Candidates’ views on $125M concert hall

Q. Do you support city funding of a $125 million concert hall? If not, why not? If so, how would you recommend it be funded?

A. Richard Bennett, 66, retired from the real estate business:

No. Not to raise taxes.

A. Tricia Dieringer, 55, a registered nurse and an administrative assistant at Gilberts Police Department:

…How does a municipal government that cannot meet the financial responsibilities for street repair expect to justify to the residents the funding of a concert hall?

A. David Kaptain, 59, retired chemist and director of the Fox River Water Reclamation District:

I still have many unanswered questions on the need for a new concert hall, the size and scope of the proposal presented to the council, and the potential for a renovation of the Hemmens.

A. Hidayat Khan, 40, editor for the Pakistan Times:

I cannot imagine how the city of Elgin would be able to fund a $125 million concert hall on its own…We already have the Hemmens, a 1,200-seat facility, and the ECC Visual Arts Center, and these two centers should serve Elgin for the next two decades at least.

A. Shane Nowak, 26, emergency medical technician:

I do not support the funding of a new $125 million concert hall, considering this is half the city budget for one year. Obviously if people want a new concert hall then outside investors/developers could build one like the Sears Centre. The current Hemmens loses $100,000 each year and the city wants to build a new one? I think the best option for the city is to sell the Hemmens to private investors.

A. Michael Powers, 49, marketing consultant:

Regarding the concert hall, $125 million is an unrealistic and unnecessarily large figure…to expect taxpayers to fund a significant portion of a $125 million proposal is not fiscally responsible.

A. Brenda Rodgers, a real-estate agent:

I am waiting on more information from city staff in regards to funding, how much from the city and upkeep of the facility.

A. Thomas Sandor, 56, accountant:

I would not support the construction of this type of facility if it would increase property taxes or require the implementation of any new tax on Elgin residents for either construction or operations.

A. Greg Schock, 47, works at SKF Industries:

I do not support city funding of a new concert hall. Research has shown that these facilities are in continuous need of city funds in order to operate.

A. John Steffen, 43, attorney:

It is too early in the process of exploring a new performance hall to discuss to what extent the city funds it.

A. Lorrie Vargas, 43, owner of the Great American Family Diner in Elgin:

The city of Elgin needs to be very careful when deciding to support another project of this magnitude before it spends any money toward it. Our symphony is one of our best assets of Elgin, but have we not learned our lesson from The Centre? Rather than rushing to beat out surrounding communities and being the “best on the blockâ€? let’s use some cautious common sense and weigh the pros and cons of this project carefully…As things stand now, I do not support using any amount of city funds for the concert hall.

Read their complete responses at the Daily Herald website.

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