Story by Jocelyn Martinez-Rosales
ROCKFORD, Ill (WIFR)— A bittersweet business address was given by Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. The mayor focused on three major issues during his speech including economic development, strengthening neighborhoods and public safety.
Public safety took spotlight as the Mayor says it’s still his top priority.
“We know we have a lot more work to do, there is ’no mission accomplished’ banner behind me, it is our top priority and we are going to continue to treat is as our top priority,” says McNamara.
The strategy in place to maximize public safety includes investing into the police force by equipping them with updated technology, collaborating with the local, state and federal departments and creating a family justice center.
A family justice center would help with the domestic violence Rockford is facing.
“Domestic violence makes up 5% of our violent crime in the entire city and it makes up 75% of all juvenile crime, from children who came from homes that domestic violence was prevalent,” says McNamara.
Through collaboration and partnership with multiple agencies and organizations, the Mayor also announced a 14% decline in the violent crime and 21% reduction in shots fired within a year.
The Mayor is confident that with new initiatives, the community will continue to see progress.
In order to keep on strengthening communities, there are plans to replace current street lights with LED lights. The city is also looking into placing a plan that would improve the transportation system,
Budgetary concerns were also a topic of discussion. With a forecast that the city could potentially run out of money, the national resource network met with the city to help develop a budget.
“They have some big issues over a long period of time to address and the key for them is to start taking recommendations that came from that consulting group and committee that reviewed the recommendations and start moving forward,” says President and CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Einar K Forsman.
However, McNamara is confident that through continued work and community engagement, the city will continue to more towards improvement. .
“We have a plan, we have the right leadership and we are making progress in that plan,” says McNamara.