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Eli Nicolosi (Rockford Township Trustee (Winnebago County), Illinois, candidate 2025)
Eli Nicolosi (Republican Party) is running or ran for election to Rockford Township Trustee (Winnebago County) in Illinois.[1]
Elections
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Eli Nicolosi completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Nicolosi's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My name is Eli Nicolosi, running for Rockford Township Trustee for the April 1st, 2025 election. With experience of over 20 years of serving the community and a commitment to efficient, innovative, and compassionate leadership, I’m ready to serve Rockford Township. Together, we can create a transparent and thriving community!
- Proven Leadership - Winnebago County Board Member (2014-2018) advocating fiscal responsibility & transparency
- Business & Technology Expert - Founder of Astute Web Group (Rockford, IL) since 2001
- Community Servant - Devotes time & expertise to non-profit and local organizations in Rockford
Having prior experience in government or politics can certainly be beneficial for holders of this office, as it provides a deeper understanding of public administration, budgeting, and navigating the complexities of local government. Experience can also help build relationships with other elected officials and community leaders, which is vital for collaboration and getting things done efficiently.
That said, what truly matters is a commitment to serving the community, a willingness to learn, and the ability to approach issues with integrity, resourcefulness, and practicality. Fresh perspectives from those outside traditional government roles can bring innovative ideas and solutions to longstanding challenges. Ultimately, a balance of experience and fresh perspectives is ideal for any governing body.
The office of Rockford Township Trustee holds a unique position as it directly impacts the community at a grassroots level. Trustees oversee vital services and programs that improve the quality of life for residents, including public assistance programs, property assessments, and maintenance of local infrastructure.
This office is uniquely focused on addressing the immediate and practical needs of the community, such as allocating funds responsibly, ensuring efficient township operations, and advocating for residents' concerns. Unlike larger governing bodies, the township operates with a more personal and localized approach, allowing trustees to directly engage with constituents and tailor solutions to the specific challenges facing the area.
Trustees also play an essential role in maintaining financial transparency and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. Their decisions often have a more immediate and visible impact on the daily lives of residents, making this office a cornerstone of effective and responsive local governance.
I look up to people who demonstrate resilience, integrity, and a commitment to serving others. One person I greatly admire is my Uncle, Philip J. Nicolosi. He always prioritized family, hard work, and helping others, no matter the circumstances. His unwavering dedication to his values and his community was something that shaped the way I approach life and service.
In terms of public figures, I admire those who have successfully navigated challenges while remaining true to their principles. Abraham Lincoln, for example, demonstrated incredible leadership and resilience during one of the most difficult times in U.S. history. He balanced compassion with strength and always kept the country's best interests at heart, even when faced with opposition and adversity. His example of leadership and commitment to unity is something I strive to emulate in my own life and in my public service.
I believe my resilience, resourcefulness, and deep sense of community responsibility are key qualities that would make me a successful officeholder. Overcoming personal challenges has taught me the importance of perseverance, and I bring that same determination to my work in public service. I am committed to listening to the concerns of the community and finding solutions that meet the needs of everyone, particularly when resources are limited.
I also possess strong problem-solving skills, honed through my experience as a business owner and web designer. I can think creatively to address complex issues and improve systems for greater efficiency and accountability. Finally, I have a genuine passion for helping people and a deep understanding of the importance of fiscal responsibility and transparency, which I believe are crucial to effective governance. These qualities, combined with my desire to make a positive impact, would allow me to serve the community effectively as a township trustee.
Holders of this office benefit from a blend of practical skills and personal qualities to effectively serve the community. Key skills and expertise include:
Financial Acumen – Understanding budgets, taxation, and fiscal management is crucial for making responsible decisions about taxpayer funds.
Strategic Thinking – The ability to evaluate challenges, anticipate future needs, and create sustainable plans that serve the community’s best interests.
Communication Skills – Being able to clearly articulate policies and decisions while actively listening to residents ensures transparency and trust.
Problem-Solving Abilities – Tackling issues with creative and practical solutions helps to address both immediate and long-term community needs.
Community Engagement – A strong connection to the community allows trustees to represent their constituents effectively and prioritize what matters most to residents.
Collaborative Mindset – Working well with fellow trustees, officials, and staff fosters teamwork and ensures progress on shared goals.
Ultimately, the most effective trustees possess a commitment to public service, integrity, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves to make a positive difference in the lives of the people they serve.
The legacy I would like to leave is one of service, resilience, and community empowerment. I want to be remembered as someone who consistently worked to make our community a better place, someone who fought for the values of integrity, responsibility, and compassion. My goal is to leave behind a stronger, more connected community where individuals feel valued, supported, and inspired to give back.
I also hope to leave a legacy of leading by example—showing that with hard work, dedication, and the willingness to overcome adversity, we can all make a difference. Whether it's through improving local services, advocating for fiscal responsibility, or standing up for families, my aim is to ensure that future generations benefit from the progress we make today.
An elected official must prioritize integrity, accountability, and a commitment to serving their community above all else. Integrity ensures they act in the best interest of the people they represent, even when faced with difficult decisions. Accountability fosters trust by demonstrating transparency and a willingness to take responsibility for their actions. Additionally, empathy is critical—understanding the diverse challenges and needs of the community helps create effective, inclusive solutions. Finally, resilience and resourcefulness are key, as they enable an official to navigate challenges and find innovative ways to address issues while staying focused on their mission to improve the lives of those they serve.
