Five candidates running for four Rockton Township Trustee seats

Five candidates are running for four trustee seats on the Rockton Township board in the April 6, 2021 election. Incumbents Gene Hermann, Vicky Ivy and Randall Johnson are running for re-election. Newer candidates are Connie Gleasman and Ricarda Gomes-Moore. Troy Dull has opted not to run for re-election.

Gene Hermann

Gene Hermann is a 45 year resident in Rockton Township. He has served one term as a Township Trustee. “I am running for re-election to help enhance the Township and provide a positive influence on the community and its people. My vision is to maintain a healthy and prosperous community for all citizens,” Hermann said.Hermann has volunteered with Macktown Living History by providing labor and equipment for projects. He is a self-employed business owner who is the owner and operator of Hermann Landscape Construction. The business has remained ongoing for 28 years within Rockton Township.

Vicky Ivy

Vicky Ivy was appointed to a two year term on the Rockton Township Board. She has been a Rockton Township resident for over 30 years.

“I ran for Winnebago County Board and lost. I still wanted to work for the people and someone told me about the Township position,” Ivy said.

“I want to work for the people and to represent everyone including the South Beloit side of Township. I want to let them know what is available at the Township when they need help. I am always working with the understanding of each person at their level when they have problems and never think that they are different because they don’t look like me, or live on my side of town. I want to see the Township stay safe and clean on all sides.”

Ivy has consistently given back to the community through volunteering at her church, schools, raising money for women who are victims of domestic violence, has raised money for disaster relief for area three where her salon is located. Ivy has also donated food to the homeless, and “People Who Need Three.”

“I love people and I like helping them. I am the one who opens the door for the elderly and welcomes them with a smile and a greeting. I love dancing, singing, and sports; plus just enjoying life because we only get one.”

Ivy is a self-employed business owner and hair stylist, the owner of Miss Vicky’s Ribs and works at Walmart. Ivy attended Rock Valley College where she studied Physical Education. “When I started on the Township board I had a project I was working on with the health department to beautify the township by getting rid of old appliances and computers.”

Randall Johnson

Randall Johnson has been a Township Trustee since 2017. “I am running for re-election to continue to serve the residents of Rockton Township. Our Township needs committed, motivated and experienced representation, Johnson said. ”“I am a lifelong resident with a deep-rooted knowledge of the needs of our area. “I appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community where my wife and I raised our family.”

Johnson’s business background was in newspapers. He is the former publisher of The Elkhorn Independent and was General Manager of Rock Valley Publishing.“My business management experience and knowledge of our community will remain an asset in making sound board decisions,” Johnson said.“The future challenges for our township are more complex and numerous than ever before with the best pathways not always clearly marked.”

Johnson has been involved in numerous community service organizations and different local government offices. He has worked regularly with the County Clerk, County Assessor, County Treasurer and Board of Elections. Community service ranges from working on various committees of the Newspaper Association, Rockton Chamber of Commerce, (now Stateline) as a former Vice President and has served many years as a board member-secretary of the Parks Chamber of Commerce. Additionally he was on Parks Economic Development Corporation board, Charter Vice President of Elkhorn Optimist Club, served on the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce Board, and was Treasurer of the Elkhorn Commercial Development board.

Johnson supports all operations of the Township. “I am very proud of the aid the Township provides to our residents through the general welfare assistance.“It is important that we support our residents’ concerns over future developments and annexations. It is imperative that we attract the leadership talent that our Township has to offer. I am ready to accept the new challenges a trustee must react to in our fast paced society. I will continue to be a strong advocate for the residents of Rockton Township. ““I greatly appreciate the opportunity to present this to you and would greatly appreciate your vote,” Johnson said.

Constance Gleasman

Gleasman is a lifelong resident of Rockton Township. “I decided to run because I feel that I could be a positive addition to the board with the knowledge that I have of vast and various aspects of the community. “My goals are to follow guidelines set by the State of Illinois to make sure we are performing those tasks; there are limitations. There are things that can help a board attain these goals,” Gleasman said. “Resources are available for the purposes intended. “I don’t believe that any one person serving the people should have an agenda. We must abide by the law. Gleasman has owned her own business working as painting contractor for 38 years. She is an active member of Macktown Living History working on different events and has been a 4-H leader for 28 years. She is also a member of Rockton Township Historical Society.

Ricarda Gomes-Moore

Moore is running on the premise of financial, physical, and mental health of our community. “This should be our main concern during such difficult times, “Moore said.”“I hope to see our local businesses bounce back from a year that can easily be described as devastating for a majority of residents. We need to continue to encourage our community to support each other as much as possible. I would also love to see our beautiful parks receive the promotion they deserve. As we all know, getting outside and going for a walk can help with depression and improve physical and mental health. We are fortunate to have an abundance of paths to hike in our hidden parks. “

“After attending multiple township meetings I noticed several of the citizens were experiencing the same issues I came across. The common issue was the lack of information availability. There were a few different suggestions during the meetings, but to me, it was obvious that what we need is a website. I know this is something that I can get done and it will solve so many problems. It’s been attempted in the past but has yet to be achieved. “I am a highly goal-driven person and a problem solver by nature. I hope to use those skills to do well in our community and get the next generation involved.” “Most people know me as Rickie, Moore said. “I’ve spent the majority of my life in Rockton Township. I’m a third-generation graduate from Hononegah High School (2005), and I work there now in Special Education; every day can be so unpredictable, but always rewarding.”

Moore is a former board member of Pink Heals Winnebago County. “We help support men, women, and children who live within our community with financial needs while fighting cancer.” I was able to learn and grow a substantial amount from the selfless and passionate people that I worked with during that time.” “Besides helping people, my other passion is kickboxing and mixed martial arts, where I competed for over a decade and succeeded in winning regional, national, and world titles. I’m currently coaching at Delarosa Submission Wrestling in Roscoe. I don’t plan on fighting again, but I love teaching little kids discipline and women how to defend them.”Ricarda is married to Ryan Moore. They have a seven year old daughter and loving pets.