Maggie Beyer: 2025 candidate for Elgin City Council

Bio

Office Sought: Elgin City Council (Vote for 4)

City: Elgin

Age: 76

Occupation: Retired administrator

Previous offices held: Chair, Elgin Township Committee on Seniors

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

We need to find a way to reduce the 24% increase in gunfire incidents in 2024 and the overall crime rate which increased by 9% from 2023 to 2024. We need to work closely with our police department to find a solution to make people feel safer to go downtown Elgin.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

I feel that the proposed budget was thoughtfully handled in a positive financial outcome while keeping the general property tax levy flat.

We need to continue to replace the lead water service lines (11,000 households are served by legacy lead water service pipes). The city has committed a multiyear $150 million to accomplish this. $13.5 million from American Rescue Plan Act will assist, to be on track to meet the federal mandate by 2037.

Also, we need to address the bridge replacements of the Kimball Street and the Chicago Street.

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?

We need to bring revitalization to downtown by seeking out businesses that will provide momentum for more businesses which will increase the tax base.

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

In my former career I worked at times with 23 physicians and dentists who had different opinions of how to handle things. I would offer my opinion and state why I thought it was the best workable solution. I also was in charge of two medical offices and dealt with different personalities of staff.

I would listen to their suggestions, thank them and then used my vast experience in how to come to the best outcome. I do have outstanding management skills.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My past experience of being in charge of businesses and organizations, some of which I have founded. I have a reputation of getting things done correctly and in a timely fashion and am known for my organizational skills and honesty.

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

We need something to draw people to visit Elgin. One suggestion is to have an indoor/outdoor water park with a hotel and restaurant. Another is to make Elgin a place where bachelor and bachelorette parties could be held. We have the Fox River where we could have individual paddleboats or kayaking for entertainment. Also we could have beer bicycle carts.

It would be ideal to have more upscale hotels and restaurants for these parties. Maybe a winery and an entertainment park with mini golf, arcade games, pinball, live entertainment and a full bar.