United States Senate

Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Springfield, is the 47th U.S. Senator from the State of Illinois, the state’s senior senator, and the convener of Illinois’ bipartisan congressional delegation.

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Durbin also serves as the Democratic Whip, the second highest ranking position among the Senate Democrats. Senator Durbin has been elected to this leadership post by his Democratic colleagues every two years since 2005. Elected to the U.S. Senate on November 5, 1996, and re-elected in 2002, 2008, and 2014, Durbin fills the seat left vacant by the retirement of his long-time friend and mentor, U.S. Senator Paul Simon. Durbin sits on the Senate Judiciary, Appropriations, Agriculture, and Rules Committees. He is the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration and the Appropriations Committee’s Defense Subcommittee.

17th Congressional District

Since Cheri was first elected in 2012, she has gone out on “Cheri on Shift” job shadowing stops.

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During those visits, she has walked in the shoes of hardworking men and women from all over our community. She listens for their insight, their ideas and their input so she can bring their voices to Washington. Now in her fourth term in Congress, Cheri is the only member of elected Democratic House Leadership from the Midwest. She also serves on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. In both of these roles, she is a relentless advocate for steering the Democratic agenda to address the very real economic challenges millions of Americans struggle with at the kitchen table each night. Cheri knows that if we want to put hardworking families first once again, we need Washington to spend a lot more time listening to the Heartland.

34th State Senate District

Steve Stadelman is an award-winning TV news anchor and father of four who ran for a seat in the Illinois Senate because his experiences as a journalist and parent convinced him of the need for fresh, common-sense representation in Springfield.

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Citizens in the Rockford-based 34th District elected him with 64 percent of the vote in 2012, and his public policy achievements have twice since earned him recognition as Legislator of the Year. In his freshman year, Stadelman passed a bill to upgrade local youth sports facilities after first resolving a longstanding disagreement between the Rockford Park District and local union leaders over responsible bidding practices. Subsequent efforts protected consumers, patients, abuse victims and students. In 2019, Stadelman prevailed on two key economic initiatives that had been stalled for years: He co-sponsored and helped pass legislation to allow a casino in Rockford and secured $275 million toward development of passenger rail between Chicago and Rockford.

67th State House District

Maurice A. West II has a B.S. in psychology and sociology from Illinois College and a M.A. from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in industrial and organizational psychology. 

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He is an expert in career and workforce development having worked at Rockford University as the Director of Career Development for five years and Rock Valley College as a Career Counselor for the Dislocated Workers Program for over three years.  He is a product of the Rockford Public Schools having graduated from Jefferson High. He is active in his community, founder of Share the Warmth-Rockford, and an ordained minister in his church. He is also an award-winning music composer and founder of TheWESTMelodies.  A month before being sworn-in for his first term, Maurice married his beautiful bride, Leslie.

68th State House District

Dave Vella is a local attorney who is running for State Representative in the 68th District, which includes all or part of Loves Park, Machesney Park, Rockford, and Roscoe.

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Mr. Vella’s family has a long history of public service and community engagement. Dave, his wife Michelle, and their two children live in Rockford, where Mr. Vella is the managing partner of Vella & Lund, PC and a Rockford Township Trustee. He also has served on numerous community boards, including the Literacy Council and Keith Country Day School. Dave’s grandfather, E.J. “Zeke” Giorgi, served the Rockford area as State Representative for almost 30 years. Dave is focusing his campaign on working people, meaning he wants to bring good-paying jobs to the Rockford area, ensure schools have enough resources, and reduce crime. You can read more about Dave’s positions at his website.

Winnebago County Auditor

County Board District 1

City of Rockford Mayor

Tom McNamara was sworn-in as the 41st mayor of Rockford on May 1, 2017.

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Prior to becoming Mayor, Tom served the community as 3rd Ward Alderman, representing constituents on Rockford’s east and west sides, as well as downtown.  As Alderman, Tom introduced and sponsored key legislation to invest in neighborhoods, make our community safer, and protect taxpayer dollars. As Mayor, Tom focuses on developing and implementing plans to reduce crime, increase police technology and training, strengthen neighborhoods and schools, and encourage economic development. He advocates for lower tax rates and appoints members to taxing bodies who are fiscally responsible and share a likeminded responsibility to use taxpayer funding efficiently and effectively. Tom was born and raised in Rockford and is a graduate of Rockford’s Boylan Catholic High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in sociology and criminology and a master’s degree in non-profit administration, both from John Carroll University in Cleveland.

Rockford City Council Ward 5

Gabrielle Torina is running for 5th Ward Alderman. She is a third generation Southside resident and her professional career has focused exclusively on advancing our community.

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Most recently, she worked for Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and Transform Rockford. In both roles, her job was to listen to residents and help them improve their lives and neighborhoods.  She was involved in several organizations that serve our community. She is on the boards of Northwest Community Center and the Wabongo Leadership Council. She also volunteers on the City of Rockford Human Services Scholarship Committee, the Community Foundation Scholarship Committee, and she Co-Chairs the Community Engagement Committee for the Family Peace Center. She wants to work with her neighbors to make South Rockford thrive! Together, let’s find new investors for the Barber Colman factory complex and improve our community with a development that puts local residents, and small and minority-owned businesses first. She has heard from several of our neighbors and they want to see more beautification, retail stores, and draw cultural attraction to the ward. She is also currently working with the Rockford Park District to expand recreational programs for both youth and adults.

Rockford City Council Ward 6

Aprel Prunty was born and raised in Rockford. She is a National Board Certified Teacher who has worked as an English teacher for Rockford Public School District 205 since 1999.

