Mike Rotello was a politician from Rockford, Illinois who served at all levels of local and state government. A Democrat, Mike was first elected to the Rockford City Council in 1975 where he served until 1982 when he was elected Winnebago County Auditor. In 1990, Rotello was elected as State Representative for the 67th legislative district. He served two terms in the Illinois General Assembly. In 1997, Rotello switched his political party affiliation to Republican. He spent the remainder of his public career working for the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois Department of Commerce. Following his retirement, Rotello resides in Loves Park, Illinois.
Interview Links
Abstract
Feature Excerpt
Mayor Daley and the 1976 Convention
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Early life and serving on the Rockford City Council, 1975-1982
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
Campaign for state senator in 1982 primary, Winnebago County Auditor 1982-1991 & campaign for state rep in 1990
Interview Session 03 (Audio)
1990 State Representative campaign and serving in the IL legislature, 1991-1993
Interview Session 04 (Audio)
Service in legislature, 1993-1995 and failed re-election bid; 1996 Winnebago County Board Chairman campaign and life after politics
Photos
Caption:
Mike Rotello held a fundraiser for his 1992 re-election campaign at “Michael's on Perryville” restaurant. From left are Winnebago County Sheriff Donald Gasparini, Rep. Mike Rotello; Federation of Teachers Pres. Barb Abrahamson and State Rep Zeke Giorgi.
Where:
Rockford, Illinois
When:
1992
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Mike Rotello's 1992 re-election fundraiser at "Michael's on Perryville" restaurant included Rep. Rotello and Loves Park Mayor Joe Sinkiawec.
Where:
Rockford, Illinois
When:
1992
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Mike Rotello with Mr. & Mrs. Frank Bauer, Mayor of Machesney Park, at his 1992 re-election fundraiser at "Michael's on Perryville" restaurant.
Where:
Rockford, Illinois
When:
1992
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Rotello's 1992 re-election fundraiser at "Michael's on Perryville" restaurant. From left are Jim Samorian, Winnebago Co. Democratic Party Chairman, County Board member Owsley “Ozzie” Walker, and State Rep. Mike Rotello.
Where:
Rockford, Illinois
When:
1992
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
A collection of Mike Rotello’s campaign buttons during several campaigns, 1975-1996
Where:
Rockford, Illinois
When:
1975-1996
Ownership:
ALPL Oral History Program photo
Caption:
Representative Mike Rotello’s photo that appeared in the 1993-1994 edition of the Illinois Blue Book.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1993-1994
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.