Tish S. Powell: 2023 candidate for Elgin City Council

Bio

Town where you live: Elgin

Age on Election Day: 52

Occupation: Sales manager

Previous offices held: Elgin City Council member (2011-present)

Q&A

Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

A: Elgin's diversity is often referred to as one of our most valuable assets. Yet it also remains one of our greatest challenges. Successfully meeting the often competing interests and priorities of our diverse community is an opportunity that we cannot afford to miss, nor take for granted.

When done successfully, it means that Elgin becomes a model community where everyone feels respected, included, valued and heard. Finally, Elgin's elected officials and city staff must take this charge seriously. One proactive step we can take is to fill the diversity & equity position that the city council approved 2 years ago so that there is an intentional strategic focus both internally as well as externally.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: The City of Elgin has maintained a AAA bond rating and a flat property tax levy for several consecutive years, which I believe speaks to our responsible financial management. This is particularly impressive after withstanding years of dwindling riverboat revenues, managing the pandemic and the subsequent record-high inflation.

We have also continued to make the required payments toward our pension obligations and have even made additional payments when possible to help defray future costs. Because our adopted 2023 budget and 2023-25 financial plan are achieved by drawing down on reserves each of the three years, we will have to identify other options to make up for the projected General Fund operating deficit beginning in 2026.

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: Top spending priorities are: 1. Infrastructure projects, including possible dam removal, street reconstruction & resurfacing, combined sewer separation and lead service water line replacements. 2. Maintaining high quality city services. 3. Meeting public safety pension payment obligations.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: I actually believe that as an organization, we operate fairly lean in comparison to similar sized municipalities. Because we are a service-based organization, staffing comprises a large proportion of our budget (over 70%). I think we should re-examine how our organization is structured, where we do/don't have staff, how they are being used and work that we contract out that may be able to be done in-house, which may save us money.

Hopefully the staffing study that is currently planned for this year will recommend needed changes that will help us run more efficiently. I also believe that the upcoming adoption of the new strategic plan will help us to prioritize our spending over the next five years.

Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

A: It's a toss up between the mandated lead service line replacements and the possible removal of the Fox River dam. Both will have significant implications for our community for decades to come. The Fox River has long been a beautiful, yet underutilized asset in our community. Removing the dam would help to improve water quality; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; as well as create or enhance recreational opportunities in and along the river.

In addition to the $13.5 million in ARPA funding that Elgin is earmarking for lead service line replacements, we also obtained $4 million in grant funding from the IEPA in 2022 and are anticipating an additional $4 million in 2023 to assist in replacements.

There is also likely grant money available to supplement the dam removal, which we should pursue. The city will need to prioritize and balance competing capital projects in our riverboat fund or potentially issue bonds (depending on the interest rates) to supplement costs.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

A: I have had the pleasure of serving in our community in a number of capacities over the years. Some of those include serving as a board member and past president of the Village of College Green Homeowner's Association, as well as in my current roles as an Elgin City Councilmember and liaison to the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission. I would characterize my style as inquisitive and collaborative in an effort to find common ground and devise a plan to move forward.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I feel that my background and experience provide me with a unique and valuable perspective when examining city issues. I have over 16 years of management level experience in local government and a Master's degree in public administration/urban management. I have been actively involved in a wide range of organizations and activities in Elgin for over two decades.

As a homeowner and working mom, I understand first hand the challenges that families face in our community. During my 12 years on the Elgin City Council, I believe I have demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to sustainability and championed initiatives to ensure that ALL members of our diverse community are included. I am an "outside of the box" thinker and am not afraid to try new methods, tackle tough issues or challenge the status quo when needed.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

A: I want to bring an ice-skating rink to Festival Park during the winter months. I believe that expanding recreational opportunities, particularly along the riverfront, will attract both residents and tourists to our downtown.