The core responsibilities of a Rockford Township Trustee revolve around ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and effectively, advocating for community needs, and providing oversight for township services. This includes budgeting responsibly to maintain essential services like general assistance programs and property maintenance while keeping costs low for residents. Trustees should also serve as a bridge between the community and local government, listening to concerns, fostering collaboration, and ensuring transparency in decision-making. Ultimately, the role is about strengthening the township’s quality of life and addressing the needs of its residents with dedication and accountability.
As your Trustee, I will:
1. Ensure responsible and transparent use of taxpayer dollars.
2. Strengthen essential township services like road maintenance and public assistance.
3. Be a leader who listens, engages, and acts in the best interest of our residents.
Financial transparency and government accountability are essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring effective governance. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent, and elected officials must prioritize ethical decision-making and fiscal responsibility. I believe in providing clear, accessible financial reports and fostering open communication with the community.
Accountability starts with setting high standards for leadership and holding government entities to those standards. Mismanagement and inefficiency not only waste resources but also erode public confidence. As a fiscal conservative, I am committed to promoting policies that maximize the value of every taxpayer dollar, eliminate unnecessary spending, and ensure that public resources are used to benefit the community as a whole.
The office of Rockford Township Trustee plays a crucial role in local governance by directly addressing the needs of the community at the grassroots level. As a township trustee, the focus is on essential services like property assessment oversight, maintaining roads, supporting public assistance programs, and ensuring fiscal responsibility in the management of township funds. These responsibilities are vital because they impact residents' daily lives in tangible ways.
What makes this office unique is its close connection to the community. Trustees are accessible and accountable to their neighbors, which fosters trust and allows for a deeper understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities within the township. The trustee role also serves as a bridge between residents and larger governmental bodies, ensuring that local voices are heard in broader decision-making processes. This direct involvement in enhancing the quality of life for constituents is what makes the office indispensable to the state government and legal system.
Yes, one often-overlooked responsibility of township trustees is their role in administering general assistance programs. These programs provide vital support to residents in need, such as financial aid, food assistance, and resources to help individuals regain self-sufficiency. This direct, localized aid can make a significant difference in people's lives but is sometimes overshadowed by other government services.
Another lesser-known aspect is the trustees’ influence on shaping and maintaining community infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges in unincorporated areas. While this might seem minor, these responsibilities are crucial for safety, accessibility, and maintaining property values.
Finally, trustees play a key role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of taxpayer dollars. Their oversight ensures that township funds are used efficiently and for the benefit of the community, making this a critical but underappreciated aspect of their work. These powers allow trustees to address local issues effectively while fostering trust and engagement
My very first job was working at a local fast-food restaurant when I was a teenager. I worked there for about a year, and it taught me a lot about customer service, responsibility, and teamwork. It was a great introduction to the working world and gave me a solid foundation in time management and communication.
I am honored to have been slated by the Republican Party for the upcoming Rockford Township Trustee election. While I have not yet sought additional endorsements, I am deeply grateful for the ongoing support and encouragement I’ve received from my friends, family, and community. As I continue to campaign, I welcome the opportunity to connect with more individuals and organizations who share my vision for a stronger, more united community.
The last song that got stuck in my head was "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. It's such a powerful and motivating song that always gives me that extra push to keep going, especially when I'm facing challenges. The upbeat energy and lyrics about resilience and strength really resonate with me, and I find myself humming it when I'm working through tough tasks or tackling obstacles. It’s a great reminder to stay focused and keep moving forward!
One of my favorite books is The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson. It’s a profound exploration of personality types and how they influence our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. What I love most about this book is its deep dive into understanding not only the nine distinct personality types but also how each type can grow and evolve toward their highest potential.
The Enneagram offers incredible insight into self-improvement and personal growth by encouraging individuals to reflect on their core motivations and fears. It’s a tool that can help unlock deeper self-awareness and empathy, both for ourselves and others. Learning about the Enneagram has been a key resource for me in understanding the dynamics of human behavior and how to foster better relationships while pursuing personal transformation.
One of the biggest struggles in my life was going through a difficult and public divorce, which affected not only me but also my children. It was a challenging time that tested my emotional strength and resilience. Despite the hurt and uncertainty, I focused on my children’s well-being and worked hard to maintain a stable and supportive environment for them.
That experience forced me to learn how to cope with adversity, rebuild my life, and remain committed to the values that matter most—family, community, and service. It also taught me the importance of forgiveness, perspective, and the power of moving forward. While it was incredibly tough, it shaped who I am today and reinforced my determination to serve others, particularly in my role as a public servant.
Why don’t skeletons fight each other?
Because they don’t have the guts!
I’d choose Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings. He’s wise, calm under pressure, and has a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of others. Plus, he’s a master of both magic and leadership, using his powers to inspire and protect people rather than control them. Being able to offer guidance to those in need and play a key role in shaping the fate of the world seems like an incredible experience!
I would recommend "The Federalist Papers" as an essential foundation for understanding my political philosophy. These essays highlight the importance of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and balancing individual rights with the collective good—principles I hold deeply. Additionally, "The Road to Serfdom" by Friedrich Hayek provides valuable insights into the dangers of government overreach and the need for personal accountability and economic freedom. For a modern perspective, I’d also recommend "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek, which emphasizes servant leadership, community-building, and the responsibility leaders have to those they serve—values I strive to embody in public service.
The first historical event I remember is the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. I was about 11 years old at the time, and I remember seeing it on the news. The event stood out to me because it was such a significant moment in history, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. It made a big impression on me as a child, and I could sense the global importance of the moment, even at that young age.
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External links
[1] ↑ Submitted to Ballotpedia's candidate survey in 2025.
