This has been a busy two years and one that has me striving to bring to life my promise of bringing "Vintage Values For A Better Elgin" into reality. Remember, this is an on-going list.
 

2009-2011 HIGHLIGHTS

* Initiated increased enforcement of our policy requiring all city contractors to ONLY employ workers who are citizens or those who are legally allowed to work in the USA by increasing audits of contractor hiring records. FIVE audits have been done in my first two years as a councilman with more planned in 2011.

* Initiated one of the strongest animal control ordinances in the state effective June 1, 2010, that dramatically increases fines from their 1986 level for unleashed, biting and attacking animals, adds tethering restrictions and sets restrictive provisions for owners of dogs declared vicious and dangerous. A few months later, I implemented a clause that allows us to assign guilty owners to community service hours for unpaid fines at a rate of $10/hour. 

* In response to many citations being issued to pet owners for no rabies vaccinations after the new ordinance went into effect, I, along with our crime analyst, Kristie Hilton, initiated a twice-a-year Pet Health & Safety Fair whereby Elgin citizens can get their pets vaccinated for Rabies and other diseases for only $35. Our first event in November, 2010 had 114 dogs vaccinated in four hours. Our second one is scheduled for Sunday, April 10, 2011. This program is another step to protect the safety of Elgin citizens while also reacting to tough economic times for responsible pet owners who may be delaying vaccinating their pet.

* Co-initiated with fellow councilman Mike Warren a comprehensive committee to improve Lords Park with consistent, all-encompassing measures.

* Appointed as the city council representative of the Enhancing Elgin committee, the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce's largest committee, designed to continually improve on Elgin's image through positive branding.

* Voted for the odd-even parking bans increasing residential street safety, less congestion and allowing for better city services to take place.

* Voted for city business licenses effective in 2010 for economic development and to use its revocation provision as a tool against non-conforming businesses including those with local, state and Federal law enforcement issues.

* Discovered in the Summer of 2010, a temporary employment agency in Elgin, Labor Ready, that uses e-Verify on ALL of their prospective employees. Weeks later, I had them added to our preferred list of vendors when the city of Elgin needs temp workers. We will use this firm so that we can virtually eliminate the chances of hiring illegal aliens for our temp work needs.

MORE TO BE POSTED SOON...