Former Juvenile Detention Center boss looking to retain Winnebago County Board seat
Nine-year Winnebago County Board member Joe Hoffman is trying to fend off a challenge by David Peyton to represent District 10 residents.
The southeast side district is roughly bordered by North Alpine Road to the east, Ninth Street to the west, East State Street to the north and Harrison Avenue to the south.
Hoffman, who serves as the board's democratic caucus leader, is a former superintendent of the Winnebago County Juvenile Detention Center. He identified public safety, infrastructure and River Bluff Nursing Home as his top concerns.
Peyton, a Republican, declined to respond to a questionnaire emailed to all of the candidates seeking county offices.
Name: Joe C. Hoffman
Age: 73
Family: Wife, Karen Hoffman; six adult children, grandchildren and great grandchildren
Residence: Rockford
Education: Bachelor of arts from Northern Illinois University
Profession: Former superintendent of Winnebago County Juvenile Detention Center. Started as a youth correctional worker and advanced to superintendent.
Memberships and associations: AFSCME Retirees Union (former AFSCME union organizer for my department) American Legion and VFW.
Political experience: Nine-year Winnebago County Board member
Endorsements: Northwestern Ill. Building Trades, Plumber & Pipe Fitters #23, IBEW #364, Carpenters Local #792, Operators #150, Sheet Metal Workers Local #219, Iron Workers # 498, AFSCME Council 31, and UAW
What are the top three issues in your race and how do you plan to address them if elected?
Public Safety: The number one concern impacting all of Winnebago County is crime and its impact on private citizens, economic opportunities and development. Therefore, it is my intention that the sheriff's department be properly funded, and officers appropriately trained. This is crucial for our community. Also, it is not only crime that is an issue but lawless driving as well. Therefore, I partnered with the city of Rockford and provided flashing feedback speed signs at Broadway and Wesleyan, two of the worst streets in my district for those abusing speed limits. In addition, I am using funds allocated to me to provide Ring Doorbell/cameras with no upfront costs to the homeowner if they agree to work with the local police and provide necessary video when requested. My focus is to create safer neighborhoods for all.
Infrastructure: We need to dedicate additional and long-term revenue toward maintaining our roads and bridges. We need to work on developing safe multi-purpose paths. We need to utilize our county buildings to their full potential so as to save money. Developing safe and inviting roads, bridges, and multi-purpose paths are critical for enticing economic development another very important issue for the county.
River Bluff Nursing Home: There are many seniors in Winnebago County who will need to rely on either Medicare or Medicaid for nursing home care. There are not enough beds in many of the private homes to accommodate our citizens, consequently, seniors face the threat of being placed hours away from their families. There are wings at River Bluff that are closed because the nursing home cannot find enough staff to maintain them. The reason is the low pay for the necessary personnel. Citizens of this county voted 68% in favor of taking actions to make and keep River Bluff viable for our citizens. Therefore, I will continue to work toward providing the proper funding to support the home and pay the wages needed to attract adequate staffing.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Winnebago County Board Joe Hoffman David Peyton Rockford
