If You Were Rockford’s Mayor, What Would You Fix First?

With the announcement of Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara stepping down at the end of August, there's a buzz about who may be next to lead Screw City U.S.A.

Community Voices Shape the Conversation

We received passionate responses after a recent Facebook post asked, "You were just named Mayor of Rockford, so what changes are you going to make?"

Public Safety Tops the List

A common response centered around public safety in the city, with several residents saying they would increase staffing levels for first responders if they were named Rockford's mayor.

One comment said they would fully staff "police, fire, 911, and public works, then I'll work down from there with what $ remains." Bob Hafstad echoed that priority, saying he would "Get police and fire back up to full force by offering more money so they will want to work here."

Johnny Vincent

Mental Health and Housing Concerns

Another major concern that our residents would focus on if they were named mayor was the lack of mental health resources. Nicole Keirn suggested "turning the old RMH hospital into a mental health hospital."

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Beverly Getter said she would review the city's budget and find ways to expand mental health assistance if she were allowed to lead the city of Rockford.

Taxes, Transportation, and Community Ideas

If handed the keys to run the City of Rockford, some residents would focus on quality-of-life improvements. Debra Manson simply said she would "eliminate property taxes."

Amanda Grant would push to make public transportation free, while Dennis Kann called for a low-cost veterinary clinic. Richard Edmonds would offer court during evenings and weekends if he were mayor.

Some ideas were more creative, with Val Zammuto envisioning a Rockford Pizza Festival featuring local restaurants, music, and beer, eventually growing into a national pizza museum.

Given the chance to be Mayor of Rockford, Tyler Edwards would fully staff city departments, improve schools through stronger parental involvement, and he would "block the demolition of Kennedy School and have it changed into housing like the Lafayette."