Elgin Taliban make comeback

Elgin City Councilman Juan Figueroa accused his fellow council members of acting like moral police Wednesday when they voted to reinstate a time limit on an Elgin night club’s permit to mix teens with a 21 and older crowd...

“It’s not a moral issue,” Rodgers responded. “I would not want my daughter or my nephew to go there with those pictures. To me, it was inappropriate, those teens were half naked, 80 percent naked.”

In March 2005, the council agreed to let the dance club open two weeknights instead of one, extend its hours until 3 a.m. on weeknights, and allow those 21 and older to drink in a separate part of the building during the young adult nights. They also put a time limit on the Young Adult Night permit, requiring a return to the city council for review after a year...

“If only symbolic, it’s important to point out that this is not something readily and easily granted,” Schock said. “It sends a message that the liquor commission is keeping a close eye and making sure the owner exercises every available caution. (source: Daily Herald 4/27/06)

No, Mr. Mayor, the message it sends loud and clear is that the 24-hr downtown thing was a lie. It sends the message that Elgin is run by a Taliban clique, and that nightlife is not welcome. I can't imagine any entrepreneur taking the risk of opening in downtown Elgin.

Gilliam, Schock, Walters and Rodgers voted against a vital downtown. They voted against Elgin.