Scott’s Vision for Winnebago County

Attracting New Businesses

A champion of economic development for the county, Chairman Christiansen quickly recognized the value of area cooperation and built a partnership with our city and village leaders. This collaborative initiative stimulated 3,500 new jobs. Most recently, Christiansen proudly announced Chemtool's planned relocation to Winnebago County, which will bring $50 million in economic development and up to 550 jobs. Infrastructure provides the foundation for economic expansion, so Scott's put a priority on a long-term 2030 Land Resource Management Plan, strategic road and sewer improvements, and the Rail Authority project.

Planning for future growth requires the foresight to think progressively and act responsibly. With the initiation of Freedom Field, an alternative energy center located at the Chicago Rockford International Airport, Christiansen steers Winnebago County ahead conscientiously. The cost savings of alternative energy will boost the bottom lines of existing businesses as well as attract new industry to the county. Manufacturing has long been the core of the county, and Scott will continue to cultivate this strength while at the same time aggressively promoting the county’s potential to become an Aerospace hub.

Education

"Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it," a fitting charge for the Rockford School District from children’s rights activist Marian Wright Edelman. Scott spearheaded Winnebago County's cooperation with the city of Rockford to battle what regrettably has come to be the worst truancy issue statewide.

While Christiansen is off to a strong start, a problem this large takes a sizeable and multifaceted approach. Deflating the 50% dropout rate is an obvious priority as those underserved by the school system often resurface as a tax burden through the justice system. Chairman Christiansen has committed himself to the Leadership Council of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council to investigate innovative solutions such as restructuring school governance or implementing charter schools. Such models have proved successful nationwide. However, improvement necessitates accountability, and accountability demands a community-wide effort.

Rail Authority

Christiansen's tracking forward with his Rail Authority initiative, making way for improved freight rail lines that will attract new business to the area. By working with legislators down state, Scott secured the Rail Authority as an extension of the Chicago Rockford International Airport. With Winnebago County's central access to regional transportation routes, improved rail infrastructure has the potential to position the airport as an invaluable hub. The Rail Authority is a key link to economic expansion. As Christiansen puts it, "If it is good for business, it means it is good for a robust job market."