Meet John Guevara: candidate for Roscoe Township Highway Commissioner

John Guevara is running for Roscoe Township Highway Commissioner in the April 1 election. Check out all our candidate profiles in our expanded 2025 Election Guide for Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit.

Why did you decide to run?

I believe the 75 miles of our township roads and highways are important for more than just “transportation.” Roads and highways are important for public safety purposes too.

A few years ago my son had a seizure. If the ambulance had taken an extra 10 minutes because of poorly plowed roads, it could have had a permanent impact on his life. I take the maintenance, repair and clearing of our roads personally. The faster an ambulance, fire truck, or police squad can make it to our homes in an emergency, the better it is for all of us.

 When I was told by Bob Nowicki that there were some concerns about equipment maintenance and road repair at the township highway department, I knew I had to take action.

Tell us about your background and accomplishments that you bring to the table.

I have 8 years experience on the County Board. My last term ended in December 2024. During my time on the Board, I served on the Public Works, Zoning, Finance, and Administrative Committees. I also chaired the Public Safety Committee. 

In my last term we replaced Elevator Road. In eight years I never voted for a tax increase. My public service record is excellent.

What do you hope to accomplish in this office in the future?

I spent some time discussing the Township Highway Department with Matt Servant, our former highway commissioner. Then I spoke with Township Supervisor Bob Nowicki. I came away from those discussions believing we need to implement a comprehensive maintenance program. Four Township vehicles have broken down and been rusting in the yard. Three others broke down this year, requiring significant, expensive repairs. We can’t run vehicles into the ground and just park them indefinitely once they break down. We need to make sure the vehicles can get on the road so residents can drive to work, buses can make it to school, and our first responders can respond as soon as possible.

We need better communication with the public. There should be public announcements of parking ordinances with every major snowfall, through email, website, social media and press releases. All road repair projects should be publicly announced so drivers can prepare. The schedule of road repair projects should be public. Currently the website only shows the projects from 2018. I will always answer the phone with courtesy and respect, day or night.

Why should people vote for you?

I have a quarter century business career helping people. I have served our community in the county board. I have served as a board member on The Literacy Council and La Voz Latina. I am endorsed by former Roscoe Township Highway Commissioner Matt Servant, Congressman Darin LaHood, State Senator Andrew Chesney, State Representative John Cabello, State Senator Dave Syverson, State Representative Joe Sosnowski, Sheriff Gary Caruana, County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli, State’s Attorney J Hanley, County Board Member and Republican Caucus Leader Paul Arena, and County Board Members, Brad Lindmark, Ray Thompson, and Jim Webster. I will give you my very best.