An Elgin native, David Kaptain grew up in the city’s southeast end. He attended local schools and received a degree in chemistry in 1970 from Bradley University. As mayor, he focuses on community outreach, as well as leading the community toward a more sustainable future.
He was employed for 33 years as a chemist and subsequently plant process manager by the Elgin Sanitary District (now Fox River Water Reclamation District). He married his wife, Sandy, in 1979. They lived in the Blackhawk Manor subdivision until 1986, when they moved across the river. Dave and Sandy are environmentalists and cyclists.
Dave was a founding member of the Eagle Heights Residents Association in 1990 and served as its president for ten years. He was a founding member of the Elgin Community Network in 2001, was its first chosen president and is currently the executive director. He served on the city’s Planning and Development Commission from 1999-2005, prior to his election to a two-year term on the City Council. He was re-elected in 2007, and elected mayor in 2011.