Meet the District 7 candidates: Michelle Lewis

Michelle Lewis and Paul Arena are running for the District 7 seat on the Winnebago County Board of Trustees in the June 28 Republican primary. All the seats are up for election this fall.

District 7, which includes part of Roscoe and much of Machesney Park, has no Democratic candidate. So the winner of the Republican primary will represent District 7.

On the County map, District 7 is colored "pale chestnut" and includes Argyle, Swanson Park, Rock Cut State Park, Kieselberg Forest Preserve, and Roland Olson Forest Preserve. Some of its boundaries are N. 2nd Street, Forest Hills Road, N. Perryville Road, Broadcast Parkway,  Lovesee Road, Orth Road, and Argyle Road on the Boone County line. It also includes Sophia's Restaurant, Casey's, Stateline Family YMCA, Culver's, Main Street Meat,  AMC Machesney 14 Theaters, OSF Rock Cut Hospital, Woodward, Zenith Cutter, and Peak Sports Club.

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Michelle Lewis

What are your qualifications for the Winnebago County Board of Trustees?

I have been a Winnebago County resident for over 20 years and my husband is a lifelong county resident. I am an open minded voter who will listen to my constituents.

Why are you running?

I want people to be proud of Winnebago County and I want progress. Progress in Safety, Progress in Small Business Development, and Progress in Infrastructure. There is so much opportunity for growth that becomes stalled because of politics. There are opportunities being lost and I want to move those things forward. Due diligence is important but for the community interests not individual interests.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I hope to work with all of my fellow board members, my neighbors, and the leaders of our communities, on individual issues with forward momentum. I am not here to make a name for myself I am here to make a difference. I want people to have a nice safe place to live. I want business to be celebrated in our community. I want Winnebago County to be an attractive place for people to visit.

What are the reasons that people should vote for you?

I will listen, I will be honest, and I will act with integrity. I don't believe this is complicated, it may seem very simple but those are the only reasons you should vote for me. We need to get back to the basics.
I am a second generation business owner currently training the third generation. I am here to stay! I love my God, my family, my community, and my country. That is the foundation of who I am. In the next few months I will be campaigning to meet as many of you as possible to earn your vote!