Ronnie Bush - CB candidate - District B (incumbent)
Contact:
629 E. Pleasant St.
Freeport, IL 61032
815-238-8530
Link to video LWV Meet and Greet Introduction, (2 minutes), January 30, 2024
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
I started my political career in 1989 and was elected to the Freeport city council representing the Third Ward for 22 years. I was voted to the Stephenson County Board of District B in 2016 and am still serving District B. District B of the county and the city's third ward are similar, so it wasn't hard to move from city council to county board.
I’ve retired from Kelly Springfield Tire/Goodyear/Titan Tire for 34 years as an employee. I’m a school bus driver of 10 years and served as union president of the transportation department.
I’m one of the longest-tenured Freeport High School Football team coaches. I have served on numerous boards throughout Freeport and currently serve on the NAACP and Freeport Stephenson County Boys and Girls Club boards.
I’m a proud 1971 graduate of Freeport High School and a proud graduate of the Inaugural class of the Highland Community College Leadership Institute.
In 1992 was awarded the Stephenson County Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award and was the founder of the original Back to School Celebration, celebrating 30 years this year. This event annually provides backpacks and school supplies to more than 500 school-age children.
I made a run for Mayor in 2021, and although unsuccessful, the experience I gained and the information I ascertained from citizens was invaluable.
I’m also a 32nd-degree Mason, serving as Past Master and Deputy District Grand Lecturer.
Assisting with Crime Prevention
Over the years, I have worked with the previous Police chief by going out in the community to talk with known gang members to end gun violence in our streets. I plan to take the same approach and reignite this effort with Freeport’s current Police Chief.
County Board Experience
Since being on the county board, I have served as vice chair of the planning and development committee and on the nursing home committee. Now, I am chairman of the court service committee, which oversees the circuit clerk, judicial department, jury commission, probation and court service, public defender’s office, and state attorney office.
I also sit on the finance committee, which oversees the county's finances.
As an active member of the nursing home committee, I can assure each of you that I will continue to advocate for the residents' and organization’s well-being.
So, as you can see, once I get involved, I don’t give up. My persistence stems from a deep love for Freeport. Being a lifelong city resident, I have never left or moved away. My family has a history of working in the city of Freeport. My father was the second African American police officer in Freeport, hired in 1959, and my brother was the first African American fire inspector.
What will be lost?
If my re-election campaign is unsuccessful, the County Board and the residents of District B will lose a wealth of knowledge of how county government works. They would lose an individual who understands the in-depth nuances of the issues and has been working diligently with other board members to rectify those issues. Neither our District nor the County Board can afford to lose time on the learning curve; there are far too many issues to be addressed to wait for someone to be up to speed. A setback at this time would be detrimental to our progress as a board thus far.
Is there more work to be done? Of course, there is. Is there more that I could do? Of course, there is.
What could I improve upon?
I want to communicate better with the constituents of District B to inform them of what is happening with the county government and how our decisions affect them.
Conduct consistent meetings with the alderperson of the third ward and my counterpart in District B to work together and formulate plans to help better our respective areas.
Continue fighting to save Walnut Acres (Stephenson Nursing Home)
Working with local elected and appointed officials to enhance Public Safety, not just in District B but also in the city of Freeport and throughout Stephenson County
I would appreciate your vote to continue supporting you, not any party.
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