Rockford needs a mayor who is actively involved in the major issues affecting the city. The mayor should understand how city departments operate, know how public money is being used, and be willing to ask difficult questions when programs are not producing results.
The mayor must also be a convener. City government cannot solve every problem by itself, but it can bring together residents, businesses, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and other government agencies to pursue common goals.
Establish clear priorities for every city department.
Require measurable objectives and regular progress reports.
Review programs that repeatedly fail to demonstrate results.
Make department leaders accountable for performance.
Hold regular public forums in neighborhoods throughout Rockford.
Work with people across the political spectrum when cooperation benefits the city.
Leadership begins with being present, listening to residents, and accepting responsibility for results.
