Rock Island Third Ward Alderwoman Judith Gilbert announced Wednesday, Dec. 20, she is retiring and moving to Eldridge next month to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Under Illinois law, she will resign her council seat effective Jan. 12, 2024.
She was elected to the council in April 2021. During Ms. Gilbert’s term, the City of Rock Island said in a news release, she strived to provide transparency and fiscal accountability to residents and established a blog where she frequently provided summaries and explanations of city issues. Constituents often praised her ongoing communications to keep them informed, her resignation release said.
Ms. Gilbert said in the release, “It has been one of my life’s greatest privileges to have served Rock Island residents – first as city clerk – and most recently as Third Ward alderwoman. I hope that I have served residents and business owners well. It truly has been an honor to work for and represent Rock Island residents.”
She added: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind words and the support that so many of you have given me. It has meant more to me than I can say.”
Mayor praises tenure
Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms will nominate a third ward resident, subject to approval by city council, to fill out the remainder of Ms. Gilbert’s term, which ends in May 2025.
“I would like to thank Alderwoman Judith Gilbert for her dedication to the City and commitment to representing her constituents in a very professional and thoughtful way,” Mr. Thoms said in the release. “I wish her all the best in her next adventure in spending time with her family.”
Ms. Gilbert also previously served as Rock Island city clerk from 2016 to 2019. She was the first Rock Island city clerk with prior municipal experience and a master’s degree, the release said. Ms. Gilbert had a long and distinguished career in economic development and small business development in Chicago and in Henry County before coming to Rock Island She also spent many years in higher education teaching marketing and entrepreneurship at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The outgoing third ward alderwoman will hold a final third ward meeting on Saturday, Dec. 30, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Hauberg Estate Carriage House, 1300 24th St., Rock Island. RSVP to Executive Assistant Colleen Skolrood at 309-732-2012 or email skolrood.colleen@rigov.org.
