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Forum allowed public to meet candidates running for village, school boards
MARIANNE MUELLER PHOTO The Herald
Members of Hononegah Community High School’s Student Council and Key Club helped to organize a Meet the Candidates forum on March 22, prior to the 2023 election. The event was organized by the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford. It was co-sponsored by Hononegah Community High School, District 207’s Student Council and Key Club, and Go Vote 815.
Ahead of the 2023 April 4 election Rockton residents were welcomed to a forum that was held on Wednesday, March 22 at the Greater Rockton Centre. The event was organized by the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford. It was co-sponsored by Hononegah Community High School, District 207’s Student Council and Key Club, and Go Vote 815.
League of Women Voters member Christine Haeggquist served as the Moderator of the event. She recognized everyone who worked together to bring the event to life. Haeggquist thanked Rockton Township for the use of the Greater Rockton Centre.
“This event was organized to have everyone work together and to inspire everyone to have a choice, a vote and to map out the future,” Haeggquist said.
Tonight’s event is non-partition and every candidate involved was invited to come; some had a conflict and were unable to be here.”
All seven candidates running for Village of Rockton Trustee seats were at the event, as well as all candidates who were running for the Hononegah Community High School board, with the exception of candidate Brian Huff.
Candidates who are running for Rockton Village Trustee and the HCHS Board of Education were invited to speak for three minutes. Candidates were called up in alphabetical order.
Seven candidates were running for three seats on the Rockton Village Board of Trustees – Incumbent – Dan Baumgartner, Angela Ketelsen, Incumbent – Jodi May, Nicole Roggenbuck, Incumbent – Tyler Seever Jamin Unger and Dave Winters.
Eight candidates ran for three seats on the school board: Incumbent – Gayle Haab, Nadine Kelley, Incumbent – David Kurlinkus, Incumbent – Mary Lewis, Jenny Maragia, Incumbent – Evan Schoepski, and Joan Zimmerman. Running on the same slate on 1,2, 3 tickets are David Kurlinkus, Evan Shoepski and Mary Lewis. On different slates were Nadine Kelley, Jenny Maragia, and Joan Zimmerman.
Gayle Haab ran for an additional two-year term on the board. Brian Huff ran independently.
Each candidate outlined their personal background, reasons why they are running for office, volunteer work, and their vision for each board they are seeking a seat on. A few of the candidates who are running for Hononegah High School’s Board of Education endorsed candidates who are running under, 1, 2, and 3 on the ballot.
Following the introduction portion the candidates went to assigned tables where they held a Meet and Greet with the public. In addition to speaking with candidates, written information was available.
Beyond candidates who were on sight, representatives of candidates running for the Rock Valley College Board of Trustees were on hand.
Rockton resident Kristen Simpson was among candidates running for a Trustee position on the Rock Valley College board. The Simpsons have a son who is in the process of registering to take classes at RVC. Simpson is a supporter of RVC’s Starlight Theater.
Simpson ran to help assure that the college makes sound fundamental business decisions to help avoid any decline in student enrollment. “Branding and marketing in the right direction, ensuring that local students’ needs are met, while ensuring that special interests are not a factor in any decision making.
Though she was unable to attend the forum, RVC Board Chair Gloria Cardenas Cudia was on hand to pass out information on Simpson and other candidates.
An estimated 85 people were in attendance at the forum.
