POINT ONE: I will donate my entire mayoral salary to support schools, infrastructure, and community projects in Rockford.
If elected, Danny Helmer will donate 100% of his mayoral salary, amounting to $155,000 annually, to support schools, infrastructure, and community projects in Rockford. Helmer believes this amount is too massive for a mayoral position and is committed to giving every penny back to benefit the residents of Rockford.
Helmer will donate his salary to local charities that directly benefit the city of Rockford. He will donate to places like the Rockford Rescue Mission and the Lazarus House to secure meals and clothing for the homeless, as well as organizations like Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful to ensure environmental friendliness. These donations will occur throughout Helmer’s entire 4-year term as mayor, if elected.
POINT TWO: Tackle the crime rate in a new way.
The crime rate has decreased, but there is still room for improvement. Helmer’s approach tackles crime by addressing its root causes—expanding access to quality education through increased funding for schools, and reducing poverty by improving job availability in Rockford (Point 7). Targeted police presence in high-crime areas will ensure a decrease in crime. Working with local groups and using data to guide decisions like crime trends, community needs, and police response times will focus where they’re needed most and create a safer, more stable community while keeping trust between law enforcement and residents.
POINT THREE: Use the mayoral office to impact and influence legislation in Illinois.
Rockford has a population of around 140,000, making it the 5th most populous city in Illinois. When Helmer gets into office, he will use the mayoral office to influence legislation in Illinois to better impact the city through the state as a whole. Helmer will work with other cities in Illinois to build a coalition that understands our shared problems as Illinoisians. Standing alongside other cities can help address issues in a flexible manner.
Helmer will also build strong relationships with state legislators, the governor, and senators to ensure that Rockford feels involved within the Illinois government as a whole, making our voices heard on the city’s issues.
POINT FOUR: Make Rockford a place to stay by tackling our economic challenges head-on.
People are leaving Rockford, and that’s a fact. It’s not just residents—certain businesses are closing down due to economic challenges. Helmer believes we must focus on keeping local businesses active in our city while simultaneously ensuring that the economy is strong enough to support them. By providing more job opportunities in our city, and influencing the action to provide more retailers in Rockford.
POINT FIVE: Make sure our education system doesn’t fall victim to flawed, ineffective policies.
Daniel Helmer’s current education is at Jefferson High School. During his time at Jefferson the grading system fluctuates. Students were given a ‘Z’ for missing work, which resulted in 50%, a practice Danny believes is very illogical. After the next semester starts, students will no longer be given a ‘Z,’ and instead, missing work will be marked as “Missing” with a 0%. This change is effective in encouraging irresponsible students to continue their work. Helmer will use the influence of the mayoral office to ensure that ineffective policies like the original one are not repeated and will work to create the best education system for the students.
POINT SIX: Clean the city of plastics and other pollutants to keep it fresh and transform the infrastructure into well-maintained, pristine buildings.
Helmer will encourage environmental regulations in the city while simultaneously advocating for the cleaning of roads, government buildings, and public transportation. By working with Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, we can ensure that our city meets a high standard of cleanliness.
POINT SEVEN: Bring more diverse stores and unique retailers to Rockford.
Helmer believes that Rockford needs more stores to boost the local economy and provide better opportunities for residents. For example, Rockfordians have long wanted a Trader Joe’s in the city, and as mayor, Helmer will use his mayoral influence to engage with Trader Joe’s corporate and bring them to Rockford. But Helmer’s vision extends beyond just one store; he will also work to attract other retailers, like Micro Center, and local businesses, such as a bagel joint, to bring more diverse shopping for citizens.
Along with expanding retail, Helmer will focus on growing manufacturing companies that offer living wages and benefits.