career specialist at Bartlett High and participated in yearly training on a variety of education topics. I am the mother of 4 children who attended U-46 schools.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
To support excellence and improving success for students while being ever mindful of the fiscal challenges that face U-46.

Elgin Community College - Trustee Candidate John G. Dalton

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I was asked to run because Phyllis Folarin decided not to seek reelection and they felt I would be a good replacement for her. I am running on a slate with two richly experienced incumbents (Duffy and MacKinney) called "Three For ECC."

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I've been an attorney for over 23 years. I have a long record of service to the community: Arbitration Chairman, Deacon of Elgin's First Congregational Church; Board Member of the Campanelli YMCA; Co-founder and Chairman of Speak Out Against Prejudice (SOAP), which received the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award; Commissioner of the Elgin Heritage Commission's Design Review Subcommittee; Board Chairman of Famous Door Theatre Company and recipient of the Chicago Business Volunteers for the Arts Award; Member of School District U-46 Handbook Committee; Member Kane County Bar Association, Elgin Hispanic Network, NorthEast Neighbors' Association, Downtown Neighborhood Association, etc.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
While I generally believe ECC is on the right track and should be proud of its accomplishments, it will always be important to be a careful steward of the hard earned tax dollars of the citizens that support its important mission.

Elgin Community College - Trustee Candidate John Duffy

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I want to continue doing my part in helping the Board to meet the goals which we have set for the college and which we monitor continuously and adjust when necessary to meet the needs of our students.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
1. First elected in 1975; reelected each time since;
2. Board chair seven times;
3. Chair, ECC Presidential Search Comm. three times;
4. Chair or member of Building & Grounds Comm.
5. Board Representative or Alternate to state meetings;
6. Elected twice to national trustees Board of Directors;
7. Appointed eight times to national Joint Commission on Federal Legislation.
8. Served as Vice-Chair and Chair of Joint Commission;
9. Brought back many ideas for the benefit of ECC students, including the ECC Foundation.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
ECC has had a balanced budget every year that I have been a trustee. Continuing to maintain that practice, while continuing to meet the needs of our students and our communities, will require careful and diligent planning.

Elgin Community College - Trustee Candidate Richard L. Geary

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I believe I can help lead E.C.C. into the 21st century with my many years of working at Harper College.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I have worked at Harper College for over 33 years. I have held many position's in the union representing the Physical Plant of Harper. We belong to the Illinois Education Association. Thru out the years I have belonged to many college committee's. I was also on the Board of Fire Barn#5 in Elgin.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
To improve the graduation rate at E.C.C.with the continued information sent out to district people what a great value the school is. The school needs to keep reinforcing to school's district that the education you get at E.C.C. is as good as a 4 year school.

Elgin Community College - Trustee Candidate Robin M. Lisboa

No Response

Elgin Community College - Trustee Candidate Eleanor"Ellie" MacKinney

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I am fully committed to the strong fiscal ethic, student success focus and careful planning that embodies ECC. If re-elected, I will support the positive momentum of affordable tuition and increased degrees/certificates conferred for students.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
Elected in 1999, I quickly served as board vice-chair and then chair. I served on the board's finance, technology implementation, building/grounds and curriculum/instruction committees. I was unanimously elected again to serve as vice-chair (2007-2009) and chair (2009 to present). An active member of the Association of Community College Trustees (an International trustee professional development organization), my involvement includes copresenting at the 2009 Annual Congress. As a member of the Illinois Community College Trustee Association, I serve on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Three challenges face ECC: 1) state funding (last payment ECC received was July 2010); 2) increased student need for financial aid; and 3) rising costs (i.e. healthcare).

Elgin Community College - Trustee Candidate L. Robert "Rob" Russell

Withdrew Candidacy

Gail Borden Public Library-Trustee Candidate Jean Bednar

1. Why are you seeking this position?
To continue to serve the library district in the same capacity I have been since 2005, as a Trustee.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I have been a student, a life-long library user, a business owner, a homeowner, a community volunteer, and a mom. All these things, plus my position as a Library Foundation board member, contribute to my decisions and capacity as a Trustee. Also, I believe in the library, and letting the excellent staff there continue to improve its benefits to the patrons.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Finances will be our biggest challenge over the next few years, but we are lucky that we have an excellent, very frugal and creative administration and staff at the library, so we are able to serve the district within budget and expect to continue to do so. We also have a dedicated Foundation willing to step in to raise money and contribute when it's appropriate.