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Aprel has advanced degrees from Rockford College (now Rockford University) and Northern Illinois University. She represented the Rockford Education Association Labor Union at the Representative Assembly in Washington, DC. She has served as a presiding officer for Booker Washington Community Center, the Rockford Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), and the Rockford Alumnae Chapter (RAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. At Booker, she helped Booker gain its landmark preservation status. Aprel, a Life Member of NCNW, chaired the Black Family Reunion Committee, mentored NCNW Youth, and she co-chaired the Tribute to African American Women Past and Present committee and the Annual Senior Thanksgiving Dinner committee. Aprel worked with the youth from Booker, NCNW, RAC’s Delta GEMS, and Auburn High School’s Student Council and Multicultural Club. She helped found the African American Resource Center Chuck Jefferson Library and has volunteered for multiple organizations including the Rockford Branch of the NAACP where she is a Life Member. She was appointed Precinct Committee Person several times by the Winnebago County Democratic Central Committee. Currently, she is a candidate running for the 6th Ward Aldermanic seat.

Rockford City Council Ward 7

Janessa was born and raised in the 7th Ward and her parents are Janet Wilkins and the late Joseph “J.D.” Standfield.

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She owns her home outright and now she is raising her family in the same community that gave her so much love, motivation, support and preparedness to become the woman that she is today. She was an honors student at St. Paul Lutheran and Rockford Lutheran High School. She furthered her education at Grambling State University, where she received her B.A. in Mass Communications. She is now the Resource Development and Community Engagement Manager for HomeStart, a non-profit home counseling agency here in Rockford. She oversees multiple neighborhood programs, where it is her mission to create vibrant, healthy communities by connecting people and families to beneficial, affordable housing resources and by leading community based solutions.

Rockford City Council Ward 12

Gina Meeks has lived in Rockford since 2000, currently residing in Edgewater with her partner Troy, and their two kids, Carter and Caleb.

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She is currently the Strong Neighborhood Coordinator with United Way of Rock River Valley and the former Membership Director of Rockford Country Club for 7 years. She started at Chrysler’s ABD Federal Credit Union, where she helped so many working families manage their personal finances, and then she did business development work for the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. Her career has allowed her to see so many different parts of our community. In her role as Strong Neighborhood Coordinator, she serves as the liaison for our neighborhood houses and helps connect the people we are helping with needed resources. She will use her strong relationships and understanding of our community to work for you on City Council. One of the most important issues facing our city is the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. As we navigate the recovery, she will ensure that businesses along the N Main St and Riverside corridors are front and center in any discussions about financial support for local businesses.

Rockford Township Supervisor

Jasper St. Angel was elected Township Supervisor in 2017, following three terms as Township Trustee. In addition to serving as Township Supervisor and Trustee, Jasper was also appointed as Township Clerk to fill a vacancy in 2016.

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As Supervisor, Jasper focuses on the General Assistance Program, which provides relief for housing and basic needs on a temporary basis to individuals, while on the road to self-sufficiency. Jasper and his dedicated staff are proud to represent the township and are constantly looking for ways to improve services while reducing operating costs. Jasper publicly supports affordable housing, equal opportunity, education, fiscal responsibility, and lower taxes. Jasper and his wife Julie have two children and have been married for 30 yrs. Jasper is active in many charitable organizations and has served on the Winnebago County Board of Review, the Winnebago County Crime Commission and the Rockford Area Association of Realtors Government Affairs Committee. Jasper was born and raised in Rockford, graduated from Boylan High School and earned a business and science degree from Lewis University.

Rockford Township Clerk

Rockford Township Clerk, Carl R. Wasco, has served the Township since 2015 the last 4 years as Town Clerk. Carl is a graduate of Auburn High School 1969 and attended Rock Valley College.

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He is a U.S. Navy Veteran and a graduate of Rock Valley College Carpenters Local 792 Apprenticeship Program 1976-1980 as a Journeyman Carpenter. He has been a Realtor for 30 plus years. Carl is married to Marcia (Peterson) Wasco (39 yrs) and has two sons, Joe (Kelly) Wasco and Scott (Lisa) Grulke and four grandchildren Dani, Carl, Alexis and Lindsey. Carl has served on leadership positions at Carpenters Local 792 Executive Committee and at the Rockford Area Realtors serving on many committees as chairman and is a Past President of the Rockford Area Realtors Board. Carl also has served on many Community Boards. He is proud of his community service and helping its citizens. He has enjoyed living, working and raising a family in the Rockford Area.

Rockford Township Road Commissioner

Dan was first elected as the 14th Ward Alderman in the City of Rockford in 1993 and served as alderman until 2009.

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During that time, he served on many committees including chairperson of the planning and development committee and the finance committee. Also, from 1996 to 2005, he served on the Rockford Metro Center board. In 2003, he was hired as the executive director of the Northwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council and also served on the State of Illinois prevailing wage committee. In 2009, he was elected Rockford Township Highway Commissioner which he has served for three terms.

Rockford Township Trustee

Mustafa Abdall is husband to a wonderful wife, Sahar, and dad to amazing two kids, Fatima and Hamza.

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He is a bilingual Rockfordain, a teacher, a community brother, an organizer, and a friend to achieve greater community growth and prosperity. He is running to ensure the current services of our Rockford Township can be reached by all our residents and to foster greater community inclusiveness with this agency. He is from South Asia and soon after found his love for this community; where he began his career as a RPS 205 Teacher and became a small business owner. He committed to creating a better community by serving on multiple boards, and to foster more resident civic engagement by serving in his local county Democratic Party committee. He is a strong believer in community dialogue, and ensuring we connect to our diverse community is essential; therefore, by increasing the visibility of the services to a wider range of residents we would deliver more equitable services to all. This will help us foster inclusiveness.

Rockford Township Trustee