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The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com
VAN GALDER NOW DEPARTS FROM EAST SIDE TRANSFER CENTER December 2017 | Volume 30 | No. 12
Mayor McNamara addresses the
Rockford Chamber Tom McNamara has packed a lot into his first six months as Rockford’s 41st mayor. “It’s the most rewarding job you could ever ask for, and it’s the most challenging job you could ever ask for,” said the Rockford native. “I enjoy it more than I ever thought I would. You don’t get a full appreciation for the job anywhere else, other than being in it.” On Nov. 16, the former third ward alderman addressed a Rockford Chamber of Commerce audience for the first time since he took office in May. McNamara shared his priorities for the city, including
PHOTOS BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY
Facing challenges and opportunities
Mayor Tom McNamara spoke of a plan for progress. public safety, workforce development, creating a business-friendly environment and public private partnerships. “We have significant challenges, but we also have opportunities,” he said. “When you look at the sense of togetherness and the unity our community can have, that’s what we’re going to need to move us forward. Let’s focus on how we can do things and do them together.” Rockford is facing a $10.2 million deficit this year and a cumulative deficit of 78 million dollars over the next five years. To address the budget deficit, the city has appointed a finance task force, a group of volunteers with accounting,
finance and operations experience. McNamara said crime is his top priority and cutting public safety funding is not in his plans, which he discussed during a Q &A with Rockford police chief Dan O’Shea. “We’re not where we need to be,” McNamara said. “But if you look at the indicators, we’re making progress. We have laid out a plan that includes community engagement. We’re starting to see end roads.” Public safety is the top concern for chamber members as well. “It starts with the community,” said Mike Schablaske, Continued on page 3
City of Rockford to place home rule referendum on the March ballot
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Rockford City leaders are considering asking its voters in the March 13, 2018 primary election to support restoring home rule powers to the City of Rockford. Citing the need for more local control, greater flexibility to address problems unique to Rockford, and an ability to diversify revenue streams to address budget issues and sustain key services to the community; obtaining home rule powers would provide the necessary authority to address these issues. In 1983, at the peak of a recession, voters removed the City’s home rule authority. By putting the question on the ballot, voters will be able to be part of the process to understand home rule,
and learn or gain confidence in its ability to help the City of Rockford, and ultimately consider whether they support a return to home rule. A citizens’ committee, Our Decisions – Our Solutions has been formed to educate and advocate for the restoring of home rule powers. The committee is led by Attorney Roberta (Bobbie) Holzwarth, Dr. Bill Gorski, Pastor Kenneth Board, and Rudy Valdez. On Monday, November 27th, the City of Rockford Codes and Regulations Committee passed a resolution to place the home rule question on the ballot. It now travels to the full City Council. Mayor Tom McNamara says the city’s Continued on page 5
The Van Galder Bus line has begun using the RMTD East Side Transfer Center, 725 N. Lyford Road, for trips to downtown Chicago and Midway airport. Passengers should park in the south lot across from the Cracker Barrel restaurant. Service will operate seven days a week, 4:20 a.m. to 12:10 a.m. (midnight). Those traveling north to South Beloit, Janesville and Madison will leave from berth G, and those traveling to downtown Chicago and Midway airport will leave from berth H. Departure times remain the same. O’Hare trips will continue to leave from the Walton Street terminal. Visit govangalder.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dec. 7 • Rockford Art Museum For more info, see page 27
SPONSORED BY
THE ROCKFORD ROASTING COMPANY, ACCORDING TO ALTON BROWN Food Network star Alton Brown named Rockford’s own Rockford Roasting Company on his list of top eight coffee shops in the United States. The two-page spread appears in the December 2017 issue of Food Network magazine. Brown has been touring the country with his live variety show, Eat Your Science, and at every stop, he makes it his mission to refuel at the best local coffee shops. He states about Rockford Roasting Company, “These guys were the first to educate me on other parts of the coffee cherry, like the cascara [the pulp and skin surrounding the coffee bean], which they use to make iced tea.” The story notes that the Rockford coffee shop created a drink in Alton’s honor.
PERTUSSIS INCREASES IN WINNEBAGO COUNTY The Winnebago County Health Department issued an alert on a community outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) with 19 confirmed cases since midOctober, including students in the Harlem, Rockton and Rockford School Districts. Pertussis spreads by coughing or sneezing or spending a lot of time near one another. It’s very serious for babies under one, pregnant women and immune-compromised individuals. Visit www.wchd.org.