The Home States Ball was great last night. I joined several thousand guests in congratulating our new President and Vice-President, each of whom shared a dance on stage with their wives.

There were several Rockford area residents in attendance at the ball as well as new leaders for the new administration. To the right is a photo taken of me and newly appointed Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood. Mr. LaHood's appointment will likely be confirmed soon by the Senate. He was a central Illinois Republican Congressman from 1995-2008 and is well respected on both sides and should be a great friend of Rockford. I had a chance to talk to him about our willingness to be held accountable for any Economic Stimulus funds invested in our community. We know we can show a great return on federal investments made in our area in areas like roads, bridges, and rail transportation.

Local business leaders like Sunil Puri, pictured with me in the photo to the left, were also in attendance. Mr. Puri was heavily involved in President Obama's campaign and even hosted a campaign event at his home with Michelle Obama.

Pictured below are Rockford attorney, Carol Bailey, with her son, Michael Hallock, who were also in attendance. Michael has been a staff assistant with Congressman LaHood and he may have a chance to continue to work with Secretary LaHood in the new administration.

In the picture to the right is Rockford attorney and former Winnebago County Democratic Chairman, Greg Tuite, who is on the left, along with State Senator Don Harmon, in the center.

I also had a chance to chat with former Rockford Mayor and now Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman, Charles Box, pictured on the right, along with former Rockford Housing Authority Director, Lewis Jordan, who now heads the Chicago Housing Authority.

Finally, pictured to the right are Rockford activists and Obama supporters Valeri DeCastris and David Beccue who also celebrated the Inauguration and look forward to great things for our community.

This was another great event capping off a great celebration for our new President. This was a great opportunity to strengthen our relationships with the new administration. This is a historic time for our Country and a historic time for Illinois and Rockford. We have a great chance to make our case for investment in our community and I look forward to working with our City Council and our community to see our dreams realized.

I am leaving for the airport to head back to Rockford shortly and I look forward to your input, ideas, and energy as we move ahead!

Best wishes,

Mayor Morrissey