Meet Roscoe Rising in the community.
"If you want to know what's needed you have to know what's wanted."
Pointing to a vision of strategic growth, commercial development, and stable municipal taxes, the local candidate slate "Roscoe Rising" launched its campaign for the spring 2027 Village of Roscoe Board election with its first community meet-and-greet event.
The gathering marks the beginning of a fall listening tour designed to bring the candidates directly into Roscoe’s diverse neighborhoods.
Building on the momentum of a previous slate campaign—which included a notable performance by candidate Teresa Skridla, who secured more than 200 write-in votes—the group emphasized the strength of running as a unified team with aligned municipal goals.
"If you want to know what's needed, you have to know what's wanted," shared Mike Wright, current village trustee and candidate for village president, anchoring their platform on direct resident feedback.
Chasing Commercial Growth, Protecting Taxpayers A central theme of the forum was expanding Roscoe's commercial footprint to keep retail dollars local. Candidates highlighted a community desire for more restaurants and shops along Main Street, noting that residents frequently travel to neighboring Beloit or Loves Park for dining and entertainment. Among the ideas floated for commercial infrastructure were unique dining concepts, including rooftop restaurants.
The slate argued that smart commercial growth is the most effective shield against rising property taxes, especially as state funding allocations continue to dwindle year after year. By building up the local business tax base, the candidates aim to keep municipal tax rates down while simultaneously supporting existing local businesses, such as Forest City Gears, to help them thrive and stay rooted in Roscoe.
Acknowledging the high demand driven by the prestigious Hononegah Community High School district, the candidates addressed the village's current housing shortage. However, they cautioned against reckless expansion, advocating instead for a "controlled, strategic growth" model.
"Other communities are growing, so we want to grow in concert with them, not in competition," the group noted.
The slate expressed a readiness to confront major infrastructure projects and significant municipal investments rather than shying away from them, promising rigorous examination of every dollar spent.
Adorning their campaign in bright yellow, the candidates explained that the color choice was deliberate, meant to signal the energy, community involvement, and positive vibe they hope to bring to village governance.
Residents looking to connect with the candidates or find out when the listening tour will hit their neighborhood are encouraged to follow the "Roscoe Rising" page on Facebook for updates on upcoming neighborhood stops and future business forums.
*Editors Note: As of this writing not other candidates have declared that they are running for any positions for the spring 2027 Village of Roscoe Board.
