Some information about me:  (I'm also on Facebook)

I was born right here in Rockford, Illinois / Winnebago County and raised by a single mother.  I attended school in Rockford K - 8 at St. Francis Consolidated (which included St. Anthony, St. Peter and Paul and St. Stanislaus) and then graduated from Boylan Central Catholic High School '85 with Junior and Senior years vocational training (Auto Mechanics) at Jefferson High School for part of the day (what happened to VoTec?).  A month after graduation, I packed my bags and moved to Los Angeles at the young age of 17 by myself.  I lived in California for close to 20 years enjoying a successful career in the music and entertainment business producing and engineering music that resulted in the sale of millions of records world wide with wide variety of various artists.  I've been very blessed with the vast amount of life experiences I have had, places I've seen, things I've learned and can use that experience to help our County and Forest Preserves.  I moved back to Rockford to be closer to my family.  My mother and sister and very large extended family including three Aunts (1 Deceased), Two Uncle's (1 Deceased Pete Leggero Sr. R.I.P.), a Great Uncle in Italy, and many many many many Cousins and friends.  I am single and have never been married or have had any children.  I do have a Godchild that I love like son (Hi Petey!).  As most know a while ago I added my mom's family name to my birth name.  My mom raised me and my sister as a single mother and I honor her in that way.  I don't know how she did it but she did.  My family has close to a century of history, loyalty and productivity in Rockford and Winnebago County.  I am of half Italian, 1/4 Scotch Irish, 1/8 Winnebago Native American and 1/8 Swedish decent - 100% American :-)  I'm an avid fisherman, golfer, canoe, kayak, boat builder, camper, sportsman, music lover, I love to cook and consider myself a chef that really enjoys the outdoors and recreation.  I feel more people need to spend time outdoors, especially our youth and inner city residents.  I always say I would hope that people would put down the ipod, the text messaging, the computer games and get off the couch (passive recreation) and get out and enjoy the outdoors.  Spending time outdoors gives people a low cost way to stress relief.  Floating down one of our 4 great Rivers is a couple of hours or day well spent.  One of our Rivers the Kishwaukee River is a Class A river and also is one of the very few in the world that runs an opposite direction from Kirkland to Winnebago County at the Oak Ridge Preserve.

It is an exciting time for Winnebago County as most of you know over a year ago we voted to separate the governance of our Forest Preserves from the County Board to a separate governing body (Board of Commissioners).  Around 70 percent of voters said YES to this and it passed.  This entailed amending the Downstate Forest Preserve Act which was done by the State of Illinois House and Senate.  The Governor signed that amendment into law and the election for the 7 member commission is on Tuesday, November 2, 2010.  It will be at the end of the ballot and there are 35 people running.  It is a no money paying position.  I feel the reward of being a part of something bigger than myself and that effects our future and gives a personal satisfaction is a great reward.  I am definitely not new to giving time volunteering that's for sure.  We have a very capable although streamlined staff that operates the Forest Preserve District effectively and efficiently.  We, as Winnebago County residents, are all equal owners in our Forest Preserves and I will work for them and listen to the peoples concerns. 

The forest preserves provide over 9,500 acres of property for the use and enjoyment of the general public. Lush woods, picturesque streams, dramatic cliffs and dells, unspoiled prairies and native wildlife are treasures to be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages.  Hiking, camping, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, bird watching and cross-country skiing are recreational activities available at sites throughout the county.  WE are very luck here in Winnebago County to have such great Forest Preserves, Rivers, and Streams.  We must cherish and protect them.  I will work hard to continue to maintain our forest preserves and the four rivers, streams and creeks in Winnebago County.   There are many challenges that this new board will have to face and I am prepared to hit the ground running and get this commission up and running quickly and efficiently.  

I am running to be apart of something bigger than myself and for the purpose of helping the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District with their mission in acquiring land, conserving, protecting, managing, and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauties within this district and to restore, restock, protect, and preserve the natural forest and such lands, together with their flora and fauna, as nearly as may be, in their natural state and condition, for the purpose conservation, education, recreation and the pleasure of the public. We really need to protect our lands for the future to enjoy.  We are certainly blessed with some great lands, rivers and streams here in Winnebago County and I am for acquiring more and protecting them over 100 percent.  I will work hard  for the citizens of Winnebago County if given the chance.

I would appreciate your vote and support in this election to be on the very first Forest Preserve Commission in Winnebago County.  If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to email me.  Thank you

If you would like to make a donation to my campaign,
 please email me at the address below for mailing address.

 

- Arbor Day Foundation   

    Don't Forget Arbor Day! 
(Last Friday in April - Please plant a tree!  Somewhere, Anywhere :-)

- National Parks Conservation Association

- National Wildlife Federation

- USGA - United States Golf Association Member - Volunteer 2003 U.S. Open - Merchandise

- Department of Natural Resources - Division of Education - Instructor

- Giuseppe Verdi Society

- Sportsman's Club of Rockford

- SM & SF Club - Swedish Musicians & Sick Fraternity

- Rockford Lithuanian Club

- 100 Men Who Cook Participant - Support The Literacy Council -
   21st Annual 100 Men Who Cook - May 22nd, 2010.  Stop by and enjoy my delicious pizza and a surprise.

-  The Nature Conservancy

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
First Amendment, United States Constitution