ROCKFORD, Ill. — Mary McNamara Bernsten officially launched her campaign for mayor of Rockford during a community kickoff event at Prairie Street Brewhouse.
Bernsten currently serves as the executive director of the Rockford Area Arts Council. Her campaign follows a long family tradition of local public service, as she is the daughter of the late former Mayor John McNamara and the sister of former Mayor Tom McNamara.
During her announcement speech, Bernsten outlined key priorities for her campaign, placing heavy emphasis on education, neighborhood safety and support for local businesses. She stressed that educational access is foundational to community growth.
“Everything for me begins and ends with education,” Bernsten said. “While schools are not directly run by city government, they are the foundation of our community. Education starts in early childhood and it shouldn’t end at graduation.”…