Sewage in basements triggered by heavy rains

My Position: This has been an issue for years due to the combined sewers serving those areas. I believe it is our responsibility to offer remedies/solutions. This issue has the council and staff working hard to come up with a plan of treatment until a permanent solution - replacing the sewers - can happen. Under no circumstances can we, as a city, show up to a home like State Farm Insurance does after a tornado and fill-in blank checks. All citizens must face the fact that the permanent solution will take years even with full funding available. Accepting temporary treatment answers is the way to go until then.

In the past, citizens have been advised of a plan where the city will match 50% of the cost of three solutions. I do not feel that is enough. I favor a plan of relief based on how many homes can show they have received sewage backups and NOT water backups from basement cracks, etc. Going forward, I will endorse a plan where all homes on combination sewers sold in Elgin must be disclosed to the new owner before closing. Also, disclosed will be an explanation of what combination sewers are. There must not be any more "I didn't know" responses when new homeowners close on a house. 

One thing for sure is this council wants to help find temporary solutions until the permanent fix can happen. I believe there will be no permanent solution soon. Fellow council member Dave Kaptain has intervened with his impressive knowledge from working with the Fox River Water Reclamation District and a solution is expected soon.    

Improving Lords Park Zoo

As many of you know, I campaigned on the premise that the east side has been neglected in favor of Far West expansion over the past few years. That has not changed. We need to catch up on the east side and doing anything to Lords Park that will lessen its value is not in my interest. I also believe it's not in Elgin's best interest, either.

I am proud to co-chair, effective May 26, 2010, along with fellow councilman Mike Warren, a committee dedicated to the long range success of the entire park and not just the zoo. I look forward to working with positive, park-oriented stakeholders in the community in this endeavor.
 
I believe many people have lost interest in Lords Park because of its perceived safety concerns from gangs and loud car stereos to pit bulls being walked by irresponsible owners. That does not mean it should be vacated without addressing these issues first. It is time to discuss what current police patrols are being done in the park and investigate increasing them including bicycle patrols.

I believe this park needs to be improved. It will need more help than just city tax dollars to do it. It's time to get creative with minds before getting tough with axes.