At meet and greet in Roscoe, six candidates shared why they are running

During a Feb. 11 League of Women Voters meet-and-greet at the Roscoe Township Center, six candidates, from both parties, shared their backgrounds and outlined why they are seeking office. The event opened up a one-on-one conversation among the public, candidates, and school representatives.

The six participants are a small portion of the candidates who will appear on the March 17 primary ballot. After the event, Christine Haeggquist, co-president of The American Association of University Women, said that every candidate was invited, but added, “Some were unable to attend or had a conflict, and others didn't reply."

Paul Arena, Candidate for Winnebago County Board - District 7

Paul Arena currently represents the 7th district on the Winnebago County Board. Arena has been on the board for over seven years.

“I currently serve as the Republican majority leader, and I am seeking reelection.” Arena said.

“I came to Winnebago County about 37 years ago, just after graduating from NIU, and worked in the manufacturing industry. After that, I started Arena Construction, which I run with my wife in Winnebago County."

"Providing counsel and interacting with the people who live here has given me a unique perspective on the impacts of our lives on the people who live here in Winnebago County.”

He added, “The most important function of government is to ensure that our neighborhoods are safe. That is why, as a county board member, I consistently supported funding for public safety."

"Your county board has reliably provided resources that our police need to keep both ourselves and our community safe.... Most importantly are good-paying jobs to support families."

"As a county board member, I supported economic development initiatives to sustain a stable job market.”

Two of those initiatives Arena spoke of include funding for Eiger Lab to support business development and infrastructure improvements, such as the water system expansion in the southern part of the county.

“As a board, we have a firm commitment to build our economy. I have enthusiastically supported funds for community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club and the Harlem Community Center."

"One of the most significant accomplishments of this County Board is the stabilized job creation at the River Bluff Nursing Home, which assured that we can continue to fill the need of taking care of our senior citizens."

"While in office, the most frequent thing I hear is that taxes are too high, and I agree that they are. Every dollar that we spend starts off in your pocket.”

Michelle Lewis, Candidate for Winnebago County Board - District 7

Michelle Lewis said, “I live in Caledonia, the easternmost street for Winnebago County. I could go through a lot of political agenda right now, but I want you to get to know me and my heart."

"My heart really is for this community, where we live, and the children of our community. We need to keep costs low while keeping education high and supporting things that will help them learn in the best environment."

"I have a 25-year-old who was recently married and I was a caregiver for two and a half years for my husband until he passed. I am just figuring out who and what to do."

"I just want to get involved in the issues and to bring a fresh thought process to the Winnebago County Board.”

Victoria Onorato, Republican Candidate for Illinois House - District 89

“A very small portion of Rockford is in District 89.” Victoria Onorato said. “Our state is in dire need of citizens coming together. We have to meet in the middle, we have to make change, and get people to go out and vote.” She is running against incumbent Representative Tony McCombie.

Onorato is a retired Chicago Police officer who was born and raised there.

Onorato reflected, “During COVID, they were bussing out all the Ma and Pop shops and destroying everything."

"I ran once before in the 2022 election; unfortunately, Pritzker made a mess of that. A lot of people didn't vote in that election, and that is where the problem was with that. A lot of people were angry about what was going on, and many of the candidates suffered because of it."

"This time I am running because we need change. Being in a military family and being a police officer, I was taught to love this country."

"This is about us as American citizens, not being on the left or on the right, not being blue or red.... We need to find a way to come together again."

"Your voice is the only way to bring change in the primary, especially because this is your opportunity. It is time for transparency and accountability."

"We don't have that right now, and the people are fed up with it. I hear that all the time when I am walking door to door."

"I am very hands-on. My entire career was based on talking with people in person, hands-on, problem-solving, solutions, not always having all of the answers."

"Wherever we are from in Illinois, I hope that we come together as one.”

Awisi Quartey Bustos - Democrat for US Senate

Awisi Quartey Bustos is the child of a Ghanaian diplomat who served at the United Nations throughout Ghana's government.

“Growing up, I learned that the government should actually work for all people, and those are the founding principles with which I was raised,” Bustos said.

Since 2011, Bustos has served the State of Illinois in various capacities.

In Governor Quinn's Administration, when Bustos started, she served as a Constituent Affairs Fellow and later as Director of Policy and Training for the Illinois Advocacy Division, where she advocated for the legal rights of adults with disabilities throughout Illinois.

With Senator Dick Durbin, who has chosen not to run for a sixth term, Bustos served as the Northwest Regional Coordinator, working on health care, immigration, and economic issues, specifically in Winnebago County.

In the Pritzker administration, she served as Senior Policy Advisor and helped implement the Illinois Commission on Poverty Elimination and Economic Security and the Reimagine Public Safety Act.

Most recently, Bustos served as CEO of the Illinois Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs and worked in the Governor's Office of Constituent Affairs.

“I have advocated for young people by building trust along party lines, “Bustos said.

“My priorities are very clear: advancing policies on legislation that prioritize a more affordable Illinois.”

“A more affordable Illinois requires a holistic approach, that is focused just as much as the price of ground beef as it does housing, food desserts, mental health, universal childcare, and AI innovation that is responsible, being environmentally conscious, and equality,” Bustos said.

She added, “I stand with Senate Democrats to block additional funding for ICE. Immigration reform is a moral issue and an economic necessity... I will champion universal childcare, farmers, and strong worker protection.... I am running for the U.S. Senate because waiting your turn is not working for me.... Public service has shaped my life, and Illinois deserves experienced leadership that  understands both people and policy.”

Erin Hannigan - Circuit Court Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit

Erin Hannigan was recently appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to sit as a Circuit Judge and to fill a vacancy until the election. Hannigan is in the Rockford and Loves Park area.

Hannigan said, “I have been a public servant for over 20 years. I was a Public Defender for over 17 of those, representing people who couldn't afford counsel. I had cases from the lowest level misdemeanors to trying multiple murders.

I have extensive experience in the courtroom, and I know how it works. I have ideas on how we can always improve.

One way we can always improve is to listen to one another. There are so many people in that courtroom who have more experience than the person sitting on the bench.

We all need to work together to make sure that we are trying to improve our courtrooms.”

Hannigan was also a city attorney in Rockford for three years and worked to reduce blight to the best of her ability. She also did litigation and code enforcement.

“I wanted to be a judge for most of my career because I know what we do is important.

The judge’s job is not to be a politician, to listen to the facts, and apply the law, without bias and without politics. That is what I am doing and that is what I will continue to do,” Hannigan said.”

Joe Berning - IL. District 45 Senate Candidate

Joe Berning said, “I am excited to be in the running for District 45, for a very rural district. It is an exciting time to be involved in politics. There has never been a more important time to get people out to vote.” Berning is running against Andrew Chesney.