Gail Borden Public Library-Trustee Candidate Herbert Gross

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I wish to help the Library to continue winning awards and serving Library patrons.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I am a current Trustee and have served on many boards including Cultural Arts Commission, Kiwanis, President AFSCME Local 26, Elgin Theatre Company and others. I have been a Library Volunteer for 6 years and am also Resident Head of "Friends of the Library". I have completed Trustee training by the Illinois Library Association. I have an MS in Educational Psychology.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Finances. While future finances may be more limited, we need to keep the Library on its present course, winning awards and serving the public, while continuing to stay within budget, and without raising taxes.

Gail Borden Public Library-Trustee Candidate Lisa Knight

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I wish to continue serving the community as a trustee and work together to ensure all district residents are proud members of the library district by keeping it relevant and a destination for everyone. I wish to continue supporting library leadership in providing a venue where imagination and transformation flourish, fueled by the power of community.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
Six years as a Trustee Silver level, Trustee Certification, North Suburban Library System Attended All ILA Trustee Forums since initial appointment Trained Open Meetings Act Officer Ten plus years of Human Resources experience

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
To continue balancing the needs of the community within budget constraints.

Gail Borden Public Library-Trustee Candidate Victor LaPorte

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I wish to serve the citizens of the Gail Borden Library District by working to ensure their tax dollars are being used in the most responsible manner while providing maximum service to library patrons.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I have over 30 years of business experience, a fiscally conservative mindset, and a great love for learning. I will practice servant leadership and work to keep Gail Borden Library the premier institution for learning and literature that it is and always seek ways to better serve our community.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
The greatest challenge I see will be maximizing the value of taxpayer contributions while serving the diverse needs of our community. My second greatest challenge will be to advocate for openness and transparency in library finances.

Gail Borden Public Library-Trustee Candidate Richard McCarthy

1. Why are you seeking this position?
I have been a trustee at Gail Borden for approximately 20 years and have been lucky enough to play significant rolls in transforming the library from what was a barely adequate facility to the world class institution it is today. I am proud of what we have accomplished and want to preserve the quality of what we have and to provide the leadership to help the library to continue to evolve.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
20 years on the board. I am a library architect, I chaired the library referendum, I chaired the committee to hire our director, I served on the board of the Illinois Library Association, I served on the grant committee for the Illinois State Library, I have written two books about building libraries and was a contributing author for "Serving Our Public" which sets standards for Illinois Libraries.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Preserving the quality of our library service in challenging economic times.

Gail Borden Public Library-Trustee Candidate Verner Tepe

1. Why are you seeking this position?
My wife and I moved to Elgin three years ago. We soon found our way downtown to The Gail Borden Library. We were struck immediately by the beautiful building along the river, and then, by the impressive book collection. The staff was extremely helpful with library assistance, suggestions for book clubs, classes, and even where to have lunch. I am excited by the opportunity to be a contributing member of the Elgin community and in particular, the Library.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I am an experienced executive having successfully built my own company as well as assisted other companies in growing and managing their organizations. Although I am semi-retired, I still actively consult and am often asked to speak before various business and networking organizations. I am quite active in the Edgewater community and feel that my professional background has made me an effective organizer.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
I have attended several Library board meetings this year. I am impressed by the level of commitment from the board and the professional Gail Borden staff. The challenge going forward is to continue this standard of excellence given the current economic conditions. I believe my background would be of value and I am confident I would make a worthy contribution.

Gail Borden Public Library-Trustee Candidate Richard Wallett

No Response

Gail Borden Public Library-Trustee Candidate Mohammad Iqbal

1. Why are you seeking this position?
GBPL Board is facing challenges from within, compromising its effectiveness. I believe that my background in law, business and new technologies would help the Board perform its duties better. It is my way of paying back the community my family has been living in for over 26 years.

2. What experience and background do you have that qualifies you for this position?
LLM -John Marshall Law School. JD -NIU College of Law. M.B.A. -University of Chicago. Doctorate -Civil Engineering Washington University. Practicing Attorney. Member of Kane County Bar and American Bar. Served as General Counsel and Senior VP, Walker Parking Consultants. Commissioner -Image Advisory Commission, City of Elgin. Board Member -Eagle Heights Resident Association. GBPL user since 1984.

3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
Improve workings of the Board. Improve risk management for GBPL. Improve GBPL services by fully using digital technologies. Maintain excellent services despite impending budget cuts.

Gail Borden Public Library-Trustee Candidate Margaret Watts

Withdrew Candidacy

Gail Borden Public Library-Trustee Candidate Penny Wegman

No Response