This Rockford teenager wants to revitalize the city's west side by running for office

ROCKFORD — A local teen with a vision to revitalize Rockford's west side has thrown his hat into the political ring.

Tamir Bell, 18, is running for precinct committeeperson in Rockford’s 13th Ward and says he will redefine the position.

Typically, the primary role of a precinct committeeperson is to act as a conduit between a political party and voters. Running as a Democrat, Bell says he will carry out that role by being more available to residents and other elected officials.

“I will work with community leaders to bring the needed resources back to our community,” Bell said. “I believe collaboration is the key to building stronger neighborhoods.”

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Bell lives in the 13th Ward and attended Auburn High School for two years. He graduated from Lutheran High School in 2021 and is currently attending Rock Valley College. From Rock Valley, Bell plans to go to Rockford University or Northern Illinois University and pursue a degree in public administration.

Bell said he decided to run for office after talking with Rockford residents and hearing a common concern that their voices aren’t being heard.

“I plan to work tirelessly to advocate for my fellow neighbors with not only our local leaders but also our Democratic Party,” he said.

Bell’s efforts have not gone unnoticed among local officials. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara calls him a leader — not of tomorrow but one of today.

"He will do an exceptional job as precinct committeeperson," McNamara said. "Every time I am at an event that is helping citizens of Rockford improve their lives, Tamir is always there. Whether it is in their neighborhoods or through a nonprofit organization or even helping their business grow, I always see Tamir there."

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Rockford Ald. Janessa Wilkins, D-7, agrees, saying Bell is already making the right contacts to make the city a better place.

“He is connected to our youth and serves as a leader in our community who has shown that he is intentional about helping lead our neighborhoods in Rockford to their true potential,” Wilkins said.

State representative Maurice West, D-Rockford, said he’s watched Bell grow into someone who embraces the value of helping others.

“That same value is what voters expect in their elected officials,” West said. “I believe Tamir will bring a level of tenacity that hasn’t been seen in a precinct committeeperson in quite some time.”

When he’s not studying or campaigning, Bell works as the head of visual content and community engagement for his family’s business, Evolution Digital Marketing.

He also coached football and basketball at Eisenhower Middle School this season, taking the eighth-grade basketball team to the IESA tournament, where they finished fourth in the state in Class 4A. The effort earned Bell an IBCA Coach of the Year Award.

The coaching award is just one in a growing list of honors for the up-and-coming Bell. In addition to receiving a Rockford Register Star Young American Award, he was named the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Rockford Area Arts Council’s Ambassador of the Year, and the NAACP’s Young Advocate of the Year — all before his 19th birthday.

Rockford’s 13th Ward is represented on city council by Democrat Linda McNeely. She could not be reached for comment.

The primary election is June 28. Bell is running unopposed.

Jim Hagerty: jhagerty@rrstar.com; @jimhagerty

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford teen Tamir Bell wants to help west side voices be heard