Winnebago County board candidates identify public safety as one of top priorities
The Winnebago County Board District 2 race features two Rockton residents, incumbent Jim Webster, a republican, against political newcomer Lindsey Lancaster, a democrat.
District 2 includes communities in the northwestern reaches of the county such as Rockton, South Beloit and Shirland. Lancaster said residents are concerned about corruption among elected officials, Chemtool fallout, and sustained funding for River Bluff Nursing Home.
Webster said public safety, maintaining a balanced budget and maintenance of county roads are the top issues.
We asked the candidates the biggest issues they'd face if elected and how they'd address them. Here's a closer look at the candidates.
Name: Lindsey Lancaster
Age: 35
Family: Husband, Mike; two children, Nora, 7, and Timothy, 1
Residence: Rockton
Education: Graduated from Rochelle Township High School, attended NIU from 2005 to 2007.
Profession: Office administrator at the Old Stone Church in Rockton.
Memberships and associations: Old Stone Church member, Rockton Food Pantry volunteer, Girl Scouts Troop 384 Leader, and Rockton 140 PTO board member.
Political experience: I have not previously run for or held elected office.
Endorsements: Sheet Metal Workers Local 219, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 23, Ironworkers Local 498, AFSCME Council 31, and Northwestern Illinois Building Trades Unions.
What are the top three issues in your race and how do you plan to address them if elected?
Accountability: One of the top issues I hear about from voters is why it took the county so long to stop the coroner from stealing. Over a year after the coroner was first indicted, the county finally locked him out of his office and took away his access to county accounts. During that year of inaction, the coroner continued to steal, while county board members claimed there was nothing they could do. Eventually, the board figured out they could do something, and they did it. Ten months later, the coroner was convicted and forced by law to resign. As a member of the Winnebago County Board, I’ll do absolutely everything within my power to hold all county officials to a higher standard, especially those who control taxpayer dollars.
Public safety: Many folks in District 2 continue to be concerned about the long-term effects of the Chemtool disaster. They know the safety of residents was not the number one priority of local officials in that situation. Residents want to bring new industries here, but they’re not confident local officials will ensure it will be done safely. Our good schools and talented workforce can be used to attract new industry, without threatening the health of our families. I’ll work to bring safe, well-paying jobs to northwest Winnebago County, while demanding strict adherence to all safety guidelines, including the EPA’s new Risk Management Program rules. Whenever possible, I’ll fight to improve county industrial safety ordinances, as well as push municipal and state leaders to improve industrial safety protections.
River Bluff Nursing Home: Since the evolution of River Bluff began in 1853 with the founding of the Winnebago County Poor Farm, the county has utilized this space to care for our most vulnerable. In June, 62% of voters supported placing the home on a firm foundation by providing sustainable funding. In September, the county board rejected the will of the voters and opted for yet another temporary fix. I support continuing our long tradition of caring for vulnerable seniors by ensuring sufficient funding for River Bluff Nursing Home.
Name: Jim Webster
Age: 71
Family: Wife, Sue
Residence: Rockton
Education: East High, community college
Profession: Retired
Memberships and associations: Farm Bureau, NRA, ISRA
Political experience: Shirland Township Planning Commission, ZBA, County Board, District 2 Representative.
Endorsements: Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana, state Rep. District 90 candidate John Cabello, state Rep. Andrew Chesney, Durand Village President Sheila Hoffman, Rockton Township Supervisor Paul Williams, Rockton Village President John Peterson
What are the top three issues in your race and how do you plan to address them if elected?
Public Safety: Due to the rampant levels of crime, I will work closely with the sheriff's department and the State's Attorney's Office to address these issues of criminal activity.
The economy: This year we have a truly balanced budget, and I will work on repeating it in the following years.
Roads: Serving on the Public Works Committee, we have strived to keep our roads maintained properly. Starting last year, we began a new path for re-building all of our rural roads to a higher standard and I aim to keep up the momentum. All of this while repairing and rebuilding numerous small projects as well.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Jim Webster Lindsey Lancaster Winnebago County Board District 2 seat
