Elgin Mayoral Candidates Focused On Economic Development
(CBS) -- The city of Elgin has a big mayor's race underway, and—like Chicago, downtown development and outreach to the neighborhoods are majors issues, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore
First-term Elgin Mayor David Kaptain says the vacancy rate for offices in the downtown area is now comparable with Chicago's Loop, and the area's doing well.
"For example, we're becoming focused on arts and entertainment to bring people to the downtown," Kaptain said. "The Grand Victoria Casino has been instrumental in that in offering concerts during the summer."
But, challenger and first-time candidate Joseph Galvan says things could be better.
"I look at economic development in the city and I look at our downtown and we need to have some growth, we need to increase our sales tax base," Galvan said.
Galvan, who's Mexican-American, says Kaptain hasn't brought enough Latinos into government. The mayor says he's been trying hard to do that during his tenure.
Elsewhere on the ballot there are four city council seats up for grabs in Elgin and several candidates vying for them.