Isidro Barrios sworn in as Rockford’s new 11th Ward alderman

March 27, 2023|By Kevin Haas|In Local, Rockford, Trending
Alderman Isidro Barrios hugs Martine Guerrero, the daughter of the late Tuffy Quinonez, on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Rockford City Hall. Barrios presented Guerrero with Quinonez’s City Council nameplate after he was appointed to his friend in the 11th Ward. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Former Winnebago County Board member Isidro Barrios took his oath of office Monday to serve in the City Council seat of his friend Tuffy Quinonez, who died after suffering a stroke about a month ago.

City Council members approved Mayor Tom McNamara’s selection of Barrios a week ago. The former construction union laborer and foreman will represent the city’s 11th Ward, which is in south central Rockford and includes the Broadway business district.

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In an emotional moment, Barrios took the nameplate that once marked Quinonez’s seat on the council floor and presented it to Martine Guerrero, Quinonez’s daughter.

Barrios then took his seat on the council and thanked his fellow aldermen for giving him the opportunity to succeed his friend in the 11th Ward.

Alderman Isidro Barrios comforts Martine Guerrero, the daughter of the late Ald. Tuffy Quinonez, on Monday, March 27, 2023, at City Hall. Barrios was appointed to fill the City Council seat that Quinonez occupied until his death in late February. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Currrent)

Barrios, who was a County Board member from 2009-2012, was also a superintendent and estimator for Mohawk Contracting Co., and he spent 16 years as an instructor for the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Apprentice and Training Program.

Quinonez was a retired barbershop owner and U.S. Army veteran who was elected to the City Council in February 2017. He then earned more than 60% of the vote to win reelection in February 2021. He died Feb. 25 at age 76.

Alderman Isidro Barrios takes the oath of office on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Rockford City Hall. Barrios, a Democrat and former Winnebago County Board member, represents the 11th Ward. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas