Rudy Valdez sworn in as newest Rockford Park District commissioner

February 22, 2022|By Kevin Haas|In Rockford, Trending, Local
Rockford Park District Commissioner Rudy Valdez displays a congratulatory cake on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, after being sworn in as a new board member. (Photo provided by Laura Gibbs-Green/Rockford Park District)
From news release
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — An aerospace engineer and community activist with a long history of volunteer work was sworn in Tuesday as the newest member of the Rockford Park District board of commissioners.

Rudy Valdez fills the seat vacated by Ian Linnabary, who stepped down in mid-January after 10 years of service. Valdez would have to run for the seat in April 2023 if he wants to fill the remaining two years of the six-year term.

“Rudy has spent his entire life serving the community, and to date has volunteered for more than 30 different organizations including NAACP, Rockford Fire and Police Commission, Coalition of Latino Leaders, and Southwest Ideas for Today and Tomorrow (SWIFTT),” said Scott Olson, president of the board of commissioners, in a news release. “He is a recipient of the Jefferson Award, a national award for public service and locally, received the very prestigious Excalibur award for his community service and efforts to improve the quality of life. He has been a major advocate for the Rockford Park District
serving on the Park District’s Operations Advisory Committee, and over the years has collaborated with the Park District on many projects such as improvements to Levings Park, pickleball courts at Sinnissippi Park, and helped connect youth to programs and services.”

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Rockford Park District Board President Scott Olson shakes hands Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, with Rudy Valdez after Valdez was sworn in as the newest commissioner. (Photo provided by Laura Gibbs-Green/Rockford Park District)

Valdez was chosen from five candidates who were interviewed during a public board meeting Feb. 17.

“I am honored to have been selected to this important position as my values align with the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District,” Valdez said in a news release. “I will use my skills, experiences, and interactions within the community to help govern, guide, and build on the legacy established by board members and team members. Together we will continue to have a nationally recognized and award-winning Rockford Park District.”

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