Dunne imbued with VanDeVoorde's integrity

Elgin once was graced by a man named George VanDeVoorde. For those who didn't have the honor and pleasure of knowing George, he dedicated his life to Elgin as fire chief, councilman and eventually as mayor. He also was responsible for Elgin's fire department getting into the ambulance/EMS business, at a time when then-city manager Bob Brunton was vehemently opposed to the plan.

George was a man of impeccable character, the likes of which I've never known. He cast the deciding vote on the city council when the Grand Victoria Casino came to town and there never was the slightest hint of scandal or impropriety because everyone knew George wouldn't condone such things. He would be upset if he knew that anyone representing the City of Elgin was accepting a freebie from this business.

At Christmas's past, I recall the occasional basket of fruit or the occasional bottle of booze showing up at VanDeVoorde's office, from a well-meaning business or citizen. George would graciously accept the item, then have his secretary type a "thank you" note to be included when the item was humbly returned to the giver by a member of the department.

In my opinion, no one will ever adequately fill George VanDeVoorde's now-vacant boots regarding honesty and integrity, but Fire Lt. Rich Dunne comes close. Dunne is honest, caring, dedicated to Elgin and is capable of making decisions without relying on expensive consultants telling him what six decades' worth of incumbents want to hear.

He also believes in the council/manager form of government rather than the strong-mayor form.

Rich Dunne will be receiving my vote on April 7 for city council. I urge those interested in Elgin's future to support him as well.

Herb Weyers

Elgin