Dupage Policy Journal

Sen. Win Stoller (R-Peoria) recently visited Rochelle for the first time since redistricting made the Hub City region a part of part of the 37th District. Stoller said he wanted to make connections there.

“I want to get up here and meet everybody and get to know people and help them get to know me as well,” Stoller said, according to the Rochelle News-Leader. “The purpose of being here today is to get to know Rochelle."

Stoller, who has served as senator since 2021, is a native of Germantown Hills. His visit included lunch with city officials, meeting the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, a visit to local business Panoptic Solutions, and a tour of Kishwaukee College.

An accountant by trade who has a master's degree in business administration from the University of Illinois, Stoller is a small business owner. He runs an office furniture dealership with about 40 employees throughout downstate Illinois.

“I enjoyed running a business and still do," Stoller said. "The opportunity (to run for office) came up a couple years ago. I was involved in my community with things like Rotary Club, the chamber of commerce and the Salvation Army Board. When the opportunity presented itself, I was very frustrated with the direction Illinois was going in, and I talked to my wife and she was encouraged. We took the next step, and here we are.”

Stoller said he believes that the state is “focusing on the wrong things” and missing out on job growth and innovation, adding that among the bills he plans to file will be one that would help communities battle urban blight with a tax benefit for rehabilitation of older homes. 

Stoller said he believes such measures could benefit Rochelle.