Leaders seek restoration of powers to Winnebago County Board Chairman

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury are joining forces in hopes of restoring powers to the Winnebago County Chairman that were stripped from the position during the tenure of prior Chairman Frank Haney.

In 2019, after a contentious relationship with the County Board, Haney sued in federal court, claiming the board passed several ordinances that stripped him of powers, including the ability to speak at board meetings.

One of the issues, at the time, was reports that Hanley had harassed a former county administrator.

In his lawsuit, Haney argued that he was essentially terminated mid-term, without voter approval. Seven ordinances were passed that either eliminated or changed the chairman’s duties.

Board members defended the decision, saying it was necessary to “deal with specific situations.”

Joe Chiarelli was elected in 2020 and currently serves as Winnebago County Board Chairman, having won re-election in 2024.

“The people of Winnebago County, simply put, they voted for a chairman. They deserve a chairman, and not just a team mascot,” McNamara said Tuesday. “They deserve a leader, with real authority to manage staff, to implement vision, and to deliver results. But a small number of elected officials, over the years, have gutted this important and critical office.”