Why I’m Seeking Re-Election

It has been an honor to serve as your Alderman over the past four years. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of standing beside you in your homes, churches, businesses, and at countless community events. I have fully dedicated myself to advocating for South Rockford, often making personal sacrifices to secure the resources and investments our community deserves.

One of the most significant accomplishments of my first term is securing the $400 million+ Barber Colman (Colman Yards) redevelopment, the largest redevelopment in our city’s history. This transformative project will bring new jobs, housing, and businesses to South Rockford, fueling a brighter future for our community. From the very beginning, I was deeply involved in making this vision a reality. I organized two ward meetings, ensuring residents had the opportunity to voice their perspectives, ask questions, and directly engage in the planning process. Over two challenging years, I remained fully engaged at every turn, advocating, and fighting relentlessly for this project on the council floor. Now, as of November 2023, construction has officially begun. What was once a symbol of pain in South Rockford now stands as a beacon of hope, marking the start of a new era for the 5th Ward.

In 2020, I ran on the slogan Southside No Longer Left Behind to address the long-standing feelings of neglect in our ward. Too often, our community felt overlooked while other parts of the city progressed. Today, thanks to our hard work and your support, we’re no longer fighting simply to keep up; we’re building a new future. With projects like the Colman Yards redevelopment, enhanced neighborhood programs, and unprecedented public infrastructure investments, we’re transforming the 5th Ward into a place of opportunity, pride, and growth. My new campaign slogan, “Building A New Future” reflects this shift. We are no longer just ensuring we’re not left behind; we’re laying the foundation for a South Rockford that thrives on its own terms. We’re not just laying the groundwork for a thriving South Rockford, we’re positioning the 5th Ward community to lead the way forward.

As a third-generation South Rockford resident, this journey is deeply personal for me. I know how deeply my neighbors love South Rockford and share the desire to see it reach its fullest potential. I’ve seen firsthand the resilience, strength, and pride that define our community. Together, we’ve made strides in public art, revitalized neighborhoods, and sparked economic development, building real momentum for our future. Yet, our work is far from done. I’m running for re-election to continue this progress: to secure more resources, create new partnerships, utilize the many relationships I’ve cultivated, and expand programs that benefit every resident. South Rockford deserves leadership that shares its love for the community and is committed to turning that love into action.

Investing in our people and neighborhoods builds lasting hope and opportunity. The progress we've made so far is just the start. With your support, we’ll keep advancing a more connected 5th Ward that’s essential to the city of Rockford’s future. Together, let’s keep building and moving forward toward the Rockford we all deserve.

I hope you will stand with me and Vote Torina, Tuesday, February 25, 2025 to continue on as Alderwoman of Rockford’s 5th Ward.