Meet the candidates for Winnebago County District 7

With no Democratic candidate, the District 7 seat on the Winnebago County Board of Trustees will be filled by either Paul Arena, the incumbent, or Michelle Lewis, the challenger, who are running in the March 17 Republican primary.

District 7, has no Democratic candidate. So the winner of the Republican primary will represent District 7.

On the Winnebago County map, District 7 is colored purple and covers part of eastern Roscoe and much of Machesney Park. It includes 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.

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 was a lifelong resident of the county. 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.

What else would you like to say?

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 early 2023, my husband had a severe stroke causing him to lose his ability to walk, talk and feed himself so I had to pivot my life to be a full time caregiver and due to a tough transportation market we decided to close our family trucking business. This past October my husband passed away. I will forever be grateful that I had the time I was able to care for him. I am so excited to serve as a Winnebago County Board member.

Paul Arena

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

I am the current representative of District 7.  Prior to joining the board, I gained years of experience working as an advocate for the housing industry at both the local and state level.  I entered the board with a deep understanding of the legislative process.

After my first two years on the board, I was honoured to be appointed the Chairman of the Republican Caucus. As the leader of the majority party, I have worked hard to create a cooperative and productive working environment among all board members.

I came to Winnebago County 36 years ago after graduating from college to work in the manufacturing industry.  My career in manufacturing gives me an understanding of one of the foundations of our local economy.

After my time in manufacturing, I returned to the work I had performed while in college and began purchasing and restoring abandoned properties.  I have been involved in the construction industry for over 30 years now.  That experience has been valuable in managing the millions of dollars the County spends in mainting our facialties. 

After restoration of the properties, I rented them out.  As a housing provider, I witnessed first-hand the impact public policy can have on the lives of families in Winnebago County.  Because of that experience I am always mindful of how the legislation I vote on will impact the people who it affects.

My educational background, my work experience, my experience in government advocacy, and my success as the current representative, make me qualified to continue to represent the people of District 7.

Why are you running?

In the past 4 years, the county board had many accomplishments. We have invested in roads and infrastructure, we have held the line on property taxes, we have stabilized the finances and operation of the River Bluff nursing home, we have expanded and improved our animal services facility, and we have invested in equipment and technology for law enforcement.   

Also, we are currently completing the restoration of the Public Safety Building.  This building had been mostly vacant and a drain on County resources for many years.   Now it is being put back to use. The first two floors as a Family Court facility, with associated services for survivors of domestic violence, and the upper two floors ready for future use.   This project is the largest building construction project the County has done since the Criminal Justice Center.  It is on track to be completed on time and 5 million dollars below initial cost estimates. 

I am running for re-election because I have enjoyed the work and believe I can continue to add to our list of accomplisments.  County Government is working well to protect tax payers and provide the services we all depend on.  I am proud of the work my collegues and I have done on the Board.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

While serving on the Board, I have focused on ensuring that tax dollars are not wasted, holding the line on taxes, investing in our roads and public safety, and growing our local economy.   

If re-elected, I intend to continue to fight for taxpayers, improve our roads, support law enforcement and work to attract business to our region.  Keeping crime down, taxes low, and mainting our roads are critically important to our economic growth.

What are the reasons that people should vote for you?

I have devoted myself to the job of County Board member. I have worked hard, promptly responded to my consituitncts, gained the respect of my colleagues on the Board and have produced a positive result for the people I represent. 

If re-elected, I will continue to be dedicated to be an effective Board